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Within the diagnosis of a dissociative disorder, there is often a co-occurrence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Studies show that up to 86% of individuals with dissociative disorders report a history of self-injury without the intention of suicide. Additionally, people with dissociative disorders may find evidence of having hurt themselves, with no memory of actually doing it. Currently, NSSI is listed in Section 3 of the DSM-5, and in NSSID the criteria (A-F) closely mirrors the symptoms often associated with what’s termed “parental alienation”. In other words, parental alienation is compatible with the symptoms of non-suicidal self-injuring disorder.
This comorbidity once again, points to a child with a mental disorder, and not a parent-child relational problem.
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is recognized in the DSM as a condition requiring further study, largely due to a lack of reliability in clinical trials. Understanding this topic clearly is essential, as recent clinical research has shown how self-injurious behavior can damage the functionality of the hippocampus and lead to a state of amnesia. We will explain both direct (e.g., cutting) and indirect (e.g., smoking) forms of self-injuring behavior.
Another example of direct self-injury is when a child rejects a parent who has shown no history of abuse or neglect and with whom the child previously had a loving, bonded relationship. In this case, the child’s behavior involves an element of self-injury, manifesting as a loss of all autobiographical memories of those positive experiences with the parent. NSSI continues to be studied in order to develop a more comprehensive diagnostic profile. In addition integrating dissociative disorders with NSSI is likely to emerge in future editions of the DSM, due to the significant comorbidity rates cited in numerous studies.
For family law attorneys, staying current on these findings is essential to better inform clients that what may look like “parental alienation” is more compatible with NSSI, than a parent-child relational problem. By shifting away from arguments centered on parental alienation and basing your approach on the latest scientific research, you create a more accurate and effective framework for high-conflict cases, which better serves your clients.
This updated strategy can also help you avoid negative reviews and future complaints not because you still might lose a case, but because you at least grounded your approach in the most accurate scientific data.
Let’s explore how NSSI behavior leads to amnesia. For years, the process of amnesia during NSSI wasn’t fully understood until the theory of “betrayal trauma” emerged in the 1990s. This concept gained attention from cognitive scientist Michael C. Anderson, who, in 2011 with Huddleston, published a key article titled “Towards a Cognitive and Neurobiological Model of Motivated Forgetting.” This work introduced “thought suppression” as a cognitive process that can explain how amnesia occurs. Later, in the 2021 study “Amnesia in Healthy People via Hippocampal Inhibition: A New Forgetting Mechanism,” Anderson expanded on this, showing that suppression can create an “amnestic shadow,” essentially blocking access to certain memories.
For his groundbreaking research, Anderson was awarded the Experimental Psychology Society Mid-Career Award and gave a lecture explaining how suppression impacts memory, an essential resource for family law attorneys handling complex family dynamics. The link to this lecture is below and is highly recommended viewing for every family law lawyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYbZrrS6Sul
We’d also like to highlight the important research on betrayal trauma. In our online workshop, available at www.adolescentdissociativedisorders.com, we explore how betrayal trauma triggers thought suppression, which in turn can create a state of amnesia. This connection between trauma and memory suppression helps explain why children may forget or block painful experiences, hiding signs of abuse under the umbrella of a dissociative disorder.
For more in-depth information, here are additional resources discussing how child abuse can lead to dissociative disorders and how these disorders often mask the real impacts of trauma. Through understanding these links, family law professionals can approach these cases with a stronger foundation and a clear path toward more effective support and outcomes for affected children.
For an introduction to the research on Betrayal Trauma Theory go to the following link: https://adolescentdissociativedisorders.com/etiological-research/introduction-to-betrayal-trauma/
For the research on Betrayal Trauma that is widely acknowledged go to this link: https://adolescentdissociativedisorders.com/etiological-research/betray-trauma-research/
The Theory of Parental Alienation
The theory of parental alienation suggests that a parent-child relationship problem arises when a child refuses contact with one parent for reasons that aren’t justified and that these issues stem from the influence of the other parent. This idea has always sparked debate. While controversial, family law judges widely agree that behaviors aiming to turn a child against the other parent are harmful and should be avoided, even if they don’t use the term “parental alienation.”
The theory of parental alienation was introduced in 1985 and has been both accepted by some and criticized by others, largely because it lacks a firm scientific foundation. Despite its flaws, the theory has become a significant topic of interest among family law professionals, with critics and advocates worldwide. Based on the latest scientific research, it’s now easier to challenge the concept of parental alienation; however, many family law attorneys remain unaware of this shift in understanding.
One reason family law lawyers often lose high-conflict cases is due to relying on “parental alienation” as the cause of a child’s rejection of a parent. However, current scientific evidence shows that this diagnosis is incorrect; the real issue is not a parent-child relationship problem but rather a mental disorder within the child. The correct diagnosis is a “dissociative disorder,” classified in the DSM as one of three types: Dissociative Amnesia, Dissociative Identity Disorder, or Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder.
When the wrong diagnosis is made, the child is unable to receive effective treatment. Even if a parent successfully argues that the child was “alienated,” courts typically order reunification or reintegration therapy. These treatments have high failure rates because they are based on an incorrect diagnosis. Therapists are then appointed who attempt to change the child’s belief system by sometimes employing coercive methods with the child and/or with an offending parent, reminiscent of “conversion therapy” once used to try and change a person’s sexual orientation. We have since recognized how unethical and unsuccessful such approaches are, and they are largely condemned.
At Family Law Resources, we provide the scientific research and evidence needed to challenge the theory of parental alienation. Through extensive clinical literature, we equip family law lawyers with the most current information that exposes the flaws in this theory, allowing you to better inform your clients and guide them toward more effective—legal and therapeutic—solutions. Without this knowledge, family law lawyers risk losing cases—even when they win arguments by accusing the other parent of “parental alienation.” Only at Family Law Resources can you access these valuable insights and resources, empowering you to make informed decisions and share these facts with your clients.
Below, you’ll find a link to the resources you need: https://adolescentdissociativedisorders.com/parental-alienation-research/introduction-to-parental-alienation-research/
Here are additional Resources you will need to understand the flawed theory of parental alienation: https://adolescentdissociativedisorders.com/parental-alienation-research/parental-alienation-research/
If a family law lawyer is unaware of the scientific evidence that challenges the theory of parental alienation they risk losing high-conflict cases and facing negative reviews and complaints from clients. To enhance client retention, it’s essential to brand your services as specializing in high-conflict cases, not by arguing parental alienation but by reframing the issue. The core dynamic in these cases is not a parent-child relational problem but rather a dissociative disorder within the child. At Family Law Resources, we provide access to the scientific evidence and resources you need to understand the facts about dissociation. Below, you’ll find links to these valuable resources. https://adolescentdissociativedisorders.com/etiological-research/introduction-to-dissociative-disorders/
Here are additional resources to explain the scientific research about dissociative disorders: https://adolescentdissociativedisorders.com/etiological-research/dissociative-disorders-research/
To answer the question, “What can you do to avoid, offset, or prevent bad reviews and client complaints?”—the answer is to pivot your approach, focusing on scientific facts and reveal the true nature of the issues at hand. Direct your legal strategies toward solutions that are grounded in research and make sense for these cases. You can highlight this new direction on your website or publish articles demonstrating your expertise and commitment to evidence-based practices. By building a network of professionals you can rely on during litigation, you strengthen your position and increase your success rate. The best way to counter negative reviews and complaints is to develop a strong reputation for winning.
