False Allegations of Parental “Alienation” (Part 2)

The effects of being involved in disputes where untrue claims of parental alienation are made can have profound and multifaceted impacts on children, touching on emotional, physical, social aspects, and their place within the family dynamic. The repercussions can vary widely depending on the individual child, the specifics of the family situation, the length of the legal conflict, and the support systems in place. Here are some of the potential effects on children:

Emotionally

- Increased Anxiety and Stress: Children may experience heightened anxiety and stress due to the conflict between their parents and the pressure to align with one parent over the other. This can lead to long-term anxiety disorders.

- Depression: The emotional turmoil and feeling torn between parents can contribute to symptoms of depression in children.

- Low Self-Esteem: Children might internalize the conflict and blame themselves for their parents’ issues, leading to decreased self-worth and self-esteem.

- Fear and Confusion: They may fear losing one or both parents or be confused about whom to believe or trust, which can impact their sense of security and stability.

-In therapy there tends to be a decrease in the child’s willingness to speak up because they are fearful what is said during the therapeutic process will ultimately “hurt” the other parent.

- As a therapist, or Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), it is crucial to understand childhood developmental in this process. Generally speaking, children ages 3-8, will answer questions in a way to appease the person asking.

-When assessing for parental alienation, or untrue claims, the therapist or GAL needs to be aware that younger children are already in a heightened emotional state, where reading and monitoring the emotions of one parent has been normalized. Due to this emotional monitoring, the younger child will have a continued desire to please the assessor.

-Almost in the reverse, children 9-12 have learned the ins and outs of meeting with therapists, GAL’s etc, and have learned that in some cases, what they say ultimately will be used in court. Therefore, children in these age ranges, the mental health professional or attorney must establish trust with the child and take care to only provide information that is absolutely necessary for the best interest of the child.

-When understanding the emotional concerns of a teenager who has been aligned with a parent who has made false claims of parent alienation, listening, and compassion, with gentle compassions are key. This is a time when reunification therapy may be appropriate. -Reunification therapy is a complicated process, and one that must be taken with care and caution. This will be addressed in more detail in a later blog post. However, an important note to reunification therapy is the therapist must be trained and competent in Reunification Therapy, not just family therapy. Also, there has been a recent focus of “Reunification camps,” and these are not supported by the evidence or literature, or are they beneficial in the long run.

Physically

- Stress-Related Health Problems: Chronic stress can manifest physically, leading to headaches, stomachaches, and other stress-related health issues.

- Sleep Disorders: The emotional distress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or other sleep disorders.

- Neglect of Physical Health: In severe cases, the child's physical health may be neglected if the custodial parent is too embroiled in legal battles or if the child is placed with an abusive parent.

- This can also be seen in the other direction where a parent will use physical ailments to keep the child from the alienated parent. An example of this would be where after visitation with the alienated parent, the child is “sick” or must but kept away from the other parent.

Socially

- Isolation from Peers: The intense focus on family issues can lead children to withdraw from friendships and social activities, leading to isolation.

- Difficulty in Forming Healthy Relationships: Experiencing or witnessing manipulation can impair a child's ability to trust others and form healthy relationships in the future.

- Conflict with Authority Figures: Children may display increased defiance or trouble with authority figures, mirroring the conflict dynamics they witness at home.

Within the Family

- Strained Parent-Child Relationships: Regardless of the outcome, allegations of parental alienation can strain the child's relationships with both parents — one being seen as the aggressor and the other as the victim.

- Sibling Separation or Strain: If siblings are split between parents or disagree on the family dynamics, this can lead to separation or strain in their relationships.

- Generational Impact: The patterns of behavior and conflict witnessed can impact not only the child's current family relationships but also their future family dynamics and parenting style.

- When including step-siblings and step-parents, sometimes the step-parents or step-siblings can be used as scapegoats for the actual problem of untrue claims. The child will focus on their extended family instead of discussing the family of origin.

