National Family Mediation Services

What is Parental Alienation?

What is Parental Alienation?

According to Dr Richard A Garner, a child psychiatrist, parental alienation is the process through which one parent influences their child or children to turn against the other parent. He continues to argue that it among the most distressing unfit behaviours that a parent can be involved in for the whole family. Over a period, parental alienation causes psychological issues for children.

In many cases, the father is the one who is subjected to parent alienation though in some cases mothers are also affected. Psychotherapists who deal with children affected by this alienation admit that their process of healing and accepting the alienated parent is quite difficult as they have been conditioned to think negatively of their father or mother. National Family Mediation share the most frequently asked questions when discussing parental alienation.

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Parental Alientation - Your Child Won't talk to you?

In some cases, a child’s fear for their mother or father is warranted, for example, due to abuse. However, there is a big challenge trying to establish whether a parent’s alienation is real or is by deliberate actions of the other parent. The court system, mental health workers and lawyers do not have enough skills and knowledge to ascertain whether the alienation is real or is due to pure malice by one parent.

How to Deal with Parental Alienation.

Our experienced mediators specialize in guiding families through the intricate process of dealing with parental alienation. In mediation, we provide a neutral and supportive environment where both parents can express their concerns, frustrations, and desires for a healthier parent-child relationship. Through open and facilitated dialogue, our mediators work to uncover the root causes of alienation, promote understanding, and collaboratively develop strategies to rebuild trust. By focusing on the best interests of the child, we empower parents to actively participate in creating a more nurturing and inclusive environment, promoting healing and reconciliation.

We believe that mediation offers a unique and effective approach to mitigating parental alienation, allowing families to work together towards a more harmonious co-parenting relationship. By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, we strive to empower parents to break down barriers, rebuild connections, and, ultimately, provide a more stable and loving environment for their children. Our mediation services provide a compassionate and constructive pathway to navigate the challenges of parental alienation, fostering lasting resolutions that prioritize the well-being of the entire family.

can mediation help parental alienation and rebuild trust between parents and children?

Mediation provides a neutral space for parents to discuss concerns, identify the root causes of alienation, and develop strategies to rebuild trust. By fostering open communication, mediators help parents understand each other’s perspectives, allowing for the creation of a co-parenting plan that prioritizes the child’s best interests. Mediation aims to empower parents to collaboratively address the issues contributing to alienation and work towards creating a healthier parent-child relationship.

Mediation cannot guarantee the prevention of parental alienation, but it provides a structured process for addressing and mitigating it. Mediators guide parents through discussions, helping them recognize and rectify behaviours contributing to alienation. The mediator’s role includes facilitating open communication, identifying common ground, and assisting in the development of a co-parenting plan to minimize the risk of alienation.

 

What strategies can help parents overcome the challenges of parental alienation during mediation?

Mediators often encourage parents to adopt active listening, empathy, and non-confrontational communication. Acknowledging each other’s perspectives, focusing on the child’s needs, and avoiding blame can foster a more constructive dialogue. National Family Mediation Services provides a controlled environment for parents to express concerns and emotions, facilitating healthier communication and problem-solving.

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