Deep Dive: The invisible pain of estrangement

Howdy psychology gang! Welcome back to a deep dive.

Estrangement is one of the most painful and least understood experiences we can go through. It’s a loss without a funeral, a grief that doesn’t receive casseroles, community support, or cultural acknowledgement. 

In this deep dive, we unpack the complex psychology of estrangement through an attachment, trauma and psychodynamic lens.

We explore:

• What ambiguous grief really feels like
• Parent–child estrangement 
• The shame, silence and stigma that surround family cut-offs
• How projections, defences and unresolved trauma shape these ruptures
• The difference between protection, boundaries, and emotional avoidance
• The inner conflict of choosing to walk away or being the one left behind

This episode is a compassionate look at the grief of loving someone you can no longer reach, and the courage it takes to choose safety, repair, or distance.

 Whether you’re navigating estrangement yourself or supporting someone who is, we hope this conversation helps you feel seen, grounded, and a little less alone.

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Please note: this episode is for informational purposes only and does not replace personalised psychological advice.