Family Reconciliation Videos

There is probably nothing more painful to parents approaching their golden years, than to know they are estranged from their own children. As experienced psychologists and family therapists, we are often called upon to assist parents and their children in working out their relationship and healing the wounds and pain from the past.

Often when family members are estranged the outward manifestation is seen in anger, withdrawal, and distance. These are external defenses that mask and protect the person against the hurt they feel in their hearts. Often the hurt they feel is so deep, and parents and children are so hurt by previous experiences, that they are not able to discuss problems and resolve them. Any attempt at discussion of the core problems almost always results in more anger, rage, and defensiveness. Because of the love and complex needs of family members, along with the pain and angst behind the core conflicts, it is almost impossible for individuals to resolve their differences on their own.

In creating a Reconciliation Video, we start out with clinical telephone interviews with the client so as to try to understand the nature and history of the estrangement, as well as to obtain their understanding of each family member with whom they are in conflict. These are professional interviews in which we gather as much information as we can. After we understand the hurt and the core problem that underlie the estrangement, we then advise the individuals and assist them by helping them put their honest feelings into the words that are apt to touch and move the core conflict that estranges them. We then film the person sharing from his or her heart and edit it to have the greatest likelihood of touching and softening the heart of the other person.

Of course no one can force an estranged family member to watch a video, but our videos are packaged so professionally that they are enticing. Often the person for whom it is intended will watch it simply out of curiosity. Some will watch it over and again, almost in disbelief that the other person has gone to so much effort to try to heal their wounds. Most recipients of a Reconciliation Video will be deeply moved because of the sincerity expressed by the person who has previously been unable to address the problem with understanding, humility, and a desire to make amends. Not only are these videos professionally done, but their content is usually so appropriate and so genuine that they deeply touch the heart of those for whom they are intended, and often facilitate the reparation of the estrangement.