Dr. Jan’s LifeWise Words of Wisdom
When life turns up the pressure—whether in your career, your relationships, or your family—you need more than surface-level advice. You need tools that work.
These blogs deliver clear, science-backed strategies to help you think sharply, stay grounded, and take meaningful action.
Whether you’re working to reconnect with an estranged child, strengthen your marriage under pressure, or navigate a pivotal career moment without losing your edge, you’ll find actionable insights here.
No fluff. No toxic positivity. Just real talk about growth, resilience, and lasting change.
Search to find more articles on EXECUTIVE LIFE COACHING, FAMILY ESTRANGEMENT COACHING, COUPLES COACHING, AND INDIVIDUAL THERAPY.
When Every Gift Feels Like a Gamble: Finding Your Ground in Estranged Relationships
Sending a gift feels desperate. Not sending feels like giving up. Discover the "middle path" strategy that lets you stay connected to yourself—even when estrangement makes both choices feel wrong.
How to Find the Right Therapist: The One Question That Matters Most
Feeling stuck, burned out, or just not yourself? Learn the one question that determines whether therapy will work—and why it’s not what you think. Discover how real change starts with the right connection.
Why You Don’t Need to Be a Perfect Mom
Struggling with mom guilt or perfectionism? Discover why being a “good enough” mother is more powerful than chasing the myth of the perfect mom—and how to redefine what it means to raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids.
Rebuilding Bridges: What I’ve Learned About Parent and Adult-Child Estrangement
Estranged from your adult child? Learn why today’s parent-child cutoffs are more common—and more complex—than ever. Discover mindset shifts, resilience tools, and strategic steps to help you stay grounded and open the door to reconnection.
Mom Guilt? How to Give Yourself — and Your Loved Ones — a Break.
Mom guilt: a universal yet rarely discussed challenge of modern motherhood. This article explores the evolutionary roots of maternal guilt, its impact on marriages, and its manifestation across cultures. Learn strategies to balance your role as a mother with your personal identity, and discover how overcoming guilt can strengthen family relationships.
Tired of Being Triggered? How to Not Lose It with the People You Love.
Navigating emotional triggers in relationships can feel like walking through a minefield. Dr. Jan Anderson offers a therapist's perspective on staying calm when tensions run high. Learn counterintuitive yet effective strategies to manage your emotions, from embracing feelings to practicing self-compassion. Discover how these techniques can transform difficult conversations and strengthen your relationships, even in the most challenging times.
The Problem with Relationships: We Crave Connection. That Seriously Freaks Us Out. Here’s How to Handle It.
We crave connection, yet fear vulnerability - it's the ultimate relationship paradox. Dr. Jan Anderson delves into this common dilemma, offering professional insights on why we struggle and how to overcome it. Discover the 'universal law of relationships' and learn practical strategies to balance emotional openness with personal strength. Whether you're dealing with family estrangement or seeking deeper connections, this guide provides a fresh perspective on building healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
When Mother’s Day Hurts
Mother's Day can be a heart-wrenching time for mothers estranged from their adult children. Dr. Jan Anderson delves into this 'silent epidemic,' offering profound insights on why traditional reconciliation methods often backfire and how to navigate this painful journey. Learn counterintuitive yet effective strategies for coping, from backing off to honoring other mothers, and discover how to maintain hope while working towards possible reconnection. This compassionate guide provides a lifeline for those grappling with the complex emotions of parent-child estrangement.
Estranged From Your Adult Child: The Last Thing You Ever Expected
Estrangement from an adult child can be a heart-wrenching experience for parents. Dr. Jan Anderson delves into this increasingly common phenomenon, exploring its causes, emotional impact, and the unique challenges it presents. Discover expert insights on navigating this difficult terrain, from managing complex emotions to understanding societal shifts in family dynamics. Learn how to approach healing and reconciliation while taking care of your own emotional well-being in this compassionate guide for estranged parents.
How to Make Peace with Your Parents – And Just About Anybody Else
Struggling with a difficult parental relationship? Dr. Jan Anderson offers a compassionate, science-backed approach to emotional healing. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, she guides you through the journey of recovery - from accepting reality to setting healthy boundaries. Discover how to find peace and enjoy life, even when reconciliation isn't possible. This insightful guide challenges common misconceptions about forgiveness and provides practical steps towards genuine emotional freedom.

