Books by PASG Members
Many PASG members are faculty members of universities in the United States and other countries. They have engaged in extensive clinical work and research regarding parental alienation. As a group, they have published hundreds of scholarly papers, book chapters, and books, some of which are listed here. The inclusion of any book on this website does not confer approval of the book or its author by the PASG Board of Directors.
Parental Alienation and Parental Alienation Syndrome/Disorder – A serious form of psychological child abuse
Wilfrid von Boch-Galhau | English, 2013
Starting with the ‘Case of Effi Briest,’ as a depiction of PAS in the conditions of 19th century society, the author elaborates the pathogenic consequences of parental alienation, drawing extensively on case studies. He describes this particular form of emotional abuse with its effects both on the children concerned and on the alienated parent. This book can raise the awareness of psychiatrists and psychotherapists to the pathogenesis of adults affected by divorce or separation in their childhood, who exhibit problems relating to self-esteem, identity and relationships, and of parents who sometimes suffer from psychosomatic symptoms or suicidal crises after their children have been induced by abusive programming to break off relations with them.
Using letters from persons affected and transcribed interviews, the author illustrates the eight key symptoms of parental alienation syndrome as identified by R. Gardner, highlighting the need for greater attention to these hitherto neglected biographical aspects of a patient’s medical history. Induced alienation syndrome leads to confusion on the part of the child with regard to their self-perception and their perception by others, to an excessive adherence to the lead of the alienating parent, on whom the child is wholly dependent, to identity diffusion and a false self. The targeted parents predominantly suffer from a sense of powerlessness, especially if institutions, such as youth welfare offices, family courts or even ‘expert witnesses’, ignore or seek to play down the manipulations carried out by the alienating parent.
This highly readable book also points to numerous areas that call for research in the fields of psychotraumatology, psychosomatics and adult psychiatry. It serves to immunize (child) psychiatrists and psychotherapists against possible instrumentalisation by alienating parents to obtain improper treatment or reports in custody and access disputes. The text is extensively annotated, thus providing an overview of nearly 30 years of international research into parental alienation.
Working With Alienated Children and Families: A Clinical Guidebook
Amy J. L. Baker, S. Richard Sauber | English, 2012
This edited volume is written by and for mental health professionals who work directly with alienated children and their parents. The chapters are written by leaders in the field, all of whom know how vexing parental alienation can be for mental health professionals.
No matter how the professional intersects with families affected by alienation, be it through individual treatment, reunification therapy, a school setting, or support groups, he or she needs to consider how to make proper assessments, how to guard against bias, and when and how to involve the court system, among other challenges.
The cutting edge clinical interventions presented in this book will help professionals answer these questions and help them to help their clients. The authors present a range of clinical options such as parent education, psycho-educational programs for children, and reunification programs for children and parents that make this volume a useful reference and practical guide.
Is 5 Too Late?
Rev. Gail L. Rocke | English, 2010
The author said, “I tell the true story of how I came to adopt four children from four different ethnicities. … The book is a step-by-step narration of all significant events relating to the adoption portion of my life.” The main purpose of the book is to make readers aware of the devastating effects that any child’s early childhood experiences can have on him or her. The book considers whether a child is “salvageable” at the age of five years, after experiencing years of neglect, abuse, and trauma after trauma. The author points out how inadequate are the resources available to adoptive families. She brings the readers through her own difficulties, including her divorce, her alcoholism, her suicidality, and, finally, her spiritual awakening.
Freedom of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs
Steven Hassan | English, 2012
In the post 911 world, people are more susceptible than ever to charismatic figures who offer simple, black v. white, us v. them, good v. evil, formulaic solutions. The rise of the Internet; increasingly sophisticated knowledge about how to influence and manipulate others; and the growing vulnerabilities of people across the planet—make for a dangerous, potentially devastating combination. Steven Hassan’s new book Freedom of Mind provides the knowledge and awareness needed to help yourself and loved ones avoid or escape from such dangerous people and situations. The Internet is now the primary vehicle for recruitment and indoctrination. It is also a means for spreading sophisticated information about social psychology, hypnosis, and other techniques of social control, which are being used—in ways both effective and dangerous—by “influence professionals.” Meanwhile, people are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Freedom of Mind provides help for yourself, a loved one, or a friend.
