Parental Alienation

Do You Feel Your ex has turned your child against you?

If you have been withheld contact from your child mediation can help with any disputes between families that may lead to parental alienation, 

Parental Alienation what is it? How can We Help?

parental alienation
What Is Parental Alienation?

If you find yourself as the alienated parent you will find that the communication breakdown is difficult and painful.

The issue of parental alienation is a complex issue affecting families worldwide. Parental Alienation refers to the deliberate manipulation of a child by one parent (the alienating parent) to distance them from the other parent (the rejected parent). This manipulation often occurs in the context of divorce or separation, where conflicts of interest and negative emotions run high.

In recent years, the concept of Parental Alienation Syndrome has gained recognition, highlighting the severe psychological impact on children subjected to such manipulation. This intersects with various aspects of family law, mental health, and domestic abuse.

Within family court proceedings, identifying and addressing parental alienation poses significant challenges. Legal professionals, mental health professionals, and parenting coordinators play vital roles in navigating these complexities, often requiring robust evidence to intervene effectively.

How Does Mediation Help?

Mediation can be an effective way to resolve disputes between parents and prevent further damage from rejection and parental alienation. Mediation helps both parties communicate more effectively about issues relating to parenting such as living arrangements, contact schedules, education choices, etc., without becoming angry or defensive. It allows for each party’s voice to be heard while being respectful of the other person’s opinion which can help create a more secure environment for the child involved.

 

By having an impartial third-party present during mediation, both sides are encouraged to work out their differences in an amicable manner rather than resorting to vindictive tactics which could sabotage the process or hurt the child involved even further. The mediator also helps ensure that any agreements reached between both parties are fair and equitable which can help foster healthier relationships in the future for everyone involved.

 

Mediation is often seen as a last resort when it comes resolving disputes related to the severity of parental alienation but it should not be taken lightly; mediation can prove invaluable by helping save valuable time and resources while ensuring a positive outcome for all parties involved – especially the child at the heart of it all.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Parental alienation is a situation in which a child becomes estranged from one parent this can sometimes be the choice of the child. This can result in rejection of a parent and a strain on relationships. We can help the voice of the child be heard but also help parents to understand that children are not decision makers. 

The idea of parental alienation can have severe and long-lasting effects on the child, the targeted parent, and the family dynamic as a whole. Consequences may include:

  • Emotional distress and confusion for the child, leading to depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues
  • Strained relationships with siblings and extended family members
  • Loss of a loving and nurturing relationship with the targeted parent
  • Development of trust issues and difficulties in forming healthy future relationships
  • Legal disputes and potential custody battles
  • False belief about a parents actions or behaviours

Family mediation is an effective tool for victims of parental alienation by providing a neutral and supportive environment where parents can work together to address the issues leading to the alienation. Mediators are skilled professionals who facilitate open and productive communication between the parents, helping them to find common ground and reach mutually agreeable solutions. Early intervention from family mediation can assist in addressing parental alienation:

  • Providing an opportunity for both parents to share their concerns, feelings, and goals for their child
  • Helping parents to develop a cooperative co-parenting plan that prioritizes the child’s best interests
  • Encouraging both parents to acknowledge and address any harmful behaviours contributing to the alienation
  • Guiding parents in developing strategies to rebuild trust, improve communication, and establish a healthy dynamic for their children’s lives.

During the early stages of mediation, the parents meet with the mediator in a neutral and confidential setting. The mediator facilitates an open and respectful dialogue where parents can express their concerns and explore possible solutions. The mediator ensures that both parties feel heard and helps them to focus on their child’s best interests. If parents reach an agreement, a detailed written plan outlining the agreed-upon terms is drafted and signed by both parties.

The length of the mediation process can vary depending on the complexity of the issues involved and the willingness of both parents to engage in productive discussions. In general, mediation sessions may last between one to several hours, and several sessions may be needed to address all aspects of the conflict. In some cases, mediation can be completed within a few weeks, while more complex situations may take several months.

The mediation process is inherently focused on finding solutions that benefit all parties involved during a difficult time. Rather than deciding a winner or loser, as in a court setting, the mediator guides parents toward finding common ground and developing a plan that addresses their concerns while prioritizing the well-being of their child. This collaborative approach encourages parental cooperation and empowers parents to create agreements tailored to their unique family situation to work toward building positive relationships.

Are parents aware of the damage they cause?

In many cases, parents are never aware of the damages they cause their children.

Parents think that they are separating or divorcing with good intentions.

They are oblivious of the problems piling on the children and onto the adults they are growing out to be.

Also, it will be very hard for the child to live with the non-resident parent since there is a negative picture painted about them.

When the alienated parent is threatened with withdrawal of contact with the child, then the problem is only escalated, and the child still risks losing the touch of both parents. 

Parental alienation is not limited to divorced parents; it can also affect intact families experiencing difficulties. Recognizing the signs early, such as spending time with one parent being restricted or the child expressing unjustified hostility towards the other parent, is crucial for intervention.  If you are victim of parental alienation speak to our mediators to find out the steps to resolution.

Is Mediation Right For You?

As a couple, if you happen to have gone into business together, in the event of a falling out, hiring the services of a professional mediator is by far the cheaper route to resolving your differences.

Besides being cheap, you will also walk out of there amicably, with a much healthier relationship than if you had taken the matter to the courts instead.

Mediation in the UK is perfect in solving disputes between families; it is less stressful, confidential, non-judgemental, and both parties have an opportunity to walk out of it all in a better relationship with each other, after having reached a mutual agreement on how matters should be handled.