Long-Term Effects

- Trust Issues: Experiencing manipulation or being caught in the middle of parental conflict can lead to long-term trust issues in personal relationships.

- Repeating Patterns of Behavior: Children may unconsciously replicate the abusive or manipulative behaviors in their own adult relationships, continuing the cycle of dysfunction.

-What does the above statement look like in adult relationships? Constant worrying, feelings of not being good enough, subject to manipulation and/or increase in manipulation in rleationships.

- Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Ongoing emotional turmoil can affect a child's ability to regulate emotions, leading to potential difficulties in managing anger, sadness, or frustration.

Any (and certainly, all) of these issues can have lasting negative impacts on the lives of children. Addressing these impacts requires a supportive, understanding approach that prioritizes the child’s well-being, mental health, and stability. Therapy and counseling, along with stable, loving care from non-abusive family members, can help mitigate some of these effects. It is crucial for involved professionals (e.g., judges, custody evaluators, therapists) to be aware of the nuanced dynamics at play in cases involving false claims of parental alienation and to approach these situations with the child’s best interests at the forefront.

Written by Matt McDaniel, MA, LPC

False Allegations of Parental“Alienation”

Claims of parental alienation are a complex and contentious issue within family law, especially in cases involving custody disputes. Parental alienation is often defined as one parent, often described as the alienating parent, supposedly manipulating a child to reject the other parent, diminishing the child’s affection for and relationship with the other parent. This phenomenon, whether real or alleged, can significantly impact custody decisions in divorce and separation cases.

It is important to note this article is about abusers making false claims against victim parents, not legitimate claims of abuse or neglect.

Abusers often use claims of parental alienation strategically in several ways to gain custody of their children from their victim spouses:

As a Deflection Tool:

Abusers often accuse the victim spouse of alienating the child from them to deflect from their abusive behavior. By shifting the focus to the alleged alienation, the abuser draws attention away from their actions and reframes the narrative to depict themselves as the victim of manipulation and unfair treatment. Examples of this can include emotional abuse, substance abuse, physical abuse of the partner or children, and sexual abuse. While not always, accusations of abuse tend to follow a pattern from least harmful, such as yelling at the child, to most harmful such as sexual abuse against the child.

To Undermine the Victim’s Credibility:

By claiming the victim is engaging in alienating behaviors, the abuser attempts to undermine the victim’s credibility in the eyes of the court. This is particularly effective if the abuser can elicit or exaggerate responses from the child that seem to support their claims, thereby questioning the victim’s suitability as a primary caregiver. To understand an example of this, think back to when you were a child and someone would put their finger in your face and say, “I’m not touching you.” When you respond, whether by screaming or defending yourself, what happens? You got in trouble. The same is true for victims. They respond to the stimuli (or the finger in the face) and are seen as “crazy” or “alienating.”

Exploitation of the Legal System:

Abusers often use the legal system to their advantage by presenting claims of parental alienation, knowing courts take such accusations seriously. The legal process then becomes a tool for continuing abuse, with the abuser using litigation to harass the victim, drain their resources, and prolong conflict. In doing so, the abuser hopes to wear down the victim and achieve a more favorable custody outcome. Most of us believe “Justice will prevail.” However, being forced back into court every few months is difficult at best. There are no guarantees in court. There is also an increase in anxiety that the abuser will be believed, and they will not get to see their children. Not to mention the extreme monetary cost and amount of time required to get through this process.

Another facet of exploiting the legal system, which will be covered in a later blog post is vexatious litigation which is defined as when a person repeatedly abuses the judicial process, using it for frivolous or malicious purposes (Fla. Stat. § 68.093)

Influence on Custody Evaluations:

Claims of parental alienation also significantly influence custody evaluations. Courts often rely on mental health evaluations to understand family dynamics better and make decisions in the child’s best interest. If an evaluator is convinced of alienation, this can lead to recommendations that favor the abuser, under the presumption that restoring the child’s relationship with the alienating parent is paramount. Meeting custody evaluators, Guardian’s Ad Litem, and mental health professionals who are all attempting to do what is in the best of the child is exhausting. Throughout their education, mental health professionals are taught to provide a non-judgmental space for healing. However, in custody cases, there is judgement placed on the actions, behavior, and statements of the parents. Since the victim has been accused of alienation, they are fearful of more accusations and how they are being perceived.

