Episode 46. No Contact - No Problem? The Complexity of Family Estrangement

Family estrangement is often talked about online as a simple, binary choice — stay or go, cut contact or don’t. But in real life, it’s rarely that straightforward.

In this episode, Dr Laura explores the psychological complexity of family estrangement, moving beyond polarised debates to consider what no contact actually means, the different forms it can take, and how people can make decisions that prioritise emotional and psychological safety.

This episode looks at:

 • Why “no contact” language often misses important nuance

 • Alternatives such as low contact, structured contact, and time-limited distance

 • What to consider before changing family contact

 • The emotional aftermath of estrangement, including grief, doubt, and relief

 • Why there is no morally superior choice — only what’s right for you

Whether you’re considering changing family contact, living with estrangement, or trying to understand someone else’s decision, this episode offers a compassionate, grounded perspective.