Date of Conferral

2-18-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Susana Verdinelli

Abstract

High-conflict divorce (HCD) involves prolonged conflict exceeding 2 years, persistent hostility, and extensive court involvement. Mental health professionals often participate as court-appointed expert witnesses or provide therapy at parental request. Therapists' roles become more complex when parents exhibit challenging personality traits. This descriptive qualitative study explored therapists’ experiences in treating children and families in HCD cases where one or both parents displayed complex personality issues or disorders. Greenberg and Gould’s model on mental health professionals in court cases and Freud’s countertransference theory provided the study’s conceptual framework. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with nine therapists, and thematic analysis was used to examine their responses. Results of this study indicate that therapists working with HCD cases face significant challenges, including parental manipulation and threats, triangulation within the court system, and the risks associated with board investigations. Therapists employ various strategies to navigate these challenges by setting boundaries, seeking supervision, using feedback to avoid complaints, and pursuing specialized training. The study’s findings underscore the potential for positive social change by informing clinical treatment and training considerations for mental health providers working with this population in the context of HCD.

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