Parental Alienation is when a child allies himself or herself strongly with one parent (the preferred or favored parent) and rejects a relationship with the other parent (the alienated or rejected parent). The rejection does not have legitimate justification. In other words, if a child rejects a parent because the parent has physically abused the child, this is not parental alienation.
Parental Alienation May be Mild, Moderate or Severe
- Mild Cases: Occur when the child resists contact with the rejected parent but once the child is acclimated, the relationship resembles normalcy.
- Moderate Cases: Occur when the child strongly resists contact and is persistently oppositional. The favored parent may intentionally or unintentionally make denigrating remarks about the other parent to the child.
- Severe Cases: Occur when the child adamantly refuses contact, may hide, threaten to harm himself /herself, and/or runs away. In severe cases court orders are blatantly ignored by the favored parent.
What Can a Parent Do?
- First education and awareness are key. Treatment will depend on the severity of the case and should be specific to your situation.
- Secondly, parents may need both the help of an attorney and a mental health professional. When seeking the help of a mental health professional, you should ensure the therapist is experienced in treating both child psychological abuse as well as family systems.
- Lastly, it is also essential to verify that he/she has extensive documented experience and training applicable to treating parental alienation.
Citations:
- A continuum of children’s relationships with parents after separation and divorce. ~ Adapted from Kelly & Johnston, 2001.
- Parental Alienation: The Handbook for Mental Health and Legal Professionals.
Copyright © 2018 by Monika Logan, M.A., LPC, LSOTP
