Q & A – What type of therapy does a GWC need?

Recovering from parental alienation as a grown adult child can be a complex and challenging process. The type of therapy that is most appropriate will depend on the individual needs and circumstances of the person.

Here are some types of therapy that may be beneficial for an adult child recovering from parental alienation:

1. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It can help an adult child recovering from parental alienation to identify and challenge negative beliefs about themselves, their parents, and their relationships, and to develop healthy coping skills.
2. Family therapy: Family therapy can be particularly helpful for an adult child recovering from parental alienation, as it can provide a safe and neutral space for the family to explore and address the underlying issues that led to the alienation. Family therapy can also help to rebuild trust and repair damaged relationships.
3. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a type of therapy that can be helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma. It involves the use of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the person process traumatic memories and emotions.
4. Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious patterns and beliefs that may be contributing to emotional difficulties. It can help an adult child recovering from parental alienation to gain insight into the root causes of their feelings and behaviors.
5. Mindfulness-based therapies: Mindfulness-based therapies, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), can be helpful for individuals recovering from trauma. These therapies involve learning mindfulness techniques to help regulate emotions, reduce stress, and increase awareness of the present moment.

Ultimately, the best type of therapy for an adult child recovering from parental alienation will depend on their individual needs and preferences. It may be helpful to work with a therapist who has experience in working with individuals who have experienced parental alienation and who can provide a safe and supportive environment for the healing process.