Parents · Children · Contact difficulties
Parental Alienation Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy for parents who are distressed by changes in their relationship with a child during or after separation.
When a child resists or refuses contact with a parent, the reasons can be complex. Difficulties can arise from loyalty conflicts, a child’s own experiences, developmental stage, high conflict between adults, or abuse and safety concerns. Therapy does not presume alienation. It offers a careful space to process grief and fear, reflect on what may be happening, and respond in ways that keep the child’s safety and wellbeing at the centre.
In person at our Riverside office in Ottawa, and virtually across Ontario.
Who this supports
- Parents experiencing difficulties in their relationship or contact with a child after separation
- Parents worried that a child is caught in conflict between adults
- Protective parents concerned about a child’s safety
- Adults reflecting on their own childhood experiences of parental conflict
Concerns addressed
What people often bring to this work
- Grief, fear and helplessness when contact with a child changes or stops
- Feeling caught in loyalty conflicts or high conflict between parents
- Uncertainty about what is driving a child’s resistance or distress
- Stress related to family court, parenting plans or professional involvement
- Worries about a child’s exposure to conflict, control or abuse
- Communicating with a child and co-parent in steady, child-focused ways
What psychotherapy may involve
A paced, trauma-informed approach
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Holding the whole picture
Considering the many possible causes of contact difficulties, including safety concerns, without jumping to conclusions.
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Emotional support
Space for grief, anger and fear, so these feelings are less likely to spill into interactions with the child.
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Child-focused responses
Reflecting on communication that reduces pressure on the child and respects their experience.
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Coordinating with other supports
Where appropriate and with consent, considering referrals to legal, family or child-focused services.
Important limits
What this service is not
- Legal advice or representation — please speak with a family lawyer about legal questions
- A custody or parenting assessment, or a recommendation about parenting time
- A forensic opinion, court report or finding about another person
- A crisis or emergency service
- A recommendation to increase or enforce contact — contact is never encouraged where it may be unsafe
Therapy describes behaviours and experiences you bring to session. It does not diagnose or make findings about another person.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Will you tell me whether my child has been alienated?
No. Psychotherapy does not assess children, other parents or family dynamics for court. Those questions belong with qualified assessors and your lawyer.
What if there are safety concerns?
Safety comes first. If there are concerns about abuse or risk to a child or adult, we will talk about safety and appropriate resources, and contact is not recommended where it may be unsafe.
Do you see children for this?
No. This service is individual psychotherapy for adults. We do not provide psychotherapy for children or teens; we can talk about appropriate community resources.
Related services
Related support at the clinic
High Conflict Divorce Psychotherapy
Support for the emotional impact of separation and ongoing conflict.
Post Separation Abuse Psychotherapy
Therapy when control continues after the relationship ends.
Intimate Partner Violence Psychotherapy
Therapy for people affected by abuse in an intimate relationship.
Related articles
Further reading
- Emotion Coaching for Children of High-Conflict Parents
- Helping Children Regulate After Psychological Abuse
- Signs Your Child Is Internalizing Narcissistic Abuse
- Screening for IPV When Children Are Involved
- Communication Boundaries for Co-Parenting Under Stress
- Parenting Plans in High-Conflict Divorce: What Works and What Fails
How to book
Begin with a consultation
You can book a free 15-minute consultation online or contact the clinic to ask questions first. Please use an email address and phone number that only you can access, and let us know the safest way to reach you.
Riverside Office by Billings Bridge · 2211 Riverside Drive, Suite 107, Ottawa, ON K1H 7X5 · Virtual sessions available across Ontario.
If you are in danger
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The clinic is not a crisis service. For crisis lines, shelters, legal resources and victim services, visit HELP NOW.