Parental Alienation 911 Workbook
Jill Egizii, Judge Michele Lowrance | English, 2012
This product is ideal for anyone who wants to understand the facts about parental alienation. In particular this product is geared toward arming parents who wonder if they are experiencing alienation with all the information they need to make the best of a difficult, potentially inflammatory situation.
The Parental Alienation Syndrome: A Family Therapy and Collaborative Systems Approach to Amelioration
Linda J. Gottlieb | English, 2012
In this thought-provoking book, Ms. Gottlieb attempts to resolve the controversies surrounding parental alienation syndrome (PAS) by providing substantial empirical evidence from her treatment cases in support of the eight symptoms which child psychiatrist, Richard Gardner, had identified as occurring in the PAS child, and she further exemplifies the commonality of the alienating maneuvers among the alienating parents. Numerous case examples are explored: horrific tales of manufactured child abuse; referrals to child protective services (CPS) resulting in suspension of visits between targeted parents and their children; meritless reports to police alleging domestic violence in support of orders of protection; and exclusionary tactics preventing targeted parents’ involvement in their children’s medical, educational, social lives and activities. Ms. Gottlieb methodically documents that PAS is a form of emotional child abuse of the severest kind. The author provides an unprecedented number of treatment summaries, which demonstrate the effectiveness of structural family therapy in treating the PAS family. This book will be an excellent resource for: parents who are divorcing or are in conflict, adult victims of PAS, judges, law guardians, matrimonial attorneys, therapists, child protective personnel, law enforcement — and for the professional rescuer who believes that a child must be saved from a parent..
Listen to Me!!! Your Child and Your Divorce
Daniel Gottlieb | English, 2012
Listen to ME!!! is a compilation of expressions direct from the minds and hearts of children. All are direct quotes, completely real, taken from deep discussions in the psychologist’s office. These verbatim testimonies make it easy for parents to better understand their children’s emotional experiences throughout the process of divorce. Divorce is an emotional and traumatic process, and in a certain way, it encompasses an element of irrationality, especially when considering its high psychological and economic price. Listen to ME!!! was born from a desire to help parents understand their children. Rather than appealing to their minds, it appeals directly to their hearts. Dr Daniel Gottlieb has written Listen to ME!!!, a powerful book that describes the consequences of divorce for the entire family, based on his experiences as the court-appointed psychologist for hundreds of divorce cases across the country of Israel.
The Essentials of Parental Alienation Syndrome: It’s Real, It’s Here and It Hurts
Robert A. Evans Ph.D., J. Michael Bone Ph.D. | English, 2011
We are seeing an increase in high conflict, adversarial divorce cases in mental health practices and in the courtrooms around the country. These cases present with a significant amount of parental conflict and, as a consequence, represent a threat to the children caught in the middle of these conflicts. Curiously, there is a great commonality among these cases in terms of the tactics alienators use to separate a parent from his or her children. It is almost as if they, the favored parent, were reading from a published playbook. Parental alienation syndrome (PAS) is acknowledged as being controversial within the mental health profession and equally controversial within the legal profession. It is important for professionals to get a sense of both sides of the PAS issue. Whether one uses PAS as a term, the problems brought by these cases are very real. Whether or not it is the appropriate diagnosis or description of behavior in a case must be determined by facts of that case and supported by evidence and data from multiple sources. An appropriate diagnosis and identification of PAS, along with a description of the severity, can make the difference between timely and effective interventions or allowing parents and children to be scarred for the rest of their lives.
