The Parent You Have

The ultimate guide to going low-contact, no-contact, and setting clear boundaries with a difficult or distant parent, by the popular therapist known as @sitwithwhit

Is estrangement a dirty word? Not anymore. For too long, we were told “blood is thicker than water” and “family comes first.” But a growing number of adults are taking agency, prioritizing their own healing, and deciding what a healthy family relationship is – and what they will no longer tolerate.

In this supportive, realistic, and authoritative guide, you’ll discover the insights and tools to make your relationship with problematic parents work. Topics include:

• Processing the past, and whether to ask for apologies
• What to say when a parent rejects your attempts to repair
• Managing the grief, guilt, and isolation that often come with estrangement
• Breaking the cycle of generational harm, to show up better for your family of choice

Filled with illuminating stories, actionable advice, and ready-to-use scripts for even the trickiest scenarios, this is the roadmap for processing the past and prioritizing your own healing – to create the nourishing family life you deserve.