Navigating Family Estrangement - Charting a Path to Healing and Emotional Clarity

As Christmas approaches, the season’s emphasis on family togetherness can feel isolating for those experiencing family estrangement. The societal pressures and expectations surrounding family harmony at this time of year can deepen the pain for those whose family relationships are strained or broken. Our event on December 8th offers a compassionate space to explore this complex experience and discover tools for resilience, healing, and self-care.

Join us for an afternoon led by experts and practitioners who understand the struggles of estrangement and are dedicated to fostering connection, acceptance, and personal growth.

Lucy Blake, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol, brings her deep expertise and research on family estrangement to our event. After completing her PhD at Cambridge's Centre for Family Research, Lucy has become a trusted voice on this subject, with her insights featured in The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times. Her book, No Family is Perfect: A Guide to Embracing the Messy Reality, challenges the societal ideals of "perfect families" and encourages a more realistic, compassionate view of family dynamics.

Lucy will share her research and insights into family estrangement, discussing why this experience is more common than many realize and how we can shift the narrative from shame and isolation to self-compassion and empowerment.

In addition to Lucy's talk, our event offers practical, healing-focused workshops led by experienced practitioners:

• Jess Parkinson – Journaling Workshop: Uncover the power of writing as a way to process emotions, reflect, and heal. Jess will guide participants through techniques to use journaling as a tool for understanding and growth during challenging times.

• Manuela – Qi Gong Session: Experience gentle, grounding Qi Gong practices that help release tension, calm the mind, and restore balance. This ancient Chinese movement practice promotes emotional and physical resilience, helping you to navigate the holidays with more ease.

• Ellie – Somatic Healing Exercises: Tap into the body’s wisdom with somatic healing techniques designed to release stored stress and foster a sense of safety and self-connection.

This event is open to anyone affected by family estrangement—whether it's recent, long-standing, or complicated by the added pressures of the holiday season. Friends, allies, and those who support loved ones experiencing estrangement are also welcome.

Join us for an afternoon of meaningful conversations, supportive community, and tools to help you navigate this season with greater peace and compassion.