Welcome back to Therapy Chat + Happy New Year! This week's guest is Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW, who specializes in family estrangement in her practice in San Jose, California. Sharon, a TTN member, is the author of the Better Boundaries Workbook as well as her newest book, Cutting Ties WIth Your Parents. Sharon and I got together on Instagram Live to share our thoughts on family estrangement after Oprah posted a podcast episode about this "new trend."

In our conversation you'll hear me share about my own experiences of family estrangement as an adult child, and as a parent of adult children. We delve into the complexities of family estrangement, exploring the emotional and psychological impacts of cutting ties with family members. We discussed the commonality of family ruptures, the role of childhood experiences in shaping adult relationships, and the guilt that often accompanies estrangement. We talked about the fears parents have about letting go of their adult children, and simple changes parents can make to improve communication and family dynamics with their adult children. Our conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and the potential for healing and freedom that can come from prioritizing one's own well-being.

Resources from this episode:

Dr. Sharon Martin's website has a wealth of resources focused on family relationships.

Purchase Sharon Martin's newest book, Cutting Ties With Your Parents, here.

Therapists - if you're ready to allow yourself to be held in nature with a community of like-minded therapists, my Mind, Body + Soul Healing Retreat for Therapists in Tulum, Mexico is here. Space is still available for our April retreat and our November dates will be announced soon!

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TherapyChatPodcast

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