Toxic Divorce: A Workbook for Alienated Parents
Kathleen M. Reay | English, 2011
In the 1980s, Dr. Richard A. Gardner, a child and forensic psychiatrist, championed a child custody litigation phenomenon called Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS). Since that time, the PAS phenomenon has gained increased recognition in both the mental health and legal fields. For well over four decades, parental divorce has been determined as the cause of a variety of significant physical, emotional, academic, and social difficulties in children and adolescents. Moreover, high-conflict between divorcing or divorced parents, including the PAS phenomenon, is a noteworthy risk factor for children and adolescents. This workbook is the first of its kind for alienated parents and is divided into three parts. Part One will provide the knowledge and understanding you need to personally deal with the ramifications of PAS or to help those who do. Thus, from a broad perspective this book is written for a wide array of readers including those directly affected by PAS as well as for extended family members, significant others, counselors, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, child custody evaluators, family mediators, general practitioners, pediatricians, family law lawyers, judiciary, police officers, school administrators, school teachers, and policy makers.
Divorced Fathers: Children’s Needs and Parental Responsibilities
Edward Kruk | English, 2011
Once mainly breadwinners and disciplinarians, fathers are becoming increasingly involved and invested in their children’s lives. Examining how this changing role has affected fathers’ experiences of divorce and the loss of guardianship that too often follows, this exploration offers a glimpse into the emotional state and perspectives of fathers during the divorce transition. Ultimately, this account states that children benefit most from the love and support of both parents and argues for active parenting following divorce.
The Good Karma Divorce: Avoid Litigation, Turn Negative Emotions into Positive Actions, and Get On with the Rest of Your Life
Judge Michele Lowrance | English, 2011
The Good Karma Divorce is that rare guidebook that offers a concrete path to transforming painful experience into positive action. Family Judge Michele Lowrance, who experienced her parents’ divorce and two of her own, has developed what Karen Mathis, past president of the American Bar Association, describes as an “inspired and uplifting alternative to the agonizing divorce process.” Over the past four years, Judge Lowrance has seen literally one hundred percent of divorcing couples who applied the practices described in The Good Karma Divorce avoid trial. Firmly entrenched in real-world applicability, The Good Karma Divorce is a must-read not only for people in any phase of a divorce, but for psychologists, psychiatrists, attorneys, judges, and social workers, as well.
Parental Alienation, DSM-5, and ICD-11
William Bernet | English, 2010
Parental alienation is an important phenomenon that mental health professionals should know about and thoroughly understand, especially those who work with children, adolescents, divorced adults, and adults whose parents divorced when they were children. In this book, the authors define parental alienation as a mental condition in which a child – usually one whose parents are engaged in a high-conflict divorce – allies himself or herself strongly with one parent (the preferred parent) and rejects a relationship with the other parent (the alienated parent) without legitimate justification. This process leads to a tragic outcome when the child and the alienated parent, who previously had a loving and mutually satisfying relationship, lose the nurture and joy of that relationship for many years and perhaps for their lifetimes. The authors of this book believe that parental alienation is not simply a minor aberration in the life of a family, but a serious mental condition. Because of the false belief that the alienated parent is a dangerous or unworthy person, the child loses one of the most important relationships in his or her life. This book includes a comprehensive international bibliography regarding parental alienation with more than 600 citations.
Beyond Divorce Casualties: Reunifying the Alienated Family
Douglas Darnall Ph.D. | English, 2010
The companion to Darnall’s bestselling Divorce Casualties, Beyond Divorce Casualties is a workbook for severely alienated children and their parents. The book describes the how and why of unification therapy, how to prepare for reunification, how to effectively work with attorneys, mediators, parent coordinators and counselors, and even how to say “goodbye” if reunification is not possible. This book also provides many real life examples of alienating behavior, exercises, and specific instructions for how to change your feelings and behavior. Importantly, the book’s underlying assumption is that you have the power to change even if you have no power to change the other parent.
