Resolving Estrangement: Expert Advice from Dr. Joshua Coleman on Healing Family Estrangement
09/26/23 • 47 min
1 Listener
Introduction:
In this episode of Hey, Boomer!, host Wendy Green dives into the sensitive topic of family estrangement and explores the hidden wounds that can tear families apart. With the help of esteemed guest Dr. Joshua Coleman, author of "Rules of Estrangement," they discuss the rise of estrangement, changes in family dynamics, and the possibility of healing broken relationships. This episode offers support and guidance for those experiencing estrangement or those seeking to understand and empathize with loved ones going through this difficult situation.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Joshua Coleman is a renowned psychologist and leading expert on family estrangement. He is the author of several books, including "Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties & How to Heal the Conflict," which has resonated with many estranged parents seeking guidance and understanding. Dr. Coleman's research and therapeutic work address the deep emotional impact of estrangement on families and offer insights into navigating the path toward reconciliation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Estrangement is a silent hurt: Estrangement within families often goes unspoken, causing pain and isolation for those experiencing it. This episode shines a light on this issue and provides a safe space to discuss and heal from family estrangement.
2. The importance of empathy and understanding: Dr. Coleman emphasizes the significance of empathy and understanding when working to repair estranged relationships. Taking responsibility for past mistakes and truly listening to the concerns and feelings of the estranged family member plays a crucial role in the healing process.
3. The evolving dynamics of family: The societal and cultural shifts in recent generations have led to new expectations within parent-child relationships. Understanding the changes in dynamics and the desire for personal fulfillment and mental health is essential in bridging the gap between generations.
4. The challenge for estranged parents: Estranged parents may struggle with feelings of defensiveness and questioning their parenting abilities when accused of emotional abuse or neglect. Dr. Coleman provides insights on how to approach these accusations with empathy and initiate meaningful conversations.
5. Respect boundaries and let the line go cold, if needed: Respecting boundaries and giving space to the estranged family member is crucial in the healing process. The episode discusses the concept of "letting the line go cold" as a strategy to prompt reflection and respect while navigating attempts at reconciliation.
Join Wendy Green and Dr. Joshua Coleman as they explore the complexities of family estrangement and provide valuable insights and support for those seeking healing in their own strained relationships.
Subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Contact Dr. Coleman: www.drjoshuacoleman.com
Email me with questions or comments at [email protected]
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Introduction:
In this episode of Hey, Boomer!, host Wendy Green dives into the sensitive topic of family estrangement and explores the hidden wounds that can tear families apart. With the help of esteemed guest Dr. Joshua Coleman, author of "Rules of Estrangement," they discuss the rise of estrangement, changes in family dynamics, and the possibility of healing broken relationships. This episode offers support and guidance for those experiencing estrangement or those seeking to understand and empathize with loved ones going through this difficult situation.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Joshua Coleman is a renowned psychologist and leading expert on family estrangement. He is the author of several books, including "Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties & How to Heal the Conflict," which has resonated with many estranged parents seeking guidance and understanding. Dr. Coleman's research and therapeutic work address the deep emotional impact of estrangement on families and offer insights into navigating the path toward reconciliation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Estrangement is a silent hurt: Estrangement within families often goes unspoken, causing pain and isolation for those experiencing it. This episode shines a light on this issue and provides a safe space to discuss and heal from family estrangement.
2. The importance of empathy and understanding: Dr. Coleman emphasizes the significance of empathy and understanding when working to repair estranged relationships. Taking responsibility for past mistakes and truly listening to the concerns and feelings of the estranged family member plays a crucial role in the healing process.
3. The evolving dynamics of family: The societal and cultural shifts in recent generations have led to new expectations within parent-child relationships. Understanding the changes in dynamics and the desire for personal fulfillment and mental health is essential in bridging the gap between generations.
4. The challenge for estranged parents: Estranged parents may struggle with feelings of defensiveness and questioning their parenting abilities when accused of emotional abuse or neglect. Dr. Coleman provides insights on how to approach these accusations with empathy and initiate meaningful conversations.
5. Respect boundaries and let the line go cold, if needed: Respecting boundaries and giving space to the estranged family member is crucial in the healing process. The episode discusses the concept of "letting the line go cold" as a strategy to prompt reflection and respect while navigating attempts at reconciliation.
Join Wendy Green and Dr. Joshua Coleman as they explore the complexities of family estrangement and provide valuable insights and support for those seeking healing in their own strained relationships.
