This conversation explores what parental alienation actually feels like for the parents and grandparents living through it. Lawrence Joss brings together several parents who share their lived experiences, the urgency, grief, and emotional chaos that often accompany the early years of alienation.

Together, they reflect on how their understanding evolved over time. What once felt like a crisis to fix quickly slowly became a longer journey of patience, self-awareness, and support. Through honest stories and hard-earned perspective, the panel discusses how community, emotional regulation, and learning the “long view” can change the way parents navigate alienation and keep the door open for future reconnection.

Key Takeaways

• Patience allows children space to heal and process
• Urgency often leads to poor decision-making.
• The emotional impact of alienation can feel overwhelming
• Community support is crucial for healing.
• Understanding the long view helps in managing expectations.
• Parents often feel like they are drowning emotionally.
• Pleading one's case can push children further away.
• The journey of reconnecting is often bumpy and unpredictable.
• Vulnerability builds trust during the reconnection process
• Calming the nervous system prevents reactive, harmful mistakes
• The healing that went on just by being present in the same space was significant.
• Accept small gestures without demanding more contact.
• Patience is where the magic happens in relationships.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Parental Alienation
05:05 - Personal Stories of Alienation
10:02 - Understanding the Long View of Alienation
14:46 - The Impact of Urgency on Decisions
20:13 - Reflections on Emotional Responses
20:42 - Navigating Parental Challenges
23:09 - Building Connections with Children
26:45 - The Journey of Reconnection
32:35 - The Role of Patience and Safety
40:50 - Transformative Conversations and Healing

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:
 
 Email - [email protected]
 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Please donate to support PAA programs:
 https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

This conversation delves into the importance of emotional authenticity, the transformative power of somatic therapy, and the dynamics of parent-child relationships. The speakers discuss how communication patterns affect emotional expression and the significance of attunement in therapy. They explore the concept of hope and its relationship with personal growth, emphasizing the connection with nature as a means of grounding and self-discovery.

 Key Takeaways

• It's huge to be like, what would have that been like if my mom really saw me.
• Somatic therapy and somatic tracking can be life-changing.
• We continuously keep meeting each other where we are in therapy.
• Stripping away identification with emotions can lead to self-discovery.
• We don't take our emotions with us when we die; they are temporary.
• Sitting with feelings increases capacity for compassion.
• Parents often take their children's emotions personally, which disrupts the dynamic.
• We forgot what we would have liked when we were a child.
• There's a natural drive within us to explore and grow.
• It's normal to feel a range of emotions, and we share these experiences with humanity.

Chapters

00:00 - Exploring Emotional Authenticity
02:57 - The Power of Somatic Therapy
05:43 - Parent-Child Dynamics and Emotional Expression
08:50 - The Role of Communication in Therapy
11:52 - Attunement and Authenticity
14:55 - Navigating Emotions and Hope
17:57 - Connecting with Nature and Personal Growth

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - [email protected]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Connect with Brea Segger:
https://www.breasegger.com/

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

Lawrence Joss and Brea Segger, Master of Somatic Emotional Release explore the importance of presence and non-judgment in therapeutic settings, emphasizing the need for individuals to connect with their emotions and experiences without the pressure to 'fix' them. They discuss alternative therapeutic approaches that focus on co-regulation and emotional awareness, particularly in the context of grief and anxiety. The dialogue highlights the significance of witnessing others' emotional processes and the role of trust in navigating complex feelings. Ultimately, the conversation advocates for a compassionate and empowering approach to emotional healing.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of showing up for others from a centered place.
• Therapy can be more effective when it allows for emotional exploration without a fixed outcome.
• Understanding and processing emotions can lead to deeper healing.
• Witnessing someone's grief can be more powerful than trying to alleviate it.
• Grief often encompasses a range of emotions, including anger and resentment.
• Building trust in one's emotional process can shorten the duration of grief.
• Allowing emotions to arise without judgment fosters resilience.
• Co-regulation between therapist and client creates a safe space for healing.
• Emotional processing can be facilitated by focusing on bodily sensations.
• Finding balance in emotional expression is key to mental well-being.

