Estrangement – The New Epidemic For Parents Of Adult Children By a Missoula MT Counselor

Labeled a silent epidemic by a growing number of therapists and researchers, estrangement is one of the most disorienting and painful experiences of a parent’s life. I know this because I am part of this new Epidemic.

For most people, it is unimaginable for a grown man or woman to choose to stop all contact with their parents. The people who provided food, clothes, and shelter, attended dance recitals, volunteered at school, or cheered from the bleachers during every Friday night's football game.

Popular opinion typically tells a one-sided story of parents who got what they deserved or overly entitled adult children who wrongly blame their parents. However, the reasons for estrangement are far more complex and varied. As a result of rising rates of individualism, and increasing cultural emphasis on happiness, growing economic insecurity, and historically recent perception that parents are obstacles to personal growth, many parents find themselves forever shut out of the lives of their adult children and grandchildren.

Understanding Estrangement

Many adult children are comfortable criticizing or rejecting their parents because they are doing exactly what their parents raised them to do. Parenting doesn’t occur in a void.  It is constantly shaped and directed by economic, social, and cultural forces well outside of our awareness.  The decision to estrange a parent or reconcile with a parent, to reach out to a child, or to let them go is similarly influenced in these ways.

Healing the rift of estrangement is possible. However, shame, guilt, and anger can make the work much harder for parents than it needs to be.  Just about every parent, estranged from their kids or not, harbors some degree of shame, regret, or feeling of inadequacy. Some parents hide it better than others, but if you’re in touch with reality, you know how easy it is to go wrong when raising another human being.  Nobody gets it 100 percent right – not even close – and shame is the unfortunate by-product of caring how you’re doing. Although, this is a difficult and painful situation for any parent to face. There is no simple or universal answer to the question; “What should I do to reconnect with my adult child”, as different families may have different reasons and circumstances for estrangement. 

However, some possible steps that a parent of an adult child can take are:

1. Respect the adult child’s decision and avoid contacting them if they have explicitly asked for no contact.

2. Seek professional help such as a therapist, or join a support group for parents of estranged adult children to cope with the grief, anger, guilt, and other emotions that may arise.

3. Practice emotional literacy and learn to embrace and tolerate every feeling without judging or blaming oneself or the adult child.

4. Take responsibility for one’s own role in the estrangement and acknowledge any mistakes or harm that one may have caused or enabled.

5. Work on improving one’s communication skills, boundaries, and empathy, and be open to reconciliation if the adult child reaches out or shows signs of willingness to reconnect.

Estrangement is a complex and painful phenomenon that affects many families.  It is not always easy to understand or resolve, but it may be possible to heal and reconnect with time, communication, and compassion.

Get Started with Counseling Services in Missoula, MT

Take the first step towards healing and hope by reaching out to us at our Missoula office. If you want to know more about estrangement, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Together, we can navigate through these challenging times and find the support needed for a brighter tomorrow. You're not alone – let's start the journey towards a healthier, happier life today. Follow the steps below to get started:

1. Contact us so we can get to know you.

2. Explore our services and what we have to offer!

3. Discover more about estrangement with the help of our Missoula therapists!

Other Counseling Services We Offer in Missoula, MT

At Bridger Peaks Counseling in Missoula, MT we offer many types of mental health services. Some of the individual services we provide include addiction counseling, anxiety counseling, grief counseling, body image therapy, depression counseling, trauma counseling, and EMDR therapy. Are you a new mom struggling with your mental health? Postpartum depression counseling might be the right answer for you. Needing help strengthening and setting boundaries in your relationship? Then our therapists might suggest couples counseling. Our services are not just for adults. We also provide counseling for teens. If one of these services sounds like exactly what you need then great! Contact us and let us know. If you aren’t quite sure then our dedicated counselors will help you decide what the best fit will be. All of these services are offered through online therapy in Montana.

Exploring Therapy: A Guide to Different Types of Mental Health Therapists By a Bozeman, MT Counselor

Embarking on a journey toward emotional well-being often involves seeking the support of a therapist. The world of therapy is diverse, with various approaches and specializations tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals. It isn’t uncommon for a client to enter my office stating that their last therapist was not a good fit. Sometimes fit is about the relationship, but it can also be about the approach. Understanding the different types of therapists available can empower you to make an informed decision about the type of therapy that best suits your preferences and goals. Here’s a guide to some of the most common types of therapists and their specialties.