Impact on the Child's Voice:

In some cases, the child’s legitimate concerns about or fear of the abuser may be dismissed as the product of alienation. This can result in the court discounting the child’s expressed preferences or experiences with the abuser, potentially placing the child in an environment where they are not safe or comfortable. If you are serving as a child’s therapist in this type of case, it is imperative to hear their voice because so often their wants and needs are overlooked. While there is nuance to this, if a child does not feel safe with the abuser despite no “external” concerns, you need to be paying attention.

Manipulation of Parent-Child Relationships:

By alleging alienation, abusers manipulate parent-child relationships to their advantage. The legal focus shifts towards addressing the alienation, often involving therapy or intervention to “correct” the supposed alienation. This process further traumatizes the child and victim spouse, disrupts healing, and entrench the abuser’s control and influence over the family dynamics. Reunification therapy is difficult. It is hard on the child. However, if the child was never alienated, it is not warranted, therefore it should not be done. Unfortunately, many courts are quick to recommend this process, in the absence of better alternatives. If you are a therapist who finds yourself in a case where reunification is ordered but it becomes apparent you are doing reification therapy WITH the abuser, you must speak up.

The use of parental alienation claims by abusers in custody cases is a contentious topic, and responses from the legal system can vary widely. It is important for courts to carefully consider the context of each family’s situation, including the history of abuse, to ensure that claims of parental alienation are not used to further victimize the abused spouse or negatively impact the children involved. Mental health professionals, legal experts, and child advocates often emphasize the need for nuanced understanding and careful evaluation in such cases to protect the best interests of the child while ensuring the safety and rights of all parties are respected.

Written by Matt McDaniel, MA, LPC

What is a Communication Coach?

A communications coach specializes in enhancing an individual's communication skills. This type of coaching focuses on improving the way a person expresses themselves verbally, non-verbally, and in written form. The goal is to make communication more effective, clear, and impactful, whether in personal, professional, or public settings.

Key areas a communications coach may address include public speaking, interpersonal communication, presentation skills, and assertiveness. They work on aspects like clarity of speech, tone, body language, listening skills, and the ability to tailor messages to different audiences. Coaches often use techniques like role-playing, feedback, and practical exercises.

This coaching is beneficial for professionals aiming to improve their leadership communication, individuals looking to enhance personal relationships, or those who face challenges in being understood or in understanding others. Effective communication coaching can lead to better workplace dynamics, enhanced personal relationships, and improved confidence in various social and professional situations.

In summary, a communications coach empowers individuals to convey their ideas confidently and effectively, leading to personal and professional growth.

For more, better information, check out Gina Loretelli here: http://www.thrivingtogetherglobal.com/our-team.html

Mental & Behavioral Health Testing by Counselors

In the United States and many other countries, Licensed Counselors are trained and authorized to perform certain types of mental & behavioral health testing and to diagnose mental illness. However, the scope of their practice can vary based on their specific qualifications, the type of license they hold, and the regulations of the state or country in which they practice.

Here’s a general overview of testing by Licensed Counselors:

Qualifications of Licensed Counselors

1. Education: Typically, Licensed Counselors have completed a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field.

2. Training: Their training includes courses in psychopathology, psychological assessment, and intervention strategies.

3. Supervised Experience: They undergo supervised clinical experience before obtaining licensure.

Scope of Practice

1. Psychological Testing: Licensed Counselors can administer and interpret certain psychological tests, especially those related to their areas of expertise. However, the administration of more complex psychological tests, like those for neuropsychological assessment, is often reserved for psychologists or neuropsychologists.

2. Diagnosing Mental Illness: Counselors are trained to recognize and diagnose mental health disorders. They use their training and tools like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) for diagnosis.