Chapters

00:00 - The Power of Presence and Non-Judgment
02:53 - Exploring Alternative Therapeutic Approaches
05:50 - Meeting People Where They Are
09:08 - Navigating Anxiety and Emotional States
11:47 - Understanding Grief and Its Complexities
15:04 - The Role of Witnessing in Healing
17:48 - Building Trust and Resilience in Emotions
20:45 - The Journey Through Grief and Acceptance
23:41 - Finding Balance in Emotional Processing

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - [email protected]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Connect with Brea Segger:
https://www.breasegger.com/

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

Lawrence Joss explores the deeper emotional and systemic realities of parental alienation in this conversation with Cindy Hirsch, CEO of ISNAF (International Society for the New Alienated Family). Together, they examine why stability must come before reunification and how becoming a grounded, regulated “lighthouse parent” creates the conditions for reconnection. 

The discussion unpacks grief as a natural response to ambiguous loss, the impact of splitting and weak boundaries within family systems, and why healthy boundaries protect rather than punish. Joss and Hirsch emphasize that reunification is a long, non-linear process of reconnecting, reattaching, and rebuilding trust over time, and that meaningful change begins with personal agency and inner stability.

Key Takeaways

• Parental alienation can be overwhelming and confusing.
• Building a supportive community is crucial for healing.
• Stability is essential for effective parenting during alienation.
• Grief is a natural response to loss, not a failure.
• Healthy boundaries are necessary to prevent alienation.
• Reunification is a long process that requires patience.
• Self-awareness and personal growth are key to navigating family dynamics.
• Emotional regulation helps in dealing with stressful situations.
• Support from professionals and peers is invaluable.
• Change in family systems starts with individual change.

Chapters

0:00 - Welcome And Community Resources
1:31 - Why The Individual Shifts The System
3:20 - Five Things No One Tells You
5:21 - Stability First: The Lighthouse Parent
7:35 - Practical Grounding And Support
9:10 - Grief Explained And Normalized
11:29 - Nonlinear Stages And Renewal
13:07 - Losing The Inner Compass
15:02 - Reintegrating The Self
16:28 - Boundaries As Protection
19:05 - Modeling Healthy Limits
20:28 - The Long Arc Of Reunification
23:10 - Letting Go And Creating Space
25:05 - Resilience, Systems, And Agency

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - [email protected]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

Lawrence Joss discusses the complexities of child development and attachment with Melanie Gill, an attachment specialist. They explore how parental influence shapes a child's brain development, the impact of disrupted attachment, and the long-term effects of cognitive dissonance and deception on children. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics to foster compassion and healing within families.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding child development is crucial for parents.
• Attachment relationships are fundamental to brain growth.
• Disrupted attachment can lead to lifelong patterns.
• Children adapt to survive in dysfunctional environments.
• Cognitive dissonance creates confusion in children.
• Lying has neurological costs for children.
• Emotional regulation can be reversed in unhealthy dynamics.
• Compassion is key to healing transgenerational trauma.
• Community support is essential for healing.
• Education and understanding can lead to better parenting.

Chapters

0:00 - Opening: Why Kids Suddenly Change
 2:31 - Community Welcome And Mission
 3:17 - Framing The Science Of Attachment
 4:16 - Healthy Vs Disrupted Attachment
 6:00 - Survival Adaptations Become Patterns
 8:29 - Cognitive Dissonance In Alienation
 10:40 - The Neurological Cost Of Lying
 12:23 - Reversed Emotional Regulation
 14:05 - Compassion, Tools, And Next Steps

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - [email protected]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

Lawrence Joss explores the profound themes of mortality, parental alienation, and the emotional struggles that accompany them. He shares his personal journey through anxiety, recovery, and the fear of dying without reconciling with his children. The conversation delves into the importance of preparing for death, leaving a legacy, and the impact of community support in navigating these challenges. Joss emphasizes the need for proactive measures in parenting and the significance of sharing one's story with future generations.

