FamilyFeature

What to Do When You Are Estranged From Your Adult Child

By July 22, 2026September 23rd, 2026No Comments

Relationships are hard, but why are so many families struggling? Parents and adult kids have strong feelings and opinions, or they may be getting bad counsel. Is it possible to reconcile the relationship even when you disagree? Dr. Joannie DeBrito joins us to tackle this common problem and brings us hope!

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What to Do When You Are Estranged From Your Adult Child

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Dr. Joannie DeBrito is a Contributor for Influential Women’s Forum.

Carrie Abbott

Carrie Abbott

For 36 years, Carrie Abbott has been helping people talk about relationships and sexuality with clarity, conviction, and grace. A national speaker, author, and radio host, she pairs a quick wit and a fast pace with real depth — a…

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Joannie DeBrito

Joannie DeBrito

Dr. Joannie DeBrito is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with nearly 40 years of professional experience. As a mental health professional, Joannie has provided individual, couple, family and group therapy; worked as a school and medical social worker; trained and supervised many students seeking mental health degrees and licensure; written about many marriage and family and mental health topics; provided mental health expertise on many radio programs and podcasts and served as the director of a college counseling center and as the Director of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family. Currently, Joannie is an aftercare coach for Focus on the Family's Hope Restored marriage intensive program and also, is the Family Support Specialist/New Resource Development Team Manager for Legacy Coalition, a Christian ministry dedicated to intentional Christian grandparenting. Joannie lives in Colorado Springs with her husband of nearly 50 years, near her daughters, sons-in law and grandchildren. In her spare time, Joannie loves to cook, dance, entertain, play the piano and violin, read, hike, bike, swim, travel and enjoy every possible fun thing a person can do in the snow. She loves the colorful Fall and the cold winter, especially when she gets to enjoy both with her family.