Estranged on Mother's Day (Ep. 21)

Kicking off season 3, we respond to a listener letter about estrangement from a parent—just in time for Mother’s Day.Our listener shares the painful decision to cut off contact with her mom after years of repeated boundary violations. Now, as Mother’s Day approaches, she’s facing pressure from loved ones who don’t understand her choice—leaving her questioning whether her boundary is valid or if she’s just avoiding.We talk about what it really means to set a boundary after patterns of harm, how to tell the difference between avoidance and self-protection, and why other people’s opinions—especially those who haven’t lived your experience—can create so much doubt. We also explore the emotional complexity of estrangement, including grief, guilt, love, and relief coexisting at the same time.If you’ve ever felt torn between family expectations and your own well-being, this conversation is for you.Have a question? Email us at [email protected], use the link below, or DM us on IG or TikTok at @askatherapist_podSubmit Your Question Here!Find Kenzie at therapy-with-kenzie.com or @therapywithkenzieFind Carli at carlikingtherapy.com or @carlikinglmft