Key Takeaways

• Am I gonna die before I get a relationship back with my kids?
• Death and grieving are monumental events.
• I thought I was there to stop drinking.
• I was in a white bed, in a white room.
• I was scared to die and I was sure I was going to die.
• I want them to see who I am in this moment.
• I never stopped parenting.
• Let's talk about this.
• I want to share some resources with my children now.
• This is a universal pain and suffering.

Chapters

00:00 - Facing the Unthinkable Question
02:00 - Panic, Addiction Recovery & Not Knowing What Was Happening
04:30 - Community as Lifeline & Learning I Couldn’t Do This Alone
06:45 - When the Body Holds Unresolved Grief
08:45 - Making Friends with Death & Understanding the Family System
10:45 - A Near-Death Medical Moment
13:30 - Parenting Without Access Over Decades
15:45 - Reclaiming Agency Through Legacy
18:30 - From Me to We: Community, Meaning & Continuing to Live Fully

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - [email protected]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

In this insightful conversation, Lisa Cohen shares her 26-year journey through parental alienation, detailing the emotional turmoil, the challenges of navigating the court system, and the importance of community support. She reflects on her evolution from anger to acceptance, the role of service in her healing process, and the lessons learned along the way. Lisa emphasizes the need for self-care, resilience, and the hope that one day her children will find their way back to her. This discussion serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar struggles, highlighting the importance of living a full life while navigating the complexities of family dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Parental alienation can lead to deep emotional pain and anger.
• Community support is crucial for healing and resilience.
• Navigating the court system can be a long and arduous process.
• Self-care and living a fulfilling life are essential for parents in crisis.
• Hope exists, but it must be tempered with realism.
• Service to others can be a powerful tool for personal healing.
• It's important to embrace life and find joy amidst struggles.
• Children may not recognize their own challenges due to alienation.
• The journey of healing is ongoing and requires patience.
• Every parent's experience with alienation is unique, but shared struggles can foster connection.

Chapters

00:00 - Navigating Parental Alienation: A Mother's Journey 
02:43 - The Evolution of Pain: From Anger to Acceptance 
05:58 - Finding Community: The Power of Support Groups 
08:41 - The Long Road: Understanding the Court System 
11:57 - Living with Hope: The Reality of Alienation
14:45 - Embracing Life: Finding Joy Amidst Struggles 
17:46 - The Role of Service: Helping Others Heal 
20:46 - Lessons Learned: Advice for Parents in Crisis 
23:42 - The Importance of Self-Care: Living Fully 
26:48 - Legacy and Hope: A Mother's Unwavering Love

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - [email protected]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Connect with Lisa Cohen:
https://www.jump-parenting.org.uk

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

Lawrence Joss delves into the complex issue of parental alienation and estrangement, emphasizing that these challenges are not merely family issues but systemic problems that require a broader understanding and intervention. He introduces five key reasons that contribute to these dynamics, drawing insights from therapist Kathy Himlin, who has extensive experience working with families affected by these issues. The conversation highlights the emotional turmoil children face when feeling rejected by a parent, the detrimental effects of prolonged separation, and the role of the legal system in exacerbating these problems. Joss and Himlin discuss actionable steps for parents to repair relationships and the importance of attachment-focused parenting in fostering reconnection.

Key Takeaways

• Parental alienation is a systemic issue, not just a family problem.
• Children often feel rejected when they reject a parent, indicating an attachment rupture.
• Time without contact deepens trauma and reinforces feelings of rejection.
• The legal system can worsen family dynamics by prioritizing litigation over healing.
• Attachment-focused parenting can help reopen doors to connection.

