Dr Aisha Ali

Parental Alienation

Expert Psychological Assessments for Court and Legal Proceedings

Parental alienation refers to a pattern in which a child rejects, resists, or fears one parent without a clear or proportionate reason, often in the context of high conflict and psychological pressure from the other parent.

Careful assessment is essential to distinguish between:

  • Alienation, where the child’s rejection is driven by manipulation or denigration

  • Justified estrangement, where the rejection is understandable in light of abuse, neglect, or serious harm

When Is an Alienation Assessment Helpful?

The court may request this type of assessment when:

  • A child refuses contact with one parent

  • There are allegations of manipulation, coaching, or “turning” the child against the other parent

  • There is a long history of conflict or repeated allegations on both sides

The assessment considers the full context, including any history of domestic abuse or safeguarding concerns.

Indicators of Alienation

Research and clinical practice highlight several common features in alienation cases, for example:

  • Strongly negative, one-sided views of the rejected parent, with idealisation of the preferred parent

  • Lack of ambivalence or guilt about rejecting the parent

  • Adult-sounding narratives or language that do not match the child’s developmental level

  • Rigid, “all-or-nothing” beliefs about past events

  • Repetition of the preferred parent’s narrative without nuance

At the same time, the assessment always tests whether the child’s rejection is a protective response to real experiences of harm.

Assessment Methods

A parental alienation assessment typically involves:

  • Separate interviews with each parent, covering history, relationship breakdown, and current concerns

  • Individual sessions with the child or children, adapted to age and developmental stage

  • Observation of contact or attempted contact where it is safe to do so

  • Review of court papers, social care records, school information, and reports from other professionals

The focus is on patterns over time rather than isolated events.

Links to Attachment and Mental Health

Alienation can have long-term consequences for a child’s:

  • Self-esteem and sense of identity

  • Capacity to form trusting relationships

  • Emotional wellbeing and mental health

The assessment links these dynamics to attachment patterns, trauma history, and any additional needs such as ADHD or autism. Where relevant, the report directs the reader to the ADHD & Autism in Family Court page for more information on neurodevelopmental factors.

Recommendations and Care Planning

Recommendations are tailored to:

  • The severity of alienation or estrangement

  • The child’s age and level of distress

  • The level of risk associated with each parent

Options may include:

  • Therapeutic work with the child or family

  • Structured, supported contact

  • In some cases, changes to residence or more substantial shifts in care arrangements

The aim is to support decisions that restore or preserve healthy relationships wherever this is safe and in the child’s best interests.

Instruction and Contact

Dr Aisha Ali accepts instructions from solicitors, local authorities, guardians, and courts across the UK. Assessments can be arranged within agreed timescales, with urgent cases accommodated where possible.

Referrals are handled securely and confidentially in line with data protection and court protocol.

Contact:
For instructions or enquiries, please use the secure contact form or email provided on this site.

CONTACT

 Phone: 0044 7508 161794

Email: draisha.f.ali@gmail.com

Address: Dr Aisha Ali
F04 1st Floor Knightrider House,
Knightrider Street, Maidstone, United Kingdom,
ME15 6LU