Family Disappeared

As the sun set on a day marked by my daughter's distant wedding vows, I found comfort not in my solitude, but in the shared resilience and ingenuity that Anna and I bring to the table as we host another episode of Family Disappeared. Together, we peel back the layers of parenting in the absence of traditional contact, revealing the strength found in creative expression and the commitment to marking life's milestones with love and intentionality. The journey of self-rediscovery was illuminated...

Imagine the piercing silence of a father's heart as he misses his daughter's wedding, or the hidden tears when a grandchild's first cry echoes, and he's not there to share the joy. Lawrence Joss, in a stirring narrative, unveils the emotional landscape of parenting in absentia—sharing not just the pain but the triumph in creating bonds that transcend physical barriers. With Anna, a kindred spirit who once graced the guest seat and now joins as co-host, they weave a tapestry of hope and connec...

Have you ever felt the weight of family dysfunction heavy on your heart? Together with Allison Garner and two passionately committed parental alienation advocates, we traverse the emotional minefield that so many face but few dare to discuss. Our conversation is more than just an exchange of stories; it's a treasure trove of insights and strategies, with each of us pulling from the depths of personal experience and the wisdom of a 12-step program. We shine a light on the shadows of shame and ...

Embarking on a heartfelt exploration, with myself, Geo, as guest host this week, we grapple with the heavy shadows of shame and guilt, those unwelcome companions that have trailed many of us from childhood to the labyrinth of parenthood. With the sagacious Allison Garner, an executive coaching connoisseur, our roundtable pulses with the shared beat of parent's hearts, including tales from Anna and Juli. The dialogue weaves through the textures of leadership and parenting, discovering ho...

As an alienated father, I've walked the rocky path of connecting with my daughters through the thinnest of threads, and that's where I discovered the healing balm of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). With my guest, Mary Mackenzie, we unravel my journey, and offer you the tools to mend and deepen the bonds within your family, even when the waters of communication seem unnavigable. My story is one of listening, not just to the words of my daughters, but to the emotions and needs that drive us all...

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a heated argument, desperately wishing for a lifeline to navigate the emotional chaos? That's where my encounter with Nonviolent Communication (NVC) revolutionized not just how I speak, but how I live. Alongside the wisdom of Mary Mackenzie, a seasoned NVC trainer, we venture into the transformative realm of compassionate connection. This episode is far from your average communication tutorial; it's a deep dive into the very fabric of human interac...

Ever struggled with the delicate dance of blending families and navigating the shadows of parental alienation? I know I have. This week on Family Disappeared, join me, Lawrence Joss, alongside Steve and Alain—both fellow alienated parents—for a candid discussion on these intricate dynamics. We peel back the layers of introducing new partners to our children, the art of cultivating self-awareness, and the pivotal role communication plays in mending and forging family bonds. Building a fam...

Have you ever wondered how the threads of a new family are woven together amidst the remnants of the past? On this heartfelt episode of Family Disappeared, we traverse the intricate path of remarriage and step-parenting. As your host, Lawrence Joss, I share a slice of my own life, revealing the profound impact of these transitions on children, and the power of inclusivity and understanding. Our panel of parents, including Steve and Alain, peel back the layers of their experiences to offer inv...

As I unraveled my own knots of estrangement and marital upheaval, I discovered the unexpected gifts hidden in life's trials. Our latest podcast episode invites you into this personal journey, alongside insights from Dr. Paul, who illuminates the indispensable role of energy management in navigating the turbulent waters of family dynamics and child custody battles.In the throes of adversity, it's the transformative potential of our hardships that can lead us to a place of growth and creativity...

When hope flickers in the darkness of life's toughest moments, transformation awaits. Dr. Paul Jenkins, a psychologist specializing in positivity psychology, joins the conversation today, illuminating the path to emotional wholeness. The conversation includes Dr. Paul's response to the heart-stopping diagnosis of his son's cancer, and champions the resilience that springs from hope, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement.Imagine a world where our perceptions don't imprison...

