Family estrangement and going no contact are deeply painful and complex experiences that impact both adult children and their parents. Often rooted in unresolved childhood trauma, unmet emotional needs, or longstanding power dynamics, estrangement reflects a significant breakdown in communication and trust within the family. Adult children may choose to distance themselves as a means of self-preservation or to heal from past harm, while parents may struggle to understand or accept these boundaries. Navigating this estrangement requires compassion, reflection, and, often, the willingness to embrace change. Letting go of traditional power structures in parent-child relationships and learning to relate as equals can open the door to healing and, in some cases, reconciliation. However, when reconciliation is not possible, it’s important to acknowledge the grief of disconnection and focus on personal growth and emotional well-being. 

In this episode, we discuss adult-child relationships, family estrangement, and how to navigate these disconnections with a special guest, Patrick Teahan. Patrick is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), childhood trauma specialist, and advocate for the Relationship Recovery Process therapy model. As a survivor of childhood trauma, Patrick brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation to provide practical advice on letting go of power struggles, navigating grief when going no contact, and how both sides can work towards mutual understanding and growth. 

Join us as we unpack these sensitive issues and explore pathways toward healing!

What You Will Learn:

• [00:01] Intro and what in for you in today’s show with Patrick Teahan
• [02:39] Patrick’s experience in the parent and adult-child relationship space
• [07:39] The disconnect and what is happening in the parent-adult-child relationships
• [09:28] What trauma and abuse is and parental defense shame
• [14:05] How to fix relationships with estranged children
• [19:53] Relating as equals and how parent-children relationships change over time 
• [26:22] Working on yourself and accepting your parent for who they are
• [30:11] How to navigate the grief of going no contact 
• [35:54] The healing side of lack of connectivity and feeling estranged 
• [38:24] How to reach out and connect with Patrick 
• [39:16] Wrap up and end of the show

Standout Quotes:

• “Abuse is anything that is less than nurture.” [09:37]
• “When a parent is self-righteous, it’s a sign of being massively triggered; you can’t teach someone who is defensive and triggered about human development.” [12:13]
• “You’re not going to die if you’re faulted; you’re not a bad person; what is going to fix the relationship with your children is to be open and admit some things were wrong.” [14:22]
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Let’s ConnectPatrick Teahan 

Website: https://www.patrickteahantherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickteahanofficial/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@patrickteahanofficial

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The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

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