It’s often the case that the alienating parent may exhibit untreated mental health issues. These issues can range from personality disorders like narcissism or borderline personality disorder to unresolved trauma or attachment issues. However, rather than addressing these issues, the pathogenic parent tends to project their own shortcomings onto the targeted parent. This projection serves as a defence mechanism, allowing the pathogenic parent to avoid taking responsibility for their behaviour and deflecting attention away from their own mental health challenges. Instead, they attribute all wrongdoing to the targeted parent, painting them as the sole source of problems within the family dynamic.
Often, the ‘target’ parent has done what they can to encourage the pathogenic parent to seek help but is met with resistance or denial. As a result, the alienated parent is often seeking help to help them cope with an ex who refuses to admit they need help! They may undergo therapy or counselling to help them navigate the complexities of parental alienation and develop coping strategies to protect their well-being and maintain a healthy relationship with their child despite the obstacles posed by the pathogenic parent.
I look forward to the day when there’s a wider public understanding of what we call ‘parental alienation’ (child psychological abuse) and support, interventions, education, and a focus on encouraging the pathogenic parent to seek professional help.
Meanwhle, every day, these posts go out, hoping to help you feel less alone, hoping to help you understand the pathology, so it lightens your load a little. I know I felt so incredibly isolated (over 20 years ago when I first started on this road) myself. Stay strong. Don’t ever lose hope. My children returned. It took a while, but make sure you live your life and don’t get overcome with grief and anger. Do what you can to let that go, and strive to be happy. Reach out if you want to know more about how I can help more with my program and coaching.
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#parentalalienationcoach
#narcissisticabuseawareness
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