Limitations

Varied Regulations: The scope of practice for counselors can vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another. Some regions may place more restrictions on the types of tests they can administer or limit certain aspects of diagnosis.

Ethical Considerations

Competence: Ethical guidelines require counselors to only practice within the bounds of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, and the professional standards of their region.

Conclusion

While Licensed Counselors are qualified to perform certain types of psychological testing and diagnose mental illness, their specific capabilities can vary based on their training, licensure, and local regulations. They play a critical role in the mental health field.

What is a Forensic Counselor?

A Forensic Counselor is a mental health expert who applies counseling skills in legal and criminal justice contexts. They integrate mental health principles with legal processes, providing services that are critical for both the justice system and the individuals within it.

Forensic Counselor roles include:

Assessment and Evaluation

1. Competency Evaluations: Assessing if an individual is mentally competent to stand trial, understand legal proceedings, and make informed decisions.

2. Risk Assessments: Evaluating the risk of future criminal behavior, especially in the context of parole decisions or sentencing.

3. Mental State Examinations: Determining an individual’s mental state at the time of an offense, which is often crucial in cases involving insanity defenses or mitigating factors in sentencing.

Counseling and Treatment

1. Rehabilitation and Treatment: Providing therapy and counseling to offenders, aiming to address underlying psychological issues and prepare them for reintegration into society.

2. Crisis Intervention: Offering support in crisis situations, particularly in prisons or juvenile detention centers.

Legal Consultation and Testimony

1. Expert Testimony: Providing expert opinions in court cases, especially on matters related to mental health, competency, and risk assessments.

2. Consultation: Advising legal teams on psychological aspects of cases, including insights into a defendant’s mental health.

Research and Training

1. Policy Development: Contributing to the development of policies and practices that intersect mental health and law.

2. Education: Training law enforcement, legal professionals, and other counselors on issues at the nexus of mental health and criminal justice.

Ethical and Professional Standards

Confidentiality and Ethics: Navigating complex ethical issues, especially regarding client confidentiality and professional conduct within the legal framework.

In summary, Forensic Counselors play a vital role in bridging mental health services and the legal system, providing assessments, treatment, and expert insight crucial for informed legal decision-making.

AAFP: Pioneering Next-Generation Approaches in Forensic Science and Behavioral Health

 In an era of rapid technological advancement and shifting societal norms, the American Association of Forensic Professionals (AAFP) is at the forefront, pioneering next-generation approaches in forensic science and behavioral health. With a vision that looks firmly to the future, AAFP is dedicated to revolutionizing the field, embracing innovation, and setting new standards of professional excellence.

Innovation at the Core

At the heart of AAFP’s mission is a commitment to innovation. This means not just keeping pace with developments but actively contributing to them. By leveraging cutting-edge research and technology, AAFP members are able to tackle the complexities of modern forensic challenges with precision and foresight. From digital forensics to neuroscientific applications in legal contexts, AAFP is guiding the forensic profession into uncharted territories with confidence and expertise.

Education and Continuous Learning

The landscape of forensic science and behavioral health is not static, and neither are the educational initiatives of the AAFP. Recognizing the power of knowledge, the AAFP has instituted robust continuing education programs designed to empower professionals with the latest knowledge and tools. Through seminars, workshops, and e-learning modules, members engage with emerging trends and technologies, ensuring that their skills remain at the cutting edge.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Understanding that the most significant breakthroughs often occur at the intersection of disciplines, AAFP champions interdisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together experts from diverse fields such as psychology, law enforcement, legal studies, and technology, AAFP fosters a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. This collaborative spirit not only enhances the quality of forensic work but also ensures a holistic understanding of the human behaviors underpinning legal issues.

Ethical Leadership

As we step into the future, ethical considerations remain paramount. AAFP leads by example, integrating ethical leadership into all facets of its operations. The Association upholds stringent ethical guidelines, ensuring that the pursuit of innovation does not come at the cost of human dignity or justice. It’s a delicate balance between what can be done and what should be done, and AAFP navigates this with unwavering integrity.

