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:
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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]