Where Did I Go Wrong? How Did I Miss the Signs? Dealing with Hostile Parenting & Parental Alienation
Joan Kloth-Zanard | English, 2013
Where Did I Go Wrong? How Did I Miss The Signs? is a prevention and intervention resource tool for parents, courts, attorney’s, counselors, agencies and anyone else who needs help with high conflict divorce and relationships. From start to finish, this book talks about divorce, marriage, hostile aggressive parenting during and after a divorce, how to deal with this, and help the children to thrive. From cover to cover, this book is filled with information to help stop the snowball affect of high conflict divorce, hostile aggressive parenting, all of which leads to the psychological abuse of the children by destroying their relationship with one of their parents or another relative. It is the hope that this book can help prevent this abuse from happening and help these families to move forward in a healthy, positive and successful way. All proceeds from this book go to Pas Intervention, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
The Look of Love
Jill Egizii | English, 2010
Anna, the wife of a prominent local attorney, has decided enough is enough. After nearly twenty years of marriage, she realizes she must get free from her controlling spouse. In the process, she loses the only thing that made escaping worthwhile-her children. Despite their joint custody agreement, her ex uses his wiles, wealth, and legal experience to exile Anna from the family. Her once “normal” relationships with her son and daughter mysteriously sour. The system, the law, and her faith in herself all seem to fail her at the same time. While facing the fight of her life, Anna realizes the true meaning of friendship and love.
Child Custody Evaluations by Social Workers: Understanding the Five Stages of Custody
Ken Lewis | English, 2009
The arrival of Child Custody Evaluations by Social Workers: Understanding the Five Stages of Custody fills what was previously a void in the child welfare literature by defining the parameters of child custody and advocating the use of a stages model to conduct custody evaluations. Because social workers understand the significance of ecological models and holistic practices for child development, the profession has always played a critical role in conceptualizing and implementing effective child custody evaluations. Therefore, it is fitting that this important work, authored by a veteran social worker, is now available for social work practitioners and legal professionals seeking guidance for best practices in conducting mental health evaluations that serve the ultimate goal of protecting and promoting the optimal development of children and families.
A Family’s Heartbreak: A Parent’s Introduction to Parental Alienation
Michael Jeffries, Dr. Joel Davies | English, 2009
A Family’s Heartbreak: A Parent’s Introduction to Parental Alienation, is the true story of one parent’s struggle to maintain a normal, loving relationship with his young son in the face of overwhelming odds. From the emotionally devastating actions of the child’s other parent, to a court system and mental health community ill-equipped to deal with this destructive family dynamic, A Family’s Heartbreak: A Parent’s Introduction to Parental Alienation, is both an education in parental alienation and an eye opening experience for parents who don’t believe this could happen to them.
Divorce Casualties: Keeping Your Children Close While You’re Breaking Apart
Douglas Darnall Ph.D. | English, 2008
Some parents consciously, blatantly, and even maliciously denigrate their ex-spouse through negative comments and actions. Others simply sigh or tense up at the mention of the targeted parent, causing guilt and anxiety in the children. The result is a child full of hate, fear, and rejection toward an unknowing and often undeserving parent.
Exploring issues such as secrecy, spying, false accusations, threats and discipline, Divorce Casualties recognizes the often subtle causes of alienation, teaching you to prevent or minimize its damaging effects on your children. Dr. Darnall’s practical techniques for understanding the effects of alienation, including characteristics of alienators, symptoms of alienators, a self-report inventory and exercises, and real-life examples, will help even the most well-intentioned of parents renew their commitment to helping their child maintain a healthy, happy relationship with both parents.
Issue Focused Forensic Child Custody Assessment
Eric G. Mart | English, 2007
This is a scholarly analysis of the complex and controversial task of conducting a reasonable child custody evaluation. The author provides an interesting review and analysis of the relevant scientific and legal literature and provides some useful practical suggestions for moving forward. This book will be helpful to practitioners who want to learn more about child custody evaluations.
Children of Divorce: A Practical Guide for Parents, Therapists, Attorneys, and Judges
William Bernet, Don R. Ash | English, 2007
This book speaks to the adults who deal with children of divorce–parents, therapists, attorneys, and judges–and gets them all on the same page. The authors believe that parents and professionals should be able to communicate with a common language regarding the children of divorce. This book contains much specific advice on how to achieve basic goals: children should have a good relationship with both parents; divorced parents should find ways to make life as normal as possible for their children; and divorced parents and their children should accept the inevitable losses and disappointments and move on with their lives. Children of Divorce is organized around the use of parenting plans, agreements that are developed through the collaboration of the parents rather than imposed by a judge.