Alienation in Families: On Reflection and Action

Professionals who work with families are familiar with situations in which one separated parent turns a child against the other parent for no good reason. In addition - and topical given the new law on coercive control - emotional abuse is hard to detect and understand. Alienation is a relational concept that has been used in many ways. Thinking about its meanings can transform what we do. In this absorbing and inspirational lecture Nick will argue that a better understanding of the concept could change lives.

About Nick

Nick Child is a retired CAMHS psychiatrist. He was taught by Jock Sutherland and has actively promoted psychoanalytical psychotherapy, family therapy, and child psychotherapy. He organised the Pitlochry Conference in the 1980s. Since retiring, Nick has worked part-time in the small family therapy team at Bright Light relationship counselling. Campaigning to promote family therapy in the non-statutory sector, coincided with his learning more about Parental Alienation from a client.