Family relationships are often our greatest source of love and support, but they can also be our deepest source of hurt. This practical and reflective workshop explores why family disconnection occurs, how conflict can become entrenched and what individuals can do to respond more constructively. Rather than focusing on blame or quick fixes, participants will gain practical insights into communication, emotional understanding and rebuilding healthier relationships where possible. The course welcomes anyone seeking greater clarity, resilience and hope in navigating difficult family situations.

DELIVERY MODE

Hybrid (face to face and online simultaneously)

COURSE RESOURCES

• Coleman, J. (2021). *Rules of Estrangement*.
• Agllias, K. (2016). *Family Estrangement: A Matter of Perspective*.
• Forward, S. (1989). *Toxic Parents*.
• Boss, P. (1999). *Ambiguous Loss*
• Neff, K. (2011). *Self-Compassion*.
• Siegel, D. (2010). *Mindsight*.
• Rosenberg, M. (2015). *Nonviolent Communication*.
• Cloud, H. & Townsend, J. (2017). *Boundaries*.
• Brown, B. (2021). *Atlas of the Heart*.
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). *Wherever You Go, There You Are*.

COURSE OUTLINE

•  Understanding family pain, conflict, and estrangement
• Why family conflict creates emotional overwhelm and inner tension
• The common inner conflicts: guilt, anger, hope, fear, loyalty, and self-respect
• Why trying to control the other person often increases distress
• Introduction to The CLEAR Method
• Calm and Clarify: reducing the emotional loop
• Locate Yourself: reconnecting with identity and values
• Expose the Blocks: recognising fears, patterns, and stuck points
• Absolve the Root: understanding deeper emotional charge safely
• Rebuild and Recommit: choosing a grounded next step
• Reflection activity: what is in your control now?
• Creating a personal next-step plan
• Closing discussion and questions

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Recognise how family pain, conflict, or estrangement can affect emotional stability, identity, and decision-making
• Identify the inner conflict created by guilt, anger, grief, hope, loyalty, fear, and self-respect
• Understand why trying to control or change the other person can increase emotional distress
• Apply the basic principles of The CLEAR Method to calm overwhelm and regain clarity
• Reflect on personal values and separate what is within their control from what is not
• Identify common emotional blocks that keep them stuck in overthinking or avoidance
• Choose one grounded next step that supports peace, clarity, and self-trust
• Move forward without forcing reconciliation or denying the pain of the situation