Cultural Competence

In a globalized world, cultural competence is crucial. AAFP actively works towards enhancing the cultural literacy of its members. The Association understands that forensic professionals must be able to operate within the cultural frameworks of the populations they serve. To this end, AAFP provides resources and training aimed at promoting sensitivity and understanding across cultural boundaries.

Advocacy and Public Engagement

AAFP also extends its influence beyond professional circles, engaging with the public and advocating for informed policy-making. By demystifying forensic science and promoting public understanding, AAFP ensures that the value of forensic expertise is recognized and that the justice system reflects the advancements in the field.

Looking Forward

As we look to the horizon, AAFP remains steadfast in its role as a beacon of progress. Whether it’s through groundbreaking research, policy advocacy, or public education, the Association is not just keeping pace with the future; it is actively creating it. In every endeavor, AAFP embodies the pioneering spirit, ready to illuminate the path for the next generation of forensic professionals.

For those ready to join this vanguard, AAFP is not just an association; it is a movement. A movement that promises to redefine the landscape of forensic science and behavioral health, ensuring that each step taken is a step toward a future where justice, ethics, and scientific excellence converge.

Unveiling the Future of the AAFP Blog: A New Avenue for Insights and Expertise in Forensics

Introduction:

Welcome to the official blog of the American Association of Forensic Professionals, Inc. (AAFP). As we embark on this new journey, our blog aims to serve as a dynamic platform that bridges the gap between our members and the vast, ever-evolving world of forensic science. Through this medium, we plan to delve into a multitude of topics that are not only pivotal to our members but also to the public, who share a vested interest in the field of forensics.

Educational Insights:

One of our primary goals is to offer a rich source of educational content. This will include detailed explorations of new techniques, tools, and methodologies in the field of forensic science. We understand that continuous learning is a cornerstone of professional development, especially in a field as intricate and rapidly advancing as forensics. Therefore, our blog will feature articles and interviews with experts, sharing their knowledge and experience to foster a deeper understanding of complex forensic topics.

 Research Highlights:

Research is the backbone of forensic science, and our blog will emphasize this by showcasing the latest studies, findings, and innovations. We aim to provide summaries and analyses of recent research papers, making them accessible and comprehensible to our readers. By highlighting these advancements, we hope to encourage discussions and collaborations that could lead to groundbreaking developments in the field. 

Case Studies and Analysis:

Forensic science is not just about theories and research; it's also about real-world applications. Our blog will feature case studies that demonstrate the practical application of forensic techniques. These articles will not only illustrate how forensic science is employed in solving crimes but also shed light on the challenges and ethical considerations involved in these processes.

Expert Opinions and Commentary:

In a field as complex as forensics, expert opinions are invaluable. Our blog will provide a platform for seasoned forensic professionals to share their views on various topics. This could range from commentary on high-profile cases to opinions on emerging forensic technologies and methodologies. These insights will serve to stimulate thought-provoking discussions and offer different perspectives to our readers.

Public Engagement and Education:

Forensic science has a significant impact on society, and public understanding is crucial. Our blog will strive to demystify forensic processes and explain how they contribute to the justice system. We aim to make forensic science accessible to the public, educating them on its importance and role in everyday life.

Collaborative Efforts:

The AAFP blog will not operate in isolation. We plan to collaborate with other organizations, educational institutions, and experts to bring diverse viewpoints and comprehensive coverage of various topics. These collaborations will enhance the quality of our content and help us in building a broader community engaged in forensic science.

Conclusion:

As we set forth on this exciting journey with the AAFP blog, we invite our members and the public to join us in exploring the fascinating world of forensic science. Our commitment is to provide a platform that is not only informative and educational but also engages and inspires all those interested in the field. We look forward to your participation and feedback as we continue to grow and evolve this platform into a cornerstone of forensic science discourse.

Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, and let’s embark together on this enlightening journey through the world of forensics!