Why “Family Estrangement” Misses the Point: What No One’s Saying About Going No Contact With Toxic Parents

As a therapist, boundaries coach, and cycle breaker herself, Torie shares the deeper truth behind these painful family dynamics: what really leads someone to end contact, how the media gets it wrong, and why accountability and power dynamics must be part of the conversation.

If you’ve ever been told you “abandoned” your family or felt judged for making the gut-wrenching decision to protect your peace, this episode will remind you that you’re not crazy — and that choosing yourself does not make you a selfish person.

We’ll cover:

• Why “family estrangement” has become a loaded, stigmatizing term

• The power imbalance between parents and adult children that not enough people are talking about

• The truth about why cycle breakers go no contact — and why it’s never impulsive

• How media narratives and even some therapists perpetuate shame

• A more honest, hopeful way to talk about healing family relationships

Resources Mentioned:

• The Confident Boundaries Membership— tools, workshops, and community support for cycle breakers: confidentboundaries.com/membership

• Torie's Holiday Survival Guide: confidentboundaries.com/holidayguide

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