Subscribe on Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram
Contact Dr. Coleman: www.drjoshuacoleman.com
Email me with questions or comments at [email protected]
Join the Hey, Boomer private Facebook group.
Become a member of the 2nd Boomer Banter
Previous Episode
The Joys of Grandparent-Grandchild Travel: Creating Memories Together Across Generations
On this episode of "Hey, Boomer!" host Wendy Green explores the rewards and challenges of grandparent-grandchild travel. Joined by guest Barbara Klocko, they share personal stories, discuss changing parenting styles, and highlight the importance of intergenerational connections. Discover the joys of exploring the world with your grandchildren and the valuable lessons that come from these adventures.
Episode Overview:
Wendy and special guest Barbara Klocko discuss their experiences of traveling with their grandsons on a Road Scholar Windjammer Cruise, the value of intergenerational relationships, and the impact of changing parenting styles on respect and manners. They also touch on the role of being a mentor or best friend in life.
Key Insights:
1. Grandparent-grandchild travel creates lasting memories and strengthens the bond between generations.
2. Grandparent-grandchild travel gives you the opportunity to learn about each other in a fun, safe environment.
3. Intergenerational connections bring vitality and a sense of youth, fostering mutual growth and understanding.
Funny Story:
Wendy shares a humorous incident during her trip to Mammoth Cave when she accidentally took a flash photo, scaring her granddaughter, Gracyn. The unexpected flash in the dark cave was definitely not part of the planned adventure!
Sponsor Information:
This episode of "Hey, Boomer!" is brought to you by Road Scholar, the non-profit leader in educational travel for Boomers and Beyond. Explore the world, expand your knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals. Visit roadscholar.org/heyboomer to learn more.
Social Links:
Join the Hey Boomer Private Facebook group for discussions and a safe space for like-minded individuals at facebook.com/groups/heyboomer.
Follow Wendy Green on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn
Reach out via email at [email protected]
Next Episode
Embracing Mortality: Conversations about LIfe's Final Chapter with Kimberly Best
Episode #156
Description
In this episode of "Hey, Boomer!", host Wendy Green is joined by special guest Kimberly Best, RN and founder of Best Conflict Solutions LLC, to discuss the important topic of embracing mortality and opening up conversations about life's final chapter.
Together, they delve into the significance of having important documents in order, making decisions regarding end-of-life care, planning for one's legacy, resolving conflicts ahead of time, and so much more.
Wendy pulls from her personal experience, to share compassionate questions and insights in her conversation with Kimberly.
Kimberly draws from her extensive experience as a nurse and mediator to shed light on the importance of these conversations and the impact they have on families and loved ones.
Join Wendy and Kimberly as they explore ways to normalize and improve the perception of end-of-life, making it less negative and confusing.
Episode Takeaways:
1. The importance of having important documents in order.
2. Decisions to consider and things to think about when it comes to end-of-life care.
3. Planning for one's legacy and memorial ceremony.
4. Emphasizing the importance of relationships over material possessions.
5. The significance of discussing difficult conversations with family or friends regarding end-of-life care and resolving conflicts ahead of time.
Contact information:
Connect with Kimberly Best on social media:
Website: https://www.bestconflictsolutions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlybestmediator/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bestconflictsolutions
Email Kimberly at [email protected]
Call to Action:
Become a member of Boomer Banter2 kicking off on October 17th at noon EST. Sign up at https://buymeacoffee.com/heyboomer0413.
Support our sponsor, Road Scholar whenever you consider travel. Check out all the adventures at https://roadscholar.org/heyboomer
Support the work of the Alzheimer's Association by making a donation to the Hey, Boomer team. Donations will be open through December. Help support families living with Alzheimer's and contribute towards potentially eradicating the disease.
Email wendy at [email protected]
Boomer Banter, Real Talk about Aging Well - Resolving Estrangement: Expert Advice from Dr. Joshua Coleman on Healing Family Estrangement
Transcript
Wendy Green [00:00:31]:
Well, hello, and welcome to Hey Boomer. My name is Wendy Greene, and I am your host for Hey Boomer. And continuing with our focus on the family that we've been talking about for this whole month, Today, we are going to be talking about the wound of estrangement and how it impacts us and affects us. And this is such an important episode because it's a silent, hurt that most of us don't talk about. But Maybe some of you know someone who is feeling like they're brea
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