Parental Alienation and Levels of Rejection

Parental Alienation and Levels of Rejection

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


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