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Oprah Explores the Rising Trend of Going No Contact with Your Family

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Nov 25, 2025

Oprah welcomes Dr. Joshua Coleman, a clinical psychologist and author, Dr. Lindsay Gibson, an expert on emotionally immature parenting, and relationship therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab. They unpack the rising trend of family estrangement, highlighting reasons like personal growth and mental health. The guests discuss the impact of social media, the importance of boundaries, and the emotional toll of going no contact. Personal stories shed light on the complexities of these decisions, making it a rich exploration of modern family dynamics.

01:17:53

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INSIGHT

Estrangement Is A Growing Cultural Shift

A Cornell study shows about one-third of Americans are estranged, signaling a cultural shift in how family is defined.
Dr. Joshua Coleman links this to prioritizing personal happiness and mental health over traditional filial roles.

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INSIGHT

Social Media Amplifies Cutoffs

Social media amplifies estrangement by creating supportive echo chambers and labels like "toxic family."
Dr. Joshua Coleman warns online groups can greenlight cutting ties by validating one-sided views.

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ADVICE

Help Clients Find Their Own Decision

Therapists should help clients discover their inner guidance rather than instruct immediate cutoff.
Dr. Lindsay Gibson advises clinicians to describe behaviors and effects first so clients reach their own conclusions.

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Defining 'No Contact' and the Trend

00:37 • 2min

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Introducing Experts on Estrangement

02:56 • 42sec

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Family Role vs. Personal Happiness

03:37 • 33sec

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Social Media's Amplifying Role

04:10 • 2min

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When Parents Aren't Seen as the Problem

06:26 • 2min

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Helping Clients Test Inner Guidance

08:33 • 2min

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Boundaries, Safety, and No Contact as Last Resort

10:28 • 2min

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Dr. Coleman’s Personal Estrangement Experience

Adult Children Describe Going No Contact

15:23 • 4min

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Choosing No Contact Incrementally

19:51 • 1min

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Parenting Without Grandparents Present

21:09 • 5min

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Longing and Loss After Estrangement

26:00 • 4min

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Expanded Definitions of Harm and Abuse

Parents' Stories of Abandonment and Forgiveness

31:59 • 7min

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A Parent’s Perspective on Being Cut Off

39:25 • 5min

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Reaching Out and Finding the Kernel of Truth

44:02 • 1min

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When Parents Also Go No Contact

A Father's Silence and Reconciliation

50:28 • 5min

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Practical Steps for Parents to Repair

55:37 • 8min

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Hospice Calls and Dying Requests

01:03:41 • 5min

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Final Expert Takeaways on Repair

• Mentioned in 7 episodes

Rules of Estrangement

Joshua Coleman

In 'Rules of Estrangement,' Dr. Joshua Coleman provides a compassionate and insightful guide for parents dealing with estrangement from their adult children. The book places estrangement within a cultural and historical context, exploring the socioeconomic and psychological factors that contribute to these family ruptures. Coleman offers practical advice on how parents can engage in meaningful conversations with their estranged children, cultivate healthy relationships, and cope with the emotional challenges of estrangement. He emphasizes empathy, self-reflection, and the importance of parents taking the initiative in reconciliation efforts. The book also addresses various specific issues such as mental illness, addiction, and conflicts over identity, religion, and politics.

#9387

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

The Great Balancing Act

An Insider’s Guide to the Human Vestibular System

Jeffrey Sharon

The Great Balancing Act is an insider's guide to understanding the human vestibular system. This book explores the intricate mechanisms that govern our sense of balance. It delves into how the vestibular system interacts with other sensory inputs to maintain equilibrium. The book provides insights into common balance disorders and their potential treatments. It offers practical advice and exercises to improve balance and prevent falls.

#1494

• Mentioned in 22 episodes

Adult children of emotionally immature parents

Marguerite Gavin

Lindsay Gibson

Lindsay C. Gibson

This book, written by clinical psychologist Lindsay C. Gibson, exposes the destructive nature of parents who are emotionally immature or unavailable. It helps readers understand how such parents create a sense of neglect and provides ways to heal from the pain and confusion caused by their childhood. The book identifies four types of difficult parents: the emotional parent, the driven parent, the passive parent, and the rejecting parent. It offers practical advice and exercises for identifying one's true self, avoiding harmful self-images and relationships, and interacting with emotionally immature parents in a healthier manner. The book aims to help readers recover their true nature, control their reactions to their parents, and build positive new relationships.

#3475

• Mentioned in 11 episodes

Drama Free

A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships

Nedra Glover Tawwab

In 'Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships,' licensed therapist and bestselling author Nedra Glover Tawwab offers practical guidance on identifying and breaking the cycle of family dysfunction. The book focuses on helping readers understand and navigate emotionally immature family dynamics, and provides clear advice on setting boundaries and choosing a healthier path forward. Tawwab emphasizes the importance of recognizing unhealthy patterns and taking small steps towards change to improve family relationships and overall well-being.

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In a groundbreaking conversation about one of the fastest-growing cultural shifts of our time: Oprah talks with leading experts and a live audience about the decision to go “no contact” with a family member. It’s estimated one third of Americans have cut off ties or is estranged from their family. Once considered taboo, family estrangement is now being openly discussed by people of all ages who are redefining what healthy boundaries look like in family relationships. In this revealing episode, Oprah and best-selling psychologists unpack this rising trend of people distancing themselves from parents, siblings, or relatives they consider toxic. Adult children and parents who have chosen to go "no contact” share their stories and their reasons behind this difficult decision. Oprah and the audience explore the emotional, cultural and psychological issues behind the movement - ranging from trauma and generational patterns to mental-health awareness and the expanded definition of abuse.

BUY THE BOOK!

DR. JOSHUA COLEMAN - RULES OF ESTRANGEMENT

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/622584/rules-of-estrangement-by-joshua-coleman-phd/

DR. LINDSAY GIBSON - ADULT CHILDREN OF EMOTIONALLY IMMATURE PARENTS How to Raise an Emotionally Mature Child by Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD:

https://www.newharbinger.com/9781626251700/adult-children-of-emotionally-immature-parents/

NEDRA GLOVER TAWWAB - DRAMA FREE & THE BALANCING ACT

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/706826/drama-free-by-nedra-glover-tawwab/

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760457/the-balancing-act-by-nedra-glover-tawwab/

Chapters:

00:01:00 - One-third of Americans are going no contact—what it means

00:02:00 - Younger generations choosing no contact for mental health

00:02:50 - Guest: Dr. Joshua Coleman, Rules of Estrangement