Psychiatrists:

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. They are licensed to prescribe medication and often work in conjunction with other mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, to provide comprehensive care. Psychiatrists are licensed to provide talk therapy but often focus mainly on medication management and treatment.

Psychologists:

Psychologists are trained professionals who hold doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology. They specialize in assessing and treating mental health issues through various therapeutic techniques. This includes talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychoanalysis. Psychologists may work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, or academic settings. They provide individual therapy, group therapy, and psychological assessments.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LCPC or PCLC*):

Licensed Professional Counselors are mental health professionals trained to provide counseling and therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They typically hold master’s degrees in counseling or related fields and are licensed by state regulatory boards. LCPCs/PCLCs may specialize in areas such as marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, trauma therapy, or career counseling.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW or SWLC*):

Licensed Clinical Social Workers are licensed professionals with master’s degrees in social work (MSW). They specialize in providing therapy and support to individuals, families, and groups facing mental health challenges. They often work in hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, or private practice settings. Licensed Clinical Social Workers may provide counseling similarly to an LCPC, case management, advocacy, and support services to clients dealing with issues such as trauma, addiction, homelessness, or domestic violence depending on their specialty.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT or MFLC*):

Marriage and Family Therapists are trained to address relational and family dynamics by providing therapy to couples, families, and individuals. They hold master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy or a related field and are licensed to practice therapy. MFTs focus on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships within the family system.

Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC or ACLC*)

Licensed Addiction Counselors specialize in providing support and treatment for individuals, families, and groups struggling with substance use and addiction challenges. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat addiction disorders, as well as provide counseling and support to clients and their families. LACs may work in various settings, including addiction treatment centers, hospitals, community mental health agencies, and private practice.

School Counselors:

School Counselors are professionals who work in educational settings, providing support and guidance to students in various areas of their development. This could include academic, social, and emotional well-being. They typically hold master’s degrees in counseling or related fields. School counselors are trained to address the diverse needs of students across different grade levels. They also provide individual counseling, group counseling, classroom presentations, and crisis intervention services to students. These students could be experiencing academic challenges, personal issues, or mental health concerns.

Art Therapists:

Art Therapists utilize the creative process of making art to explore emotions, reduce stress, and promote healing and self-expression. They are trained to work with individuals of all ages and may specialize in areas such as trauma recovery, grief and loss, or developmental disabilities. Art Therapists may hold master’s degrees in art therapy or related fields. Art therapists are also often licensed or certified by professional organizations.

Specialized Therapists:

In addition to the above categories, some therapists specialize in specific areas. This includes:

• trauma therapy (e.g., EMDR)

• sex therapy

• addiction counseling

• eating disorder treatment

• LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy.

These specialized therapists have advanced training and expertise in their respective fields and provide tailored interventions to meet the unique needs of their clients. Not all titles are protected, meaning people can advertise expertise without significant amounts of training. So, be sure to ask your therapist about their individual experience.

How to Find the Right Therapist Near Me

Choosing the right therapist is a deeply personal decision. It’s essential to consider factors such as the therapist’s approach, expertise, and personality fit. Take the time to research different types of therapists and ask questions. Trust your intuition when selecting a therapist who can support you on your journey toward healing and growth. Remember that therapy is a collaborative process. Finding the right fit can make all the difference in your mental health and well-being.

If you’re ready to explore therapy, consider reaching out to us at Bridger Peaks Counseling. Our compassionate therapists are here to support you on your mental health journey.

*** These are candidate licenses. This means that an individual has finished the education portion of their degree but is working towards full licensure under a licensed supervisor.

Get Started Today with a Bozeman, MT Therapist

If you're curious to explore the diverse range of therapy options available at our Bozeman, MT practice, follow the steps below! From anxiety treatment to trauma therapy and beyond, we're here to support you on your journey to healing and well-being. Let's take the next step together.

1. Schedule a free consultation here.

2. Learn more about us and our approach.

3. Discover your preferences and goals by learning the different types of therapy available.

Additional Therapy Services, Workshops, & Resources from Bridger Peaks Counseling

At our Bozeman, MT counseling clinic, we can help you through several mental health concerns. We offer anxiety therapy, depression counseling, teen counseling, and more. Visit us for addiction treatment, group counseling sessions, EMDR, and Somatic Experiencing for trauma therapy. In addition to opportunities to explore marriage counseling and postpartum depression. We also have workshops, mindfulness training, and more tools for client education. Bridger Peaks Counseling has a psychiatric nurse practitioner who can provide psychiatric care and medication. We look forward to talking with you soon!