Estrangement from a family member is always difficult for everyone involved, but it is especially painful for parents when the relationship with one or more children has been severed. The trauma is as deep and debilitating as injuries from a car accident, but shame and embarrassment make it difficult to seek help. Yet, estrangement is common. It is estimated that nearly one out of every eight parents is estranged from an adult child. One in every five older adults is considered an “elder orphan” with no one to turn to in a time of need. If you are one of them, please don’t try to go it alone any longer.