The Psychology Behind Parental Alienation: A Conversation with Dr. Heidi Ramsbottom - Ep 49

In Episode 49 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston are joined by Dr. Heidi Ramsbottom, a licensed psychologist based in Pennsylvania and member of the Professional Alliance for Child-Centered Safety (PACCS). Over a bright and tropical Passion Fruit Margarita, they dive into the intersection of psychology and family law, exploring the complexities of parental alienation, reunification therapy, and the psychological impact of divorce and custody disputes on children and families.

A Career Built on Understanding Families

With over 15 years of experience as a psychologist—and a career in mental health dating back to the mid-1990s—Dr. Ramsbottom has dedicated her life to understanding family systems, child development, and the long-term effects of divorce and high-conflict custody cases. She earned her undergraduate degree from Penn State, where she continues to volunteer, and holds memberships in both the American Psychological Association and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association.

In her group practice, roughly 60% of clients are connected to divorce or custody issues, giving her deep insight into how family separation affects parents and children alike. “We see everything from adults still processing their parents’ divorces to kids caught in the middle of custody battles,” she explains.

The Hidden Trauma of Parental Alienation

Dr. Ramsbottom describes parental alienation as a form of psychological abuse—often underrecognized but highly damaging. She explains that children exposed to alienating behaviors frequently experience confusion, guilt, and long-term attachment issues.

Her work includes reunification cases, some court-ordered, where she helps rebuild relationships between estranged parents and children. These cases, she admits, are among the hardest she handles. “You’re trying to rebuild trust while balancing complex emotions, mental health issues, and sometimes deeply ingrained patterns of behavior,” she says.

The Challenge of Reunification

Reunification therapy, as Dr. Ramsbottom explains, is rarely quick or simple. “It takes time to undo the damage. These families didn’t break overnight, and they won’t heal overnight.”

Courts often expect immediate results, but in reality, progress depends on cooperation among parents, attorneys, and therapists. She stresses the importance of collaboration between legal and mental health professionals, explaining that effective reunification requires communication and realistic expectations.

Dr. Ramsbottom also points out that the system’s approach can unintentionally retraumatize families—particularly when one parent is accused of alienation but doesn’t fully understand what those behaviors entail. “There’s a real need for education and training,” she says. “Professionals have to understand what they’re walking into. Otherwise, they risk doing more harm than good.”

The 90-Day Rule and Family Systems Approach

In some Pennsylvania cases, Dr. Ramsbottom explains, courts have begun ordering a 90-day separation period between the child and the alienating parent to allow the targeted parent to rebuild the relationship. While controversial, she says the approach can be practical when combined with therapeutic supervision and communication planning.

The Takeaway

Episode 49 of Cases & Cocktails highlights the critical role psychology plays in family law. Through Dr. Heidi Ramsbottom’s expertise, Bryan and Janice remind listeners that actual reunification requires patience, teamwork, and empathy—and that healing fractured families takes more than court orders.