Chapters

00:00 – Parental Alienation Is More Than a Family Problem
 01:06 – Who This Episode Is For & Why Awareness Matters
 01:55 – Children Reject When They Feel Rejected
 03:33 – Understanding Attachment Ruptures in Development
 05:04 – Why Time Without Contact Deepens Trauma
 07:01 – Foster Care vs. Family Court: A Critical Gap
 08:45 – How the Legal System Can Worsen Alienation
 09:29 – When Litigation Replaces Healing
 10:20 – Attachment-Focused Parenting That Reopens Doors
 13:39 – Healing Is Still Possible, Even After Years

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - [email protected]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Bailey:
https://polyvagalequineinstitute.com

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

In Part 2 of this conversation, Lawrence Joss continues his dialogue with psychologist and Polyvagal Equine Institute founder Dr. Rebecca Bailey, exploring how equine therapy and everyday interactions with animals support nervous system regulation and healing in the context of parental alienation and family trauma. Drawing from decades of clinical work, Dr. Bailey shares powerful stories that show how horses mirror emotional states, challenge rigid narratives, and create moments of connection, humor, and perspective. Together, they highlight why healing doesn’t always come through talking, how safety and consent shape meaningful therapeutic work, and how parents can continue parenting, even without access, by focusing on regulation, connection, and inner stability.

Key Takeaways

• Equine therapy offers unique access points for emotional healing.
• Personal relationships with animals can enhance emotional regulation.
• Co-regulation is essential for emotional well-being and therapy.
• Horses can help individuals process trauma without delving into past experiences.
• Therapists must prioritize informed consent and safety in equine therapy.
• The evolution of equine therapy practices reflects changing societal needs.
• Reality clarification can help families understand their dynamics better.
• Co-regulation can occur between humans and horses, fostering emotional connection.
• Future equine therapy practices should focus on high standards and training.
• Therapists should empower clients to be experts in their own emotional regulation.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Equine Therapy and Emotional Regulation
02:48 - Personal Experiences with Animals and Emotional Connection
05:47 - The Role of Horses in Therapy and Co-Regulation
08:58 - Understanding Trauma and the Therapeutic Process
11:53 - The Evolution of Equine Therapy Practices
14:53 - Co-Regulation and Its Importance in Therapy
17:47 - Anecdotes and Insights from Equine Therapy Sessions
20:52 - Future of Equine Therapy and Coaching
24:03 - Concluding Thoughts on Emotional Healing and Connection

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - [email protected]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Bailey:
https://polyvagalequineinstitute.com

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]

This conversation explores the profound impact of equine therapy on emotional healing, particularly in the context of family dynamics and parental alienation. The discussion highlights how working with horses can help individuals understand their nervous systems, build trust, and navigate complex emotions. Through engaging stories and insights, the speakers illustrate the unique therapeutic process that equine therapy offers, emphasizing the importance of co-regulation, humor, and the unpredictability of life in the healing journey.

Key Takeaways

• Equine therapy helps individuals learn about their own nervous system.
• The presence of horses can facilitate emotional safety and connection.
• Children often project their feelings onto horses, aiding in therapy.
• Building trust with horses reflects the importance of boundaries in relationships.
• Humor can be a powerful tool in therapeutic settings.
• Equine therapy can help navigate high-conflict family dynamics.
• The process of co-regulation is essential for emotional healing.
• Horses model the ability to calm down after being startled.
• Therapy with horses allows access to emotions that traditional methods may not reach.
• The unpredictability of life is mirrored in the interactions with horses.

Chapters

00:00 - Understanding Equine Therapy and Its Context
 02:54 - The Role of the Nervous System in Therapy
 05:50 - Equine Therapy: A Unique Approach to Healing
 08:44 - The Connection Between Horses and Human Emotions
 12:05 - Navigating Family Dynamics Through Equine Therapy
 14:51 - Practical Applications of Equine Therapy
 18:03 - The Impact of Trauma on Children and Families
 20:48 - Building Trust and Boundaries with Horses
 23:45 - The Unpredictability of Life and Therapy
 26:52 - Conclusion: The Healing Power of Horses

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - [email protected]
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Bailey:
https://polyvagalequineinstitute.com

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- [email protected]