Welcome back to Cut Off, the podcast where we shine a light on the hidden struggles and systemic failures faced by parents navigating the realities of parental alienation. In this fifth episode, host Marisa Conway dives deep into the courtroom chaos where truth often loses out to performance, and loving parents are misread as unstable or unfit. From the confusion and trauma of being dismissed in court to the reasons why judges, therapists, and evaluators frequently miss the signs of alienation, this episode breaks down the critical misunderstandings that keep families stuck and children caught in loyalty binds.

Drawing on both lived experience and clinical insight, Marisa Conway shares not only the personal toll of being misjudged but also practical strategies for parents fighting to be heard. We explore why the lack of a formal diagnostic code for parental alienation leads to mislabeling and misdiagnosis, and what urgent changes are needed in our courts and clinics to stop the cycle of harm. Whether you’re an affected parent, a concerned professional, or simply seeking clarity about a complex issue, this episode is packed with real-world advice, validation, and a call for empathy and reform. So settle in as we turn pain into clarity and clarity into power.

Timestamps:

00:00 "Alienated Parents in Courtrooms"

05:27 "Truth vs. Credibility in Court"

06:56 "Betrayal and Legal Disillusionment"

12:18 Parental Alienation Misunderstood by Clinicians

15:10 Misdiagnosis of Parental Alienation

19:31 "Reforming Family Court Priorities"

22:29 "Improving Custody Evaluation Methods"

27:08 Child-Focused Custody Strategy Guide

30:15 Questioning Assumptions in Parental Conflict

Show Website - https://cutoffpodcast.com/

Marisa Conway's Coaching Website - https://coachmarisaconway.com/

Marisa's Book - Shattered Bonds, Resilient Heart - https://shatteredbonds.org/

Book a Time with Marisa - https://calendly.com/marisaconway/discovery-call-1?month=2025-07

Podcast Media Partner - https://tophealth.care/

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”