WHAT IS PARENTAL ALIENATION?
Parental Alienation is a serious mental condition that affects hundreds of thousands of children and families (Lorandos et al., 2013, p.5)
The condition is explained as the child being invited to become involved into the married couple’s struggle by the misleading, alienating parenting practices of the hypothetically favoured parent that creates a parent-child alliance against the other parent (Childress, 2014).
The alienation of a child from their parent after the ending of a romantic relationship has been the cause of many psychological, legal and media controversy (Kelly & Johnston, 2001). Despert (1953) wrote about the temptation that parents who remain with the child/children face, that is, whether to break down the love the child/children have for the parent who is not present. A child and parent teaming up to provide an influence on the other parent is also discussed by Westman et al (1970).
WHERE DO WE SEE PARENTAL ALIENATION?
Parental alienation is something which happens throughout the world and has been studied worldwide. Although Gardner is highly associated with studies on parental alienation, many other studies were being carried around the world at the same time on the same concept (Lorandos et al., 2013).
PARENTAL ALIENATION – IS THIS A NEW TREND?
A parent actively putting in effort to alienate their child from the other parent by one means or another has been happening ever since families have existed, and the impression that parental alienation is something new, or even worse, that it does not exist, is clearly opposed by history (“PsychLaw » the history of parental alienation in the courts,” 2016).
Poisoning the child’s mind, inoculating the child with hatred, and alienating the child (Lorandos et al., 2013, p. 292)
The above are words which have been used throughout history, proving that parental alienation is not something recent. Some of the many cases which date back include King v. De Manneville, 1804, Shelley v. Westbrook, 1817, Earl of Westmeath v. Countess of Westmeath, 1826 (Wright, 2002).
PARENTAL ALIENATION AND THERAPY
A common misconception is that traditional therapy will work with children who are severly alienated. This is not the case. Parental alienation requires specified techniques from individuals who are specialised. Another blog post explaining misconceptions related with parental alienation will be published soon.
Here at Iftaħ Qalbek we can help during this difficult time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us (via call or WhatsApp) on 77771237, through our contact page on our website or email on [email protected] for more information on how we can help you.