Navigating Family Estrangement

Description: A foundational understanding of family estrangement, a disenfranchised loss. Pathways of estrangement.,Cultural changes that make estrangement a rising phenomenon (several researched estimates indicate 25% of American adults are estranged from at least one family member). Assumptions and of parents vs assumptions of adult children, and what is required of each to bridge the gap.  What’s required of therapists, and common mistakes. 

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1130636

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will gain skills to conduct the estrangement-oriented clinical interview
2. Participants will learn how to prepare for and conduct reconciliation therapy
3. Participants will gain an understanding of common flashpoints of estrangement and how to engage productively Participants will learn strategies to assist grieving family members to cope with the pain and shame of estrangement 

Patricia Wolfenden is a licensed mental health counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist in Central Florida. Patricia has extensive experience and training working with individuals, groups, and families coping with addiction, traumatic injury, grief and loss, and relationship issues. She has worked as a psychotherapist in a treatment center setting as well as in hospitals and as a private practitioner. Patricia enjoys bringing awareness to those who have sought her help, through the use of experiential family therapies, psychodrama, motivational interviewing (TM), expressive arts, and nature immersion. Patricia brings professional and personal experience with family estrangement to this topic, and stresses the importance of a balanced and even-handed perspective.