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Parental Alienation

Parental Alienation

 
 
Parental Alienation Therapy 
Certified Parental Alienation Therapist
 


 
 

Parental Alienation (PA) is the undermining, interfering and destruction of the normal child-parent bond.  The perpetrator of this abuse is referred to as the alienating parent (see below).  The recipient of this abuse is referred to as the targeted parent (see below).  This emotional abuse is either overtly or covertly an unjustified campaign against the targeted parent.  Parental Alienation (PA) is the systematic brainwashing and manipulation of children, through verbal allegations/slander, demeaning gestures/actions, and mannerisms both overt and covert. The child/children are emotionally and psychologically abused into believing the other parent is their enemy. PA is a severe form of emotional and psychological abuse that has life-long damaging effects. The alienation impacts the child/children, the targeted parent, and alienates the child/children from the extended family members, i.e. grandparents and other family members. Adult victims of PA often marry alienators and may become alienated from their own children. Thus, perpetuating the long term trans-generational PA.  Parental Alienation Disorder (PAD) is a clinical diagnosis defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).

Alienating parents may exhibit:

    • Personality and/or Psychiatric Disorders
          • Borderline Personality Disorder
          • Narcissistic Personality Disorder
          • Antisocial Personality Disorder
          • Depression
          • Bipolar Disorder
    • Alcohol and/or Drug Abuse
    • Control issues
    • Overt/covert manipulation
    • Emotional exploitation
    •  False allegations against targeted parent (i.e. abuse/neglectful parenting, sexual molestation, alcohol and/or drug abuse)
    • Repeated breach/contempt of court orders

*Above is sampling/not all inclusive.

 

Targeted parents may experience:

    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Profound grief
    • Confusion
    • Anger/Rage
    • Betrayal
    • Sadness
    • Rejection
    • Feelings of loss
    • Helplessness

*Above is a sampling/not all inclusive.

 

Child/children experiencing Parental Alienation Disorder (PAD) may exhibit the following:

    • Foul language, disrespect, rebellious behavior toward the targeted parent
    • Show no guilt or remorse for the cruelty toward the targeted parent
    • Become bold, demonstrate hate and disdain toward the targeted parent
    • Express support and protection for the alienating parent
    • Claim they are independent thinkers (i.e. “No one told me to do that… or say that.”) protecting the alienating parent
    • Express anger toward the targeted parent’s family (i.e. grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and even pets).
    • Lack of impulse control
    • Behavior problems
    • Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem
    • Sleep disorders
    • Eating disorders
    • Educational problems
    • Poor peer relationships

*Above is sampling/not all inclusive.

 

Child/children experiencing Parental Alienation Disorder (PAD) may have feelings of:

    • Anger/Rage
    • Clinging/separation anxiety
    • Fears/phobias
    • Depression
    • Suicide ideation
    • Panic attacks
    • Sexual identity problems
    • Excessive feelings of guilt

*Above is sampling/not all inclusive.


Our purpose at The Personal Growth Center is to provide education, support, guidance, individual and group support for parents, families, and professionals. Our services are devoted to all aspects of PA and PAD, including: evaluation/assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, counseling, reunification, and parental coordination/co-parenting. Additionally, we specialize in treating all the related issues such as: domestic violence, managing emotions (i.e. anger), addiction related issues, and all areas of abuse (i.e. physical, sexual, psychological, verbal, and emotional). We provide collaboration, and consulting services with religious organizations, legal, medical, educational, mental, and law enforcement professionals.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

The legal system, judges, divorce/family attorneys, guardians ad litem, school guidance counselors, child psychologists, child psychiatrists, marital/family therapists need to be educated and made aware that Parental Alienation Disorder (PAD) is child abuse.  

Below are just some ideas and not limited to:

    • Ongoing counseling with both parents to help them deal with their own emotions and issues
    • Co-parenting the child/children, positive communication. 
    • Independent psychiatric evaluation to determine psychiatric and personality disorders
    • Random toxicology screens for both parents to ensure no drug/alcohol abuse
    • Enforced consequences for breach/contempt of court orders

Reunification with estranged child/children is possible with support from the legal system, guidance, education, awareness through counseling/psychotherapy.  With the goal in mind, what is in the best interest of the child/children!

Let’s keep in mind, our greatest natural resource is our youth!

If you are experiencing or know someone experiencing the effects of Parental Alienation, please contact us at The Personal Growth Center or forward our information to those in need