“There are no battles in the courtroom more brutal or intense than those fought over children,” says an attorney with extensive experience in post-separation custody cases.

Some disputes become so heated that they spill into the public sphere, where people are compelled to form opinions and take sides based on limited information. Issues involving children resonate deeply - with personal histories, emotional responses, and genuine compassion all shaping public perception.

Professionals working with these highly complex cases are not immune to these same influences. They operate in an environment of conflicting narratives, competing interests, power struggles, and, at times, manipulation. At the same time, they are expected to remain focused on one central principle: the best interests of the child.

This requires a high level of self-awareness, an ability to recognize one’s own biases, value systems, and emotional triggers, alongside the professional courage to act when a child’s well-being is at risk. It also demands a clear understanding of which behaviors are harmful to children, what they need protection from, and what constitutes “good enough” parenting.

The most crucial question: how can children be protected

in high conflict separation?

How can psychologically abusive behaviors, particularly those aimed at alienating a child from the other parent, be recognized and evaluated? How can the critiques of “parental alienation” theory be understood and thoughtfully addressed in professional practice?

This workshop series is designed to explore these questions. It aims to create a space for respectful dialogue, shared reflection, and meaningful professional exchange. We have invited international experts to share their knowledge and experience, offering diverse perspectives on how to navigate the challenges that arise in high-conflict family contexts.