Family estrangement is far more common than most people realise — and it’s one of the toughest things to navigate. In this episode, I talk about:

• Why estrangement is so complex and full of grief

• The hard truth: nobody has a “right” to us, and we don’t automatically have a right to them

• Boundaries vs. flexibility — why estrangement is always a grey area

• How to handle triggers around birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries

• Getting partners on board and preparing for tricky conversations with extended family

• The role of “unbearable feelings” in family breakdowns, and how reflecting on these can open a path forward

If your family has been touched by estrangement, I hope this episode brings you some understanding, solidarity, and tools to navigate the grief and the possibility of change.

Find more support and resources on Instagram @charlottethecounsellor or at charlottecummings.nz.