Research-Driven Consulting
Dr. Kristina Scharp is a leading expert in family communication and relational distancing (e.g., parent-child estrangement, parental alienation, and relationship dissolution). With a PhD and over a decade of research centered on how families navigate disconnection, she brings both scientific rigor and deep compassion to her practice. Dr. Scharp works with individuals and families to understand their unique situation and gain the evidence-based communication skills that can ease the major disruption to their lives.
"Professor Kristina Scharp is one of the most important and original voices in the study of family estrangement today. Her work combines rigorous scholarship with a deep sensitivity to the lived experiences of those navigating fractured family relationships. With more than 100 publications and a remarkable record of award-winning research, she has done more than anyone to bring clarity, nuance, and empirical grounding to a topic that is often misunderstood or oversimplified.
What sets Dr. Scharp apart is her ability to translate complex relational dynamics into insights that are both intellectually sophisticated and profoundly human. Her research illuminates not only why estrangement occurs, but how individuals make meaning of these ruptures over time—offering invaluable guidance for clinicians, researchers, and families alike.
In a cultural moment where estrangement is increasingly common yet poorly understood, Dr. Scharp’s work stands as an essential resource. She is helping to shape the field in ways that will have lasting impact for years to come."
Joshua Coleman, Ph.D.
Author RULES OF ESTRANGEMENT: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict
Core Areas of Expertise
Dr. Scharp’s work is grounded in extensive research, providing scientific clarity to the complex dynamics of relational distancing and family communication.
Relational Distancing
Specializing in:
Parent-Child Estrangement
Grandparent Estrangement
Family Members Caught in the Middle
Parental Alienation
Family Member Marginalization
Relationship Dissolution
Adoption
Family Communication
Better Understand:
Destructive Conflict
Constructive Conflict
Forgiveness/Reconciliation
Providing and Receiving Social Support
Enacting Resilience - Moving Forward
Emotional Responses
Setting Boundaries
Managing Uncertainty
Disclosing to Others
Making Sense of your Family Identity
Education and
Tele-coaching
Get Experience:
Practicing your Communication Skills
Implementing Tailored Feedback
Adapting to Evolving Circumstances
Reflecting on Potential Outcomes
How Dr. Scharp Works With You
Dr. Scharp translates decades of research into a structured, four-pillar process designed to help families and individuals find clarity in the midst of complex communication crises.
- Understanding Your Story: Dr. Scharp begins by listening to your story.
- Goal Setting: Dr. Scharp works with you to establish realistic objectives for your specific situation.
- Strategic Implementation: Receive customized communication education and interaction frameworks backed by research.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous guidance to refine strategies as dynamics evolve, ensuring long-term systemic stability.