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Sibling Estrangement: Why It Happens and How to Heal (for Adult Sisters)

When Sisters Drift Apart

You used to be close. Or maybe you were never that close to begin with. But now, there’s silence. Distance. Maybe even resentment. And the longer it goes on, the harder it feels to bridge the gap.

Sibling estrangement—especially between adult sisters—is more common than most people realize. However, because it’s rarely discussed, many women bear the weight of it alone.


At Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services (NJCCS), we specialize in helping adult sisters reconnect, rebuild, and repair their relationships. Through trauma-informed counselling tailored specifically for adult siblings, we provide a space where hurt can be explored and healing can begin.


Why Do Adult Sisters Become Estranged?

Every sister relationship is unique, but here are some of the most common reasons adult sisters grow apart:


Unresolved Childhood Conflict

Past hurts, sibling rivalry, or perceived favouritism often resurface in adulthood if never addressed (Recupero, 2022).


Poor Communication Patterns

Misunderstandings, passive-aggression, or emotional shutdowns can slowly damage connection over time (Agllias, 2018).


Major Life Transitions

Illness, caregiving, death of a parent, marriage, or divorce can shift dynamics and spark conflict, especially when expectations are unclear.


Family Roles and Expectations

Old roles (e.g., “the responsible one” vs. “the rebellious one”) can limit how sisters see and support each other into adulthood (Cicirelli, 1995).


Unspoken Jealousy or Comparison

Differences in success, relationships, or lifestyle can breed quiet resentment if not openly acknowledged (Sherman, 2020).


Trauma or Betrayal

Events like abuse, abandonment, or breaches of trust—especially when family dismisses them—can fracture bonds deeply (Agllias, 2017).


💡 Estrangement doesn’t always come from one big event. Sometimes it’s the slow build-up of pain, silence, and miscommunication over the years.


5 Signs It’s Time to Heal Your Sister Relationship


🔹 You miss her but don’t know how to reconnect.

🔹 Family gatherings feel tense or awkward.

🔹 You feel stuck in the same conflict loop over and over.

🔹 Your sibling’s absence is affecting your well-being.

🔹 You want closure or clarity, even if you don’t end up close again.


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How Sister Counselling at NJCCS Can Help

At NJCCS, we offer virtual counselling for adult sisters across Ontario. Our sessions are a non-judgmental space to unpack what’s happened, what each sister needs, and how to move forward—together or separately—with more peace.


✨ Benefits of counselling for sisters include:

  • Healthier communication (even around hard topics)

  • Conflict resolution tools that actually work

  • Strategies for navigating family drama or blended families

  • Greater compassion and understanding

  • Support in setting boundaries and honouring each other’s growth


Whether you’ve been estranged for years or you’re just beginning to feel a growing emotional distance, it’s never too late to try a different way.


Ready to Rebuild? Let’s Talk.

Reconnecting with your sister can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. With compassionate support and expert guidance, healing is possible.


Reach out today to explore how we can support your journey.



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Sources

Agllias, K. (2017). Family estrangement: A matter of perspective. Routledge.Agllias, K. (2018). “Missing family: The adult child’s experience of parental estrangement.” Journal of Social Work Practice, 32(1), 59–72.Cicirelli, V. G. (1995). Sibling relationships across the life span. Springer.Recupero, P. R. (2022). “Why Siblings Stop Talking—and How to Mend the Rift.” Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.comSherman, T. (2020). “When Adult Siblings Fall Out: Understanding Sibling Estrangement.” BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com

Want More Support for Your Professional & Personal Growth?

🔷Try Potential Unlocked™


In addition to counselling, NJCCS offers coaching through our sister brand, Potential Unlocked™, designed specifically for professional women navigating career, leadership, and life transitions.


We support clients with:

  • Communication and conflict strategy in the workplace

  • Career development and leadership coaching

  • Navigating workplace dynamics and burnout recovery

  • Building confidence in both personal and professional relationshipsOnline dating empowerment coaching (because personal growth impacts professional life too!)


👉 Visit www.potentialunlocked.ca to learn more or book a free 10-minute consultation call.


Healing a sister bond takes courage. And stepping into your full potential does too. Let us walk with you.

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