Parental Alienation has been defined as a group of behaviors that effect a child’s mental and emotional well-being and can interfere with a relationship of a child and either parent. These behaviors are often accompanied by high conflict marriages, separation or divorce. These behaviors, whether verbal or non-verbal, can cause a child to be mentally manipulated into believing a loving parent is the cause of all their problems, and/or the enemy, to be feared, disrespected or avoided.  Obviously, these behaviors can impede a child’s upbringing which means any behaviors from either parent should be caught early and treated before further …

One of the hardest tasks that parents face when going through the divorce process is creating a parenting plan that works for the children and both of the parents. To complicate matters, if one parent decides that it is necessary to move a significant distance from the other, the ability to negotiate details and compromise on small issues diminishes. Bottom line – one parent often feels as if they are getting the very short end of the stick. The idea of being physically far from one’s child can evoke some very STRONG emotions, so naturally, these cases tend to be …

How can a forensic psychologist help my parenting plan dispute? The following roles are offered by Dr. Kristin Tolbert, a Florida Licensed Psychologist, and the diligently selected clinicians at the Psychological Center for Expert Evaluations, Inc. in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.Psychological Evaluation (initial evaluator)A forensic “Social Investigation”, also referred to as a “Child Custody Evaluation” is an important tool often used by the Court to assist in determining custodial arrangements of the children involved. The Court typically orders an evaluation when litigants cannot agree on a custodial arrangement by themselves, or with the assistance of their lawyers or mediators. The …

Every family has different dynamics, complexities, and issues that needs to be focused on. For this reason, the reunification therapy process can vary in time from family to family. Typically the time will rely on the level of resistance from the parental parties as well as the children. The time it takes to fully assess each individual involved will also play a large role in the length of the process. Process Background Information Reunification will begin once the clinician has received all necessary paperwork and documentation from both parties. This includes court orders, parenting plans, settlements, court motions, DCF or …

Although Judges are trained to be neutral parties in the courtroom and one would assume they are in complete control of their decision-making process, studies have shown that there are several factors (which attorneys can often subtly manipulate) in order to help tip the scales during difficult trials. A large research study in Ireland analyzed the results of 1,112 parole board hearings, as they relate to the time of day in which they occurred. The results were astonishing:  Researchers clearly identified a pattern in which the judges were substantially more likely to rule in favor of the defendants whose cases were heard …

Parental Gatekeeping For parents who are co-parenting after a divorce, parental gatekeeping can become a very serious problem when trying to co-parent and communicate effectively. Parental gatekeeping is a term used to describe a parent’s preferences and attempts to restrict and exclude the other parent from being involved in the child’s development. Gatekeeping attitudes and behaviors can range from very positive, which are facilitative, to very negative, which are inhibitory, or to the most extreme known as Parental Alienation. Statistics Although restrictive gatekeeping usually occurs in divorced families, about 20% of parents in “intact” families are restrictive gatekeepers, 42% of …

Psychological Center for Expert Evaluations, Inc. is a proud sponsor of Family Day 2013! For more information on how you can be a part of Family Day visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tykes-Teens-Family-Day-2013/269671636510616! Every year children under the age of 18 are arrested in Palm Beach County for anything from drug possession to theft. Parents are always looking for new ways to get involved in their children’s lives to prevent unlawful behavior and decisions. Especially in families who are divorced, it may be difficult to be a part of your child’s life when you are on a parenting plan that doesn’t allow you to see …

If you are a mental health provider, case worker, parent, or attorney with questions regarding our Therapeutic Supervised Visitation Program, please feel free to contact us:                                                                                                561-429-2140 What are Therapeutic Supervised Visitations? Supervised Visitations are typically court-ordered and allow non-custodial parents or guardians to meet with their children in a safe and controlled environment, …

Meditation or Yoga. Both involve a focus on calming your body and entering a state of relaxation. The idea behind this common recommendation is that you become more aware of your body and learn to sense when stress is affecting you. As you practice learning how to relax, you are able to calm yourself more often and more effectively when you do feel stress. Calming Activities. If yoga or meditation isn’t your thing, that’s ok and you can substitute it for something else. You can go for a run, you can read a book, you can get together with your best friends, …

Think Kids. The key to co-parenting is to focus on your child. This can be very difficult and it also means that your own emotions towards the divorce or your ex has to come second to the needs of your child. Setting aside such strong feelings may be the hardest part of learning to work cooperatively with your ex. Co-parenting is not about your feelings, or those of your ex, but rather about your child’s happiness, stability, and future well-being. You’re The Parent. Always remember, YOU are the parent and only you  and your ex will know what is best for your …