1059-Overcoming the scars of ACEs and parental alienation

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Parental Alienation Defined

Parental alienation is not abandonment or protecting a child from abuse; it is a form of psychological abuse.
It involves a deliberate campaign of denigration, brainwashing, and manipulation of the child to reject the other parent.

Alienating Behaviors

Alienation occurs when one parent actively manipulates a child against the other parent, which can be unconscious or conscious.
These behaviors involve brainwashing, manipulating, or lying to the child, often supported by family members or other influential figures in the child’s life.

The Impact on Children

Parental alienation disrupts children’s primary attachment bonds, causing deep psychological harm.
Children may develop symptoms like Stockholm syndrome, where they begin to rationalize the alienating parent’s behavior and vilify the targeted parent.

Alienation as an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE)

Parental alienation is considered psychological abuse, one of the categories of ACEs.
It often coexists with other forms of trauma, such as witnessing abuse of the targeted parent, resulting in compounded trauma.

Long-term Psychological and Physical Effects

The chronic stress of alienation can lead to developmental delays, emotional dysregulation, autoimmune issues, and sleep disturbances.
Alienated children often exhibit hypervigilance, impulsivity, and distorted thinking patterns, which affect their relationships and behavior in adulthood.

Types of Alienating Parents

Alienating parents may have their own psychological issues, including codependency, narcissistic tendencies, antisocial traits, or borderline personality disorder.
They often manipulate children out of their fear of rejection, unresolved trauma, or a need to control.

Interventions for Healing

Interventions include creating a sense of safety for the child, addressing internalized negative beliefs, and helping the child develop secure attachments.
Therapy should focus on grieving the loss of the parental relationship and addressing guilt from the manipulation.

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