The issue of parental alienation has been acknowledged and discussed in legal and scholarly literature throughout the United States and Europe for more than two centuries. Unfortunately, discussions regarding this matter have become increasingly contentious. Individuals who have personally encountered instances of alienation-including parents, grandparents, and extended family members-confirm its occurrence, characterizing it as an extremely distressing and traumatic experience for any family to face. In today’s presentation, we will explore how proponents opposing the recognition of parental alienation adopt a fervently dismissive stance that can prove harmful. We will critically address ten key areas where misinformation is commonly spread by deniers of parental alienation. Substantive evidence will be provided to counteract these misconceptions in each area discussed.
Dr. Kathleen M. Reay is an internationally recognized expert in high-conflict divorce, parental alienation, parent-child estrangement, and child emotional abuse and related trauma. Dr. Reay has significant experience providing print, radio, podcast, and television interviews worldwide. Her clinical career has been dedicated to helping alienated children and their families move forward. She has worked with 5,000 plus alienated children and their families in varying roles: clinical practitioner in private practice, child custody evaluator, expert witness, coach, consultant and the Founder
and Clinical Director of the Family Reflections Reunification Program for Severely Alienated Children and Their Families. Dr. Reay is the author or co-author of several peer-reviewed published Parental Alienation research studies. Her 2011 book "Toxic Divorce: A Workbook for Alienated Parents" won International Book Awards in 2012 - 1st Place Winner in the Parenting/Family: Divorce category and Award-Winning Finalist
in the Self-Help: Relationships category. Dr. Reay’s newest book “Blindsided by Parental Alienation: Proven Strategies to Reconnect with Your Child” will be published soon.
Dr. Lynn Steinberg has been a therapist for 50 years. Throughout the years she has focused on domestic violence and sexual abuse. As an expert witness in the courts, she adds to her expertise parental alienation, coercive control and false allegations. She testifies throughout the country and even the world. Dr. Steinberg was the first expert witness to use coercive control as a form of domestic violence and therefore parental
alienation. She has written a book “You’re Not Crazy: Overcoming Parent /Child Alienation”, a self-help book for alienated parents in the court system. Dr. Steinberg has also dealt with the legislature in California regarding Child Testimony in the courts and Kayden’s Law.