Parental Alienation Is Forced Child Abuse!
Withholding a child and denying them from someone they love is equivalent to a death.
Their grief is intense, the pain unbearable. Why would you do such a cruel thing to a child you claim to love?
Understanding Parental Alienation
The term parental alienation refers to a type of child alignment. It is defined as a family dynamic in which, as a result of undue influence by one parent (the “favoured parent”), a child has developed negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviours toward the other parent for no valid or reasonable reason.
The tactics used by the alienating parent include:
- Badmouthing: Regularly criticizing or making negative comments about the other parent.
- Blocking contact: Limiting, interfering with, or refusing visitation and communication.
- Undermining authority: Questioning or dismissing the other parent’s parenting decisions.
- Spying: Asking the child to report on the other parent’s conversations or activities.
- Conditional love: Suggesting that affection may be withdrawn if the child spends time with the other parent.
- Using the child as a messenger: Forcing the child to carry negative or manipulative messages.
- Creating false stories: Spreading untrue or exaggerated claims about the other parent.
- Forcing loyalty and compliance: Involving the child in conflicts and asking them to take sides.
The Impact of Parental Alienation on Children
Divorce and separation are already difficult for families, and when alienating behaviors occur, the harm to children can be profound and long-lasting.
Children exposed to parental alienation may develop:
- Emotional and psychological harm: Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, guilt, and confusion, PTSD are common.
- Damaged parent-child bonds: The relationship with the alienated parent may be weakened—or lost completely—which can affect the child for life.
- Future relationship struggles: These children may have difficulties trusting others, forming healthy attachments, and maintaining long-term relationships as they grow older.
Hated is not an emotion that comes naturally to a child, it has to be taught.
"You’ve got to be taught to hate and fear,
You’ve got to be taught from year to year,
It’s got to be drummed in your dear little ear—
You’ve got to be carefully taught!"
South Pacific Musical, Lyrics By Oscar Hammerstein
Parental Alienation and Why Expert Support Matters
Not everyone who calls themselves a mental health expert in parental alienation is a true expert.
Titles alone do not guarantee expertise.
"Many mental health professionals who are not trained in PA often fail to recognize the prolonged, documented pattern of coercion, obstruction + institutional betrayal allowing the alienation to take root" - Dr. Steven Miller, MD.
What sets Theresa apart is her proven track record of success in/outside of court on cases involving parental alienation. This includes custody reversals, periods of protective separation from the alienating parent, and family intervention programs designed to support the entire family. Added to this is her ability to provide credible expert testimony and a comprehensive list of official training and qualifications outlined in her CV.
When you work with Theresa, you can trust that you are relying on a professional with real, verifiable expertise — backed by both education and results.
If you are dealing with parental alienation, don’t wait — reach out to Theresa today for compassionate, expert guidance.
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