As I laid bare the raw edges of my heart, recounting the times my children seemed like distant stars in a sky I could no longer reach, our community conversation took a turn toward the cathartic. We navigated the difficult terrain of parental alienation, a path I've walked with heavy steps, and emerged with a deeper understanding of the healing process that is possible when one embraces accountability and personal growth. As a group, we shed light on the silent struggles and the unexpected gr...

The pain of family estrangement cuts deep, and in our latest episode, we grapple with this silent struggle alongside guests from the PAA community. We share not only our own heart-wrenching experiences of alienation from our children but also the journeys of others who are navigating these turbulent waters. Embark on a conversation that is both a map and a compass for those seeking to mend the fractures within their own families, and discover the solace that comes with knowing you're no...

Embarking on a profound odyssey through emotional landscapes, I found that healing personal wounds and transforming relationships starts with the language we use and the understanding of our own neural pathways. Our guest, Sarah, with her expertise in relational neuroscience and self-compassion, joins me to share insights that can turn the brain into a sanctuary of warmth and empathy. Throughout the discussion, we unravel how Nonviolent Communication (NVC), family constellations, and neurosci...

Embarking on a healing journey often feels deeply personal, yet it's a path that can resonate with many. My own voyage through the valleys of disconnection to the peaks of joy, love, and community has been marked with profound interactions and insights. In our conversation, Sarah Peyton, an expert in nonviolent communication and family constellation therapy, joins me to unravel these transformative practices, and how they can rewire our relationships and self-perception. Together, we explore ...

Have you ever yearned for a connection that seemed perpetually out of reach? Ceyhun's raw narrative in our latest episode takes you deep into the heart of such a longing, where the shadows of parental alienation within an intact family contour adult identities and relationships. He bravely exposes the emotional toll of striving for a father's validation, an endeavor that has left profound imprints on his journey toward self-discovery and wholeness.Through Ceyhun's eyes, we scrutinize the intr...

Have you ever felt caught in the middle of your parent's silent wars, loving them both yet torn by their underlying discord? I'm Lawrence Joss, and in this poignant conversation, we explore the complex world of parental alienation within intact families. Joined by Ceyhun from Turkey, we offer a cross-cultural perspective on family estrangement, and the silent battles that shape our internal and external worlds. This episode promises an introspective journey through the landscapes of enmeshmen...

Have you ever reached for pen and paper, hoping to mend bridges with heartfelt words, only to find yourself at a loss? Dr. Josh Coleman joins us to explore the cathartic journey of writing an Amends letter, a voyage that might begin with you, but has the power to heal entire family systems. In a conversation that's as raw as it is insightful, we tackle the nuances of apologies and the personal growth that emerges from truly acknowledging the impact of our actions on our children. The art of t...

Embarking on a journey of reconciliation can be as daunting as it is necessary, especially when the estrangement lies within the delicate fibers of family. I, Lawrence Joss, alongside the insightful Dr. Josh Coleman, delve into the often-unspoken paths of familial healing, and the profound act of writing amends letters. Navigating the complexities of estrangement and alienation, Dr. Coleman and I dissect the intricate dynamics that lead to family disconnections. We lay bare the soulful distin...

This season on Family Disappeared podcast, I, Lawrence Joss, alongside my new co host Geo, welcome you back for a deeply personal exploration of family dysfunction, and the transformative power of healing. With the added perspectives of experts like Josh Coleman, Karen Woodall, and Amy Baker, we're widening the lens to include the BIPOC and LGBTQ communities' narratives, ensuring no voice goes unheard in this journey towards recovery and understanding.Embarking with us on the trail of i...

As the frosty air ushers in a season of merriment, our latest podcast episode wraps you in a blanket of heartwarming tales and transformative discussions. Joined by the remarkable Renee, along with Anna and Geo, we traverse through the complexities of the holiday season, touching on the joyous, the challenging, and everything in between. Imagine finding new delight in the festive traditions of northern California or learning how resilience can be fostered in children facing the trials of a sh...

As we step into the holiday season, dealing with family disappearances and parental alienation can feel like navigating an emotional minefield. Imagine unraveling the complexity of such experiences while striving to reclaim the joy of the festive season. Sounds challenging, doesn't it? In our latest episode, we make space for this difficult conversation. Joined by our brave panel of guests who have lived this reality, we explore the emotional challenges they face during the holidays, their co...

