Estranged family members

Estrangement between family members happens far more often than people realize. This painful outcome to family disputes is one of the last taboos…something that carries a lot of shame and is rarely discussed in polite conversation. It may come after years of tension and disagreement, or following one heated argument. Whatever is the trigger, when someone decides they are “done,” they’re not going to put up with “it” anymore, that can be a simple solution to a complex relationship problem, one that usually has serious, painful, unintended consequences. Whether you are the one to initiate the estrangement, or are on the receiving end of a cutoff from family members, the short term benefits to this type of outcome are far outweighed by the long-term tragedy for the family. If you find yourself or your family members facing a family cutoff consider reaching out. Conflict coaching and in some cases mediation may just be able to help your family find a better way.