How to share coping strategies for patients estranged from family

HIPAA compliant email offers a secure and reliable complement to therapy practices. Patients benefit from consistent support while providers are assured of the security of all communications, especially those containing protected health information (PHI). 

What is family estrangement? 

Family estrangement is the deliberate severing of relationships between family members. The term originates from the French word estrangier meaning “to alienate” and the Latin term extraneare meaning “to treat as a stranger”. A study published in The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families provides an alternative perspective on estrangement, “The concept of functional estrangement, which challenges the perception of estrangement as a negative experience ‘in need of intervention” 

The concept of familial estrangement contradicts the traditional view of family bonds making it an ongoing practice of managing societal expectations. Sociological perspectives on the other hand recognize it as a valid choice, an approach adopted by psychology in a diversion from a version of resolution based on reconciliation. 

What are the coping strategies used in psychological practices for family estrangement? 

Acceptance and validation

Estrangement often triggers feelings of guilt or rejection. Psychological practices can help individuals accept their emotions and validate their experiences. Therapists should encourage clients that estrangement is a common phenomenon and may not always indicate personal failure. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy

CBT is widely used to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns associated with estrangement like feelings of unworthiness or catastrophizing the situation. Through cognitive restructuring, clients learn to replace harmful beliefs with healthier, more balanced perspectives about themselves. 

Exploring the root causes

Therapists often guide clients in exploring the underlying reasons for estrangement. Understanding the context of estrangement can help clients process their emotions and make informed decisions about reconciliation or maintaining distance. 

Reconciliation support (if desired)

For clients wishing to repair estranged relationships, therapists can use family systems therapy to address unresolved issues and improve communication patterns. Gradual re-engagement strategies help clients reconnect in a controlled and safe manner. 

How to share coping strategies with patients

Estrangement can be an isolating process for clients. Mental health professionals must provide consistent support throughout treatment. HIPAA compliant email platforms, like Paubox, are one of the primary complements to conventional treatment strategies. Providers can easily share material and coping strategies that can be revisited as often as necessary. Additionally, in cases where patients cannot attend in-person sessions, it offers a central coordination point for teletherapy sessions where sessions can be scheduled and confirmed in one easy-to-use platform. 

Related: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services

FAQs

What is PHI? 

Any personal health data that can identify an individual is protected under privacy laws. 

What are ethical considerations in psychology? 

Ethical considerations in psychology involve confidentiality informed consent and the consideration of patient well-being during therapy or research.

What is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a U.S. law that can protect the privacy and security of an individual's health information.