E8: How Can You Mend an Estranged Relationship?

Dr. Emily Taylor helps Morgan sort through the pain of being cut off by her sister and options for moving forward. Family estrangement is incredibly painful and surprisingly common. An estimated one-quarter of all adults in the US are estranged from a close family member. But reconciliation can - and often does - happen. In this coaching session, Dr. Emily offers Morgan a chance to talk through her understanding of why the estrangement has happened and the meaning she’s attached to it. Together they consider what Morgan’s needs are in the relationship with her sister and how she might re-establish contact when her sister refuses to take her calls. In this episode you’ll learn how to: - Begin the process of reconciliation with an estranged family member. - Recognize when you’re making assumptions about what another person’s actions mean. - Identify the interest that’s driving your position in a conflict. - Approach relational repair in smaller, more effective steps. Let us know how these strategies work in your own life! Email Dr. Emily at conflictcoach@byu.edu or connect with her on social media: @conflictcoachwithdremily Dr. Karl Pillemer blog post on reconciling after family estrangement: https://www.karlpillemer.com/psychology-today-on-fault-lines-and-family-estrangement/ You might also like this recent episode of Top of Mind with Julie Rose: “The Surprising Truth About Reconciliation After Estrangement” https://www.byuradio.org/top-of-mind-the-surprising-truth-about-reconciliation-after-estrangement CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to The Conflict Coach 00:49 Meet Morgan: Family Text Conflict 03:53 Morgan's Perspective and Struggles 08:18 Exploring Solutions and Reconciliation 12:44 Dr. Emily's Insights on Family Estrangement 16:35 Morgan's Path to Repairing Relationships 26:48 Final Thoughts and Skills Recap