What to Ask the Therapist When Your Ex Is Weaponizing Therapy Against You
- Michael Capleone, Sr.
- Jun 26
- 5 min read
When your ex is using therapy as a tool to undermine your relationship with your child, it can feel like your hands are tied. But even in this difficult situation, you are not powerless. Asking the right questions—calmly, respectfully, and strategically—can reposition you as the stable, child-centered parent.
What Is Parental Alienation?
Parental alienation occurs when one parent deliberately or subtly undermines the child’s relationship with the other parent. It’s a form of psychological manipulation that can lead a child to unjustly reject, fear, or distance themselves from a loving and involved parent—often without any factual basis for that rejection.
This dynamic typically arises in high-conflict divorces or custody disputes. One parent may make negative comments about the other in front of the child, interfere with visitation, encourage the child to take sides, or falsely claim abuse or neglect. Over time, the child may begin to echo these distortions, believing one parent is dangerous, unloving, or unworthy—when in truth, the alienated parent has done nothing to deserve it.
Parental alienation is not simply a child resisting visits. It’s a systematic pattern that disrupts the natural bond between parent and child, often with long-term emotional and developmental consequences. The child may experience guilt, identity confusion, anxiety, and difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life. The alienated parent often feels erased, falsely accused, and powerless to correct the record.
Therapy, if misused, can become a tool of alienation—especially when one parent controls the narrative. That’s why it’s critical to identify the signs, respond legally and strategically, and involve therapists who understand the difference between true estrangement and alienation. Family courts are increasingly aware of this issue—but without documentation and a clear pattern, it can go unchecked.
Parental alienation is real, and it’s harmful. The good news: with proper legal and psychological intervention, the damage can often be repaired—and the truth can prevail.
Here are the key questions you should be asking your child’s therapist:
1. “How do you ensure both parents are represented fairly in your clinical understanding of the child’s situation?” This question puts the therapist on notice that you’re paying attention to bias and procedural fairness without sounding aggressive. It also opens the door to discuss any gaps in how your perspective has been included.
2. “What communication methods do you use to stay in touch with both parents?” Therapists should not be taking only one parent’s narrative at face value. You have a right to participate.
3. “How are you distinguishing between the child’s voice and the custodial parent’s influence?” This question invites the therapist to reflect on any potential parental coaching or subtle alienation that could be affecting the child's expressed views.
4. “Can you explain how therapeutic confidentiality applies in our custody situation?” Get clarity on what information you are allowed access to—and what your rights are under the law and custody agreement.
5. “Are you aware of the family court's concerns regarding parental alienation and bias?” This brings legal reality into the conversation without sounding confrontational.
Remain professional and child-focused. Document all communications. And remember: therapists are not above reproach. Strategic dialogue now may prevent years of damage.
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About Michael Capleone, Attorney at Law
Michael Capleone is a seasoned family law attorney based in Hoover, Alabama, with over 22+ years of experience helping clients navigate complex legal challenges, including divorce, child custody, parental rights, grandparent’s rights, military divorces, petition for protection from abuse, CPS and DHR matters, father’s rights, mother’s rights, relationship advice, pets/ animal custody when a relationship or marriage ends, and general family law matters, co-parenting, dealing with a narcissist, emotional recovery, and much more! As a licensed practicing attorney since 2003, is a dedicated advocate for his clients, Michael understands the emotional and legal complexities of family law cases and works tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes in his law practice.
Whether you’re dealing with high-conflict custody battles, seeking modifications to child support or visitation, or facing difficult divorce proceedings, having problems with a toxic ex, trying to co-parent with a narcissist. Michael Capleone provides expert legal tips and topic specific information with wisdom and clarity. He is committed to ensuring that his clients’ rights are protected, and their voices are heard in the courtroom. These blogs and guides that he is creating are meant to provide simple, straightforward, helpful, and powerful practical information for people all across the United States of America and beyond.
These guides are written in a brief and concise way to get you powerful and useful information that you can easily print off in a reasonable small number of pages. Each guide is a concentrated, no-fluff resource — around 4-5 pages packed with professional insight, legal strategy, and emotional survival tactics. They are designed to cover the real pain points people face in courtrooms and custody fights: defending yourself against false accusations, exposing manipulation without looking petty, protecting your financial future, and keeping your relationship with your children strong in the middle of conflict.
For less than the cost of a single attorney consultation, you get targeted strategies built from over 22+ years of real-world family law experience. These aren’t generic blog articles or cookie-cutter templates. Every guide is designed to give you immediate, actionable steps — the same strategies I teach my own clients — adapted for real people dealing with real, high-stakes problems.
If you're serious about defending your rights, protecting your children, and staying one step ahead of a manipulative ex, these guides aren't just helpful — they're essential. They will save you time, reduce your stress, and help you make smarter moves when everything is on the line.
Winning in court isn’t just about having evidence. It’s about understanding the psychology, the patterns, and the legal strategies that judges actually respond to. These guides put that power in your hands. If you’re ready to stop reacting and start taking control, you’re exactly where you need to be!
For more information on Michael Capleone’s legal services or to schedule a consultation. An experienced Hoover, Alabama family law attorney that guides clients through legal strategy, emotional challenges, relationship problems, legal matters and more to achieve the best positive outcomes. Note: Licensed in the State of Alabama only.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique—please consult with a qualified family law attorney licensed in your jurisdiction to discuss your specific situation. Also, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, psychological, or professional advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship or any other professional-client relationship. The information provided is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, tax professional, psychologist, or other expert regarding your specific situation.
