When Our Adult Children Walk Away

Peeling the Onion One Layer At a Time (Layer 3): Gatekeepers & Coercive Control


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Learn about navigating “Gatekeepers” without triggering coercive abuse and further estrangement.

In this deeper dive on coercive control, you’ll learn how to keep the light on for your adult child when a partner is acting as a gatekeeper. Dr. Janet shows you how to stay calm under pressure, send short and safe messages that won’t be weaponized, choose lower-risk communication channels, and avoid feeding the power dynamic. 

You’ll get word-for-word response ideas (“respond, don’t react”), ways to validate without inserting yourself, and a realistic plan for the long game—staying warm, neutral, and available over months, not days. You’ll also hear when therapy (not coaching) is the right next step, how to use allies wisely (without creating “flying monkeys”), and how to care for your own mental health while you support your child.

If gatekeeping has you feeling shut out, this episode gives you grounded, compassionate steps you can take today.

Episodes specifically related to this episode:

  • Wait! What? You're leaving?! Does this mean we're estranged?
  • 5 Signs Your Relationship with Your Adult Child is Unraveling: The yin and yang of estrangement.
  • What is the Difference: Independence or Estrangement

#FamilyEstrangementConsulting, #FamilyEstrangementExpert, #EstrangementExpert, #EstrangementSpecialist, #ParentReconnection, #ReconnectionStrategist, #ParentEstrangement, #EstrangedAdultChild, #AdultEstrangement, #ParentalAlienation, #ParentalAlienationExpert, #FamilyEstrangementSupport, #FamilyEstrangementPodcast, #ParentChildReunification, #ParentAdultChildRelationship, #EstrangementGrief, #EstrangementCoach, #ConflictWithMyAdultChild, #BeingEstrangedFromParents, #EstrangedFromYourAdultChild

For more information, please go to https://www.WhenOurAdultChildrenWalkAway.com to find resources, strategies and tips to prepare to repair!

The continuum of estrangement discussed today can be found at https://www.togetherestranged.org/levels-of-estrangement.

The stories, examples, reflections, and perspectives shared in this podcast are based on my professional work as an estrangement coach and my personal estrangement journey. Any examples, characters, or stories referenced are either drawn from my own lived experience or represent a composite of multiple real-life situations shared with me over time. The intention of this podcast is not to accuse, label, or defame any individual but to provide insight, validation, and support for those navigating the complexities of family estrangement. All opinions expressed are my own and are shared with you, the listener, from a place of healing and learning.

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When Our Adult Children Walk AwayBy Dr. Janet Steinkamp, EdD

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