Can you imagine the profound impact of family systems on children, particularly during instances of divorce and parental alienation? In a raw and insightful conversation, we explore this topic with our guest, Darryl, who was once an alienated child, and is now a father himself. Together, we dissect the role of codependency, the lack of boundaries, and the culture of people-pleasing within the family dynamic. A pivotal moment in Darryl's journey was his awakening to his own alienation from his...

Have you ever wondered how the unseen dynamics of parental alienation can profoundly shape our relationships and lives? This episode is a journey into the complex world of alienation and it's impact on families. Our guest, Darryl, an adult who has lived through alienation as a child and now as a parent, opens up about his experience. His story, filled with raw emotion, brings to light the deep-seated effects of alienation, and the role of trauma and generational patterns in shaping our relati...

As families gather this holiday season, the empty seat at the table can be a painful reminder for parents alienated from their children. But what if there are ways to handle these gut-wrenching moments, and ultimately, find paths to healing and reconnection? Tune in as we share our raw experiences, and the coping mechanisms we've discovered.In this deeply emotional episode, we tear open the often ignored topic of parental alienation's impact on holidays. Listen to our panel of parents narrate...

Navigating the holiday season after experiencing family separation or alienation can feel like walking on a tightrope. But remember, you're not alone. Listen in as Lawrence, along with a panel of parents, discuss their personal journeys of recovery, and share strategies for maintaining the joy of the holidays amidst the pain of alienation. Hear about favorite holiday memories, from scavenger hunts to silly socks, and how we now communicate to our kids that everything is okay, even thoug...

When navigating the labyrinth that is the family court system, where does one turn for guidance and support? Enter Larry DeMarco, the founder of the Law Center and the Family Court custody bootcamp, an expert who knows the "ins" and "outs" of this intricate system. In this candid conversation, Larry generously imparts his knowledge, offering invaluable insights into the complexities of the court system, the importance of self-advocacy, and the choice of hiring an attorney versus going solo.We...

Have you ever felt like a small boat lost in the stormy sea of the family court system? I know I have, and you're not alone. I sat down with Larry DeMarco, founder of the Law Center and creator of the Family Court Custody Bootcamp, to unravel the complexities of this daunting process. A warrior who battled his way through the system, Larry shares his personal journey, and how it inspired him to empower others on their own. Don't miss his hard-won tips on emotional resilience, crucial tools, a...

Every parent's journey is unique. Add in the complexity of dealing with parental alienation, estrangement, or disconnection, and you've got a recipe for a whirlwind of emotions. In our latest episode, we navigate these turbulent waters with our returning guests, Geo and Betsy. The conversation explores the fear and discomfort about bringing such a sensitive topic to light, especially understanding its potential to shake the very foundations of parental relationships. We acknowledge the signif...

Have you ever felt the soul-crushing pain of estrangement from your children due to parental alienation? We invite you to join us on a journey of healing, resilience, and personal growth through the heart-rending narratives of our brave guests, Betsy and Geo. As they unload their decade-long battles with parental alienation and estrangement, these warriors sketch a poignant picture of the harsh reality that countless parents encounter daily.The conversation spotlights the transformational pow...

How often have you walked the 'high road', believing it to be the road to success, only to find it's not always the best route when engaging with the complexities of parental alienation? Join me, Lawrence Joss, as we dismantle this concept and explore the profound impact it can have, not just on us, but our children as well. We'll dig into my personal journey, discussing the integral role of self-advocacy, the power of resilience, and the importance of selecting the right resources - be it th...

Ready to arm yourself with the tools to battle parental alienation in a custody battle?Join us as we sit down with the highly esteemed Dr. Lynn Steinberg who shares her knowledge on the matter. From navigating the tumultuous terrain of the court system to getting emotionally and spiritually resourced, Dr. Steinberg’s insights are invaluable for anyone dealing with this issue. We delve into the complexities of parental alienation, discussing the painstaking process of defending against fa...

