The pain of estrangement from an adult child or children is, for many parents, excruciating. Some describe it as the worst they’ve ever felt. It’s overwhelming, and feels unending.

But to say that you’re in pain is not the full story. It’s just a disturbing headline with no further information. To deal with pain, we must know its name.

What is your pain?

Is it sadness? Grief? Dread?

Is it resentment? Anger? Regret?

Any and every emotion you might experience during estrangement is normal. In this important 2-part episode (Part 2 releases two weeks after this one), Tina talks about the feelings above, as well as others, and what to do with them.

Rack up EQ points listening to this miniseries released in honor of American Heart Month.

IMPORTANT: Trauma is not an emotion. Trauma is best addressed in the safety of a professional relationship with a qualified trauma therapist.

For information on what causes estrangement, and ideas on how to repair your parent-adult child relationship, read Tina's book, Reconnecting With Your Estranged Adult Child.

Reconnection Club members can discuss this and every episode in the General Discussion forum inside the Reconnection Club.

Not a member yet? Learn more and join.

RESOURCES:

Episode 95: The Deep Pain of the Rejected Parent

Episode 35: Why Rejected Parents Act Impulsively (And How Not To)

The Biology of Connection

Feeling Abandoned/Rejected By an Estranged Adult Child

Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings By Letting Yourself Have Them

Feeling Powerless in the Face of Estrangement