Richard Hogan: How to navigate Christmas as separated parents

Parental alienation is one of the most challenging issues for therapists. And for many parents, in particular those recently separated, Christmas can be a really difficult time

For many parents, and in particular for parents recently separated, this can be a really difficult time of the year. Picture: PA/thinkstockphotos

With all the cloying, happy songs telling us it’s the most wonderful time of the year, decorations in every shop front, and children excitedly anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus, it can seem like everyone is sharing in the complicity of the season. 

However, for many parents, and in particular for parents recently separated, this can be a really difficult time of the year. One of the most challenging areas to work in, as a family therapist, is the area of parental alienation. It presents so many challenges. I have witnessed, first hand, the devastating consequences this behaviour has on the entire family unit. And it can leave a therapist reeling not knowing how to proceed therapeutically in the knowledge that children are being coerced into a negative narrative about a once loved parent.