Alienation and false self in children
The Clinic does not base its work in what has become known as Parental Alienation Theory, but within standard psychodynamic, psychotherapeutic, and child development theory and practice. As such, the Clinic recognises alienation as a relational problem in which a child unconsciously utilises the maladaptive defence of psychological splitting in response to a relational landscape that has become frightening and overwhelming. Such an approach recognises each case as having its own unique dynamics and employs a differential assessment process to identify the specific and particular causes of the child’s rejection together with a treatment route that responds to the individual needs of the child.
Children who are being harmed by, or are at risk from, the parent they are rejecting cannot be said to be alienated and, although children who are rejecting a parent are also unlikely to be spending time with them, simply not spending or being prevented from spending time with a parent, also does not mean that the child is alienated. Alienation, in the way that we recognise it at the Clinic, is rooted in a pathological splitting defense that emerges in the child as a result of the psychological pressure that they are experiencing within the family system.
Recognising alienation as a maladaptive response in the child to unmanageable psychological pressure in the post-separation landscape requires those charged with determining the best interests of the child with looking beyond the narrow confines of
'care and contact' and, instead, treats alienation as a child protection issue. Whilst alienation may, on the surface, look like a problem of a child not spending time with one of their parents, the more serious problem for the child is the unconscious mechanism that enables a child to act counter to the evolutionary imperative to remain in relationship with, and in proximity to, their attachment figures.
The Family Separation Clinic does not use, nor does it support, quasi-diagnostic approaches such as 'eight signs' or what is referred to as the 'Five Factor Model.'
Find out more about psychological splitting and the alienated child [PDF]:
Personal consultation
The Family Separation Clinic is a world leader in understanding alienation reactions in children; how it arises, how it affects children and how to free children from its grip. Our personal consultations focus on exploring and analysing the particular issues you may be facing and beginning to look at the best approaches for dealing with them. We will also begin helping you to think about building strategies for change.
Assessment
The Family Separation Clinic is able to carry out expert assessment and recommendation for treatment in cases where children are rejecting a relationship with one of their parents and demonstrating the signs of emotional harm. In some cases, we may also be able to deliver a programme of treatment, once the court has agreed it. Please note that the Clinic does not carry out psychological or Part 25 Expert assessments.