Parental Alienation: Intervene or Not?
Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 9:00AM 
With special guest:
- Dr Mandy Matthewson
Dr Matthewson is both a University academic and a Clinical Psychologist. She has a particular interest in how father-child relationships influence children’s development as well as the impact of parental alienation.
In this program we are given a preview of what to expect from the results of studies that are currently underway at the University of Tasmania.
We ask Dr Matthewson if the parents who are targeted by parental alienation have any common characteristics, thinking it might make us more cautious before becoming a parent or even to warn others. Is it the nice guys who are most at risk?
In the topical area of family violence should we include parental alienation? What should be the role of our Family Law Courts in combatting the scourge of parental alienation?
Perhaps the most important things we learn from listening to this program are that we cannot let the child decide on such an important issue as limiting the time spent with a parent and nor can we become ‘Pollyannas’, doing nothing and hoping for the best.
It is important that if parental alienation is identified then there is immediate intervention in the family relationship. If a parent refuses to participate that is when the role of the Court becomes important to force recalcitrant parents to seek treatment. This means that there have to be sanctions for a failure to genuinely participate in appropriate therapy once parental alienation is evident.
Until we have the Courts onside and the therapists with suitable training to go beyond the usual family therapy the most important action is to increase awareness of parental alienation and its effects on parents and children in our community. This is perhaps the greatest social issue of our time.
Note: Dr Matthewson will be presenting a symposium Parental alienation in child custody disputes: From heartbreak to resolution at the 2016 Australian Psychological Society Congress in Melbourne on Wednesday 14 September.
Dr Mandy Matthewson
Dr Matthewson is a Lecturer at the University of Tasmania. She also works in private practice as a senior clinical psychologist. She has extensive knowledge and expertise in teaching a variety of core and applied areas of psychology. Her specific areas of teaching interest are in psychological assessment, developmental psychology and counselling and professional practice skills, with an interest in technology enhanced learning and experiential learning.
Dr Matthewson’s research aligns with the University of Tasmania’s research theme of Better Health. Her areas of research include developmental psychology and child psychology. Her research focuses on how family relationships influence children’s psychosocial development.
Song selection by our guest: Reflections by Diana Ross & The Supremes