Navigating the court system can be a daunting expedition. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Lynn Steinberg, a seasoned author, advocate, and psychologist, who's also served as an expert witness. We discuss navigating the courtroom, self-representation challenges, and the importance of taking control of your legal journey. She shares practical advice on court preparation and choosing the right attorney. We also explore 'pro se' representation.We shine a light on parental alienation, a ...

“We try to be the best version of ourselves we can be, but it takes time, and it takes work.” ~ Lawrence JossMany people often make the mistake of thinking it is the job of other people to fill the voids and mend the broken pieces within us.However, WE are the only ones who can do the inner work to better ourselves. While we need the right tools, and the guidance of the right community, it all comes down to the work we are willing to do within ourselves. It’s a process that takes time, but th...

"You don't put up boundaries. You have boundaries. You put up walls." ~ Lawrence JossHost Lawrence Joss has invited a panel of parents who have 'been there before' to share the benefits of their hindsight. Today's episode unpacks some of the common mistakes parents make when trying to reconnect with their loved ones.The beauty of this episode is that if you are dealing with family estrangement or alienation, just by listening in, you give yourself a shot at not making some of the same ...

Have you ever witnessed a child who is 'inundated', feels overwhelmed, and doesn't know how to respond to a situation?Wherever we may find ourselves within the family system – as a child, parent, grandparent, or partner – feeling dysregulated or ‘triggered’ by our loved ones can cause us to say and do things we may later regret. Dr. Mandy Cisler is an expert on mind/body integration: a somatic approach that provides us with the tools we need to calm down and think before we speak. She ha...

Have you ever experienced the feeling of dysregulation – and lashed out at a child or loved one because you were in a highly emotive state?Dr. Mandy Cisler is a somatic therapist, coach, and founder of the ‘Healing Framework’. She is an expert on a mind/body integration approach that supports you in regulating your nervous system. In this episode of “Family Disappeared”, she will share the tools of the somatic approach so that you can learn to check in with your body before reacting to ...

"I feel really safe in the PA-A community. And that's allowed me to heal." ~ Alienated Mom"How can I create deep and meaningful, loving, reciprocal relationships in my life?" ~ Alienated Dad'Alienated Mom' and 'Alienated Dad' are in conversation with Lawrence Joss in this, the second part, of a thoughtful interview that sheds light on the subject of family alienation from the personal perspective of two anonymous alienated parents. Finding one's voice in a fellowship; coming ...

What does it look like to recognize that you suffer from parental alienation?What can you do about it? Where can you turn to for support? Meet 'Alienated Mom' and 'Alienated Dad,' whose identities are protected in this episode for the sake of anonymity.The two are in conversation with Lawrence Joss, sharing parental alienation, and the joy of discovering Parental Alienation Anonymous. Finding support out there for coping with your family system, and practicing the tools of a recovery pro...

"And what tribal knowledge is, is that there's a lot of people that have gone through a lot of different things at different times in their lives, and they have information on how they got through stuff, or how they messed stuff up. And in a community, we get to share that together in a constructive way." ~ Lawrence Joss Do you find yourself struggling to stay present with yourself and others? Are you getting really negative responses to your texts, emails, or in-person conversati...

"Identifying and labeling some of the things that were happening in my life was incredibly important to me starting my journey of recovery." ~ Lawrence Joss Are you disconnected from other family members? Are you struggling with the pain of estrangement from your loved ones, and looking for emotional support and guidance on where to turn? In today's episode, we'll unpack some of the dynamics that might be happening in your life. This knowledge will provide you with a much greater un...

"I wanted everyone to change. I just wanted them to do the right thing. I thought that if they just did the right thing, I'd be OK. That the pain, the desperation, the confusion... that all that stuff would just go away." ~ Lawrence Joss Are you disconnected, alienated, estranged, or possibly erased from your children – or even your grandchildren? Are you disconnected from other family members? Are you a child that doesn't have access to your parents?If so, then Family Disappeared may we...

Have you lost contact with your child? What about your parent, or grandparent, sibling, or any other family member? You might be experiencing estrangement, alienation, or erasure. All of these terms speak to the trauma and dysfunction that so many families face. A family is a complex living and breathing system. Each member plays a role in the family dynamic. When families carry generational trauma and/or experience new trauma, challenges, or dysfunction, this can result in a break in th...