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Estrangement Grief for Families Course

Begin Your Path to Understanding

Grieving someone who’s still alive is one of the hardest things to explain.

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Estrangement can feel like an invisible loss—one that doesn’t always get acknowledged or understood. You may feel grief, guilt, anger, or even relief, sometimes all at once. And when others don’t understand, it can leave you feeling even more isolated. This course offers a supportive space for anyone navigating the emotional realities of distance or disconnection within family relationships.

Through guided reflection and practical exercises, you will:

  • Identify and name your emotions without judgment

  • Gain clarity around your personal boundaries and values

  • Develop language for your story, so it feels both truthful and empowering

  • Release the pressure to reconcile or forgive before you’re ready—or at all

This course honors your pace and your truth. There is no expectation for reconciliation—only an invitation to heal in a way that feels right for you. You’ll leave with tools to process your experience, reclaim your narrative, and move forward with greater peace.

    • Adults navigating estrangement from parents, children, siblings, or extended family

    • Those unsure whether to reconnect—or who have decided not to

    • People feeling isolated, misunderstood, or pressured to “just fix it”

    • Emotional understanding — tools to name and process feelings like grief, anger, relief, or guilt

    • Practical strategies — for boundary setting, self-care, and communication (if chosen)

    • Connection — a safe space with others who “get it”

    • Format: Online and self-paced

    • Length: 1 hour —a brief but meaningful course you can complete at your own pace

    • Access: Lifetime access upon enrollment

    • Cost: $10 one-time fee

  • Debi Jenkins Frankle, LMFT, is a grief-informed psychotherapist with over 30 years of clinical experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through a wide range of losses and life transitions, both sudden and anticipated. In addition to teaching, training, and consulting with therapists on grief and loss, Debi dedicates half of her practice to providing direct care to clients. Throughout her career, she has guided thousands of grievers on their unique journeys toward healing and growth. Debi also serves as a professor at Pepperdine University Graduate School.

  • Q: Do I have to share my personal story?
    A: No. This course is designed for your private reflection. You are welcome to keep all of your thoughts and experiences to yourself. There are no group discussions or sharing requirements.

    Q: Will I be interacting with other participants?
    A: No. This is a completely self-paced course. You can move through the lessons and exercises in your own time, in your own space.

    Q: How long will I have access to the course?
    A: You’ll have lifetime access, so you can revisit the materials whenever you need them.

    Q: What if my estrangement is very recent—or happened years ago?
    A: This course is designed to support you no matter when the estrangement occurred. The tools and reflections are helpful whether you’re in the early stages of navigating this experience or processing something from the past.

    Q: Is this course about reconciliation?
    A: No. While you may find clarity about whether reconnection is right for you, this course does not pressure you to reconcile or forgive. It focuses on your healing, boundaries, and personal truth.

    Q: Is this therapy?
    A: No. This course is not a form of therapy or a substitute for professional counseling. If you’re experiencing emotional distress of any kind — whether mild or overwhelming — please reach out to a licensed mental health professional or call a crisis helpline in your area. You don’t have to face it alone; a therapist can help.

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If you’re ready to explore your experience with compassion and clarity, join us.

Sign up today

Disclaimer: This course is not therapy or a substitute for professional counseling. If you are experiencing significant emotional distress, thoughts of self-harm, or you feel you need a little more support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional or call a crisis helpline in your area. You deserve care and support as you navigate this process.