WhenWillItEnd
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? VIRGINIA
I need advice. Custody situation ongoing for 4 years.
I have serious concerns about an expert designation received recently.
My childrenÂ’s other parent has been very controlling and manipulative for a number of years.
The cause of all of the controversy is the other parentÂ’s complete unwillingness to co-parent, and need to control the lives of the children and continue to receive as much child support as possible to maintain their pre-divorce standard of living. Other parent maintains hatred for myself, and will stop at nothing to portray a narrative beneficial to themself.
Psychologist report appears to support a pre-determined opinion, rather than to objectively present results of testing and interviews.
There are a number of concerning items that lead me to believe this, including:
• The psychologist committed to completing the evaluation within 1 month, but took over 3 months.
• Psychologist only interviewed 1 collateral source (hostile to me) despite 20 collaterals given between 2 parties
• Hostile collateral has not been in my presence, observed me, or even spoken to me in approx. 4 years. Other collaterals with intimate and current knowledge were not contacted.
• Psychologist states tests do not meet criteria for certain disorders, yet offers opinion that there are concerning traits that were observed (appears out of scope. Giving opinion on things the tests do not confirm).
• Psychologist predicts I may have limited motivation to pursue and remain in counseling. (can an individual predict the future? Why is counseling needed if I do not meet criteria on tests)
• Psychologist mentioned my interaction with her was overly familiar (and says this is unusual) yet says my response style to tests was defensive. These two appear to be a contradiction
• Psychologist makes an assumption that is contrary to what was discussed in interview. States “Despite initial denial, interview data suggests x, y, z.” Psychologist then goes on to state what was “inferred” rather than what was stated. If this logic is acceptable, this individual has a “license to kill” – completely unchecked ability to accuse and wield power illegitimately.
• Psychologist refers to interview discussions as ‘dataÂ’ -- (My take: Data is inherently empirical and to use “data” to describe subjective observations is flawed).
• Psychologist states I lack insight into difficulties and see problems as external to myself and caused by others, despite never directly addressing/discussing drivers of problems. Had such discussions occurred, I would have had the opportunity to address my responsibility. Since they didn't, an illegitimate assumption was made.
• Psychologist references my emails to other party as validation for opinion, but did not discuss with me what those emails were or the circumstances surrounding said emails. As such, I contented psychologist has a singular point of view mirroring that of the opposing party, without the opportunity to understand the full dynamic or opposing partyÂ’s communication with me.
• Psychologist recommends no contact between parties. (Other parent has completely cut contact and fabricated controversy in an attempt to maintain control. Psychologist just goes along with the false narrative).
• Psychologist recommends parental coordination but states it will not be beneficial until after I receive counseling (other parentÂ’s complete unwillingness to co-parent is the single cause of conflict. Psychologist only serves to compound current problems).
What is my next step?
What should I do?
I need advice. Custody situation ongoing for 4 years.
I have serious concerns about an expert designation received recently.
My childrenÂ’s other parent has been very controlling and manipulative for a number of years.
The cause of all of the controversy is the other parentÂ’s complete unwillingness to co-parent, and need to control the lives of the children and continue to receive as much child support as possible to maintain their pre-divorce standard of living. Other parent maintains hatred for myself, and will stop at nothing to portray a narrative beneficial to themself.
Psychologist report appears to support a pre-determined opinion, rather than to objectively present results of testing and interviews.
There are a number of concerning items that lead me to believe this, including:
• The psychologist committed to completing the evaluation within 1 month, but took over 3 months.
• Psychologist only interviewed 1 collateral source (hostile to me) despite 20 collaterals given between 2 parties
• Hostile collateral has not been in my presence, observed me, or even spoken to me in approx. 4 years. Other collaterals with intimate and current knowledge were not contacted.
• Psychologist states tests do not meet criteria for certain disorders, yet offers opinion that there are concerning traits that were observed (appears out of scope. Giving opinion on things the tests do not confirm).
• Psychologist predicts I may have limited motivation to pursue and remain in counseling. (can an individual predict the future? Why is counseling needed if I do not meet criteria on tests)
• Psychologist mentioned my interaction with her was overly familiar (and says this is unusual) yet says my response style to tests was defensive. These two appear to be a contradiction
• Psychologist makes an assumption that is contrary to what was discussed in interview. States “Despite initial denial, interview data suggests x, y, z.” Psychologist then goes on to state what was “inferred” rather than what was stated. If this logic is acceptable, this individual has a “license to kill” – completely unchecked ability to accuse and wield power illegitimately.
• Psychologist refers to interview discussions as ‘dataÂ’ -- (My take: Data is inherently empirical and to use “data” to describe subjective observations is flawed).
• Psychologist states I lack insight into difficulties and see problems as external to myself and caused by others, despite never directly addressing/discussing drivers of problems. Had such discussions occurred, I would have had the opportunity to address my responsibility. Since they didn't, an illegitimate assumption was made.
• Psychologist references my emails to other party as validation for opinion, but did not discuss with me what those emails were or the circumstances surrounding said emails. As such, I contented psychologist has a singular point of view mirroring that of the opposing party, without the opportunity to understand the full dynamic or opposing partyÂ’s communication with me.
• Psychologist recommends no contact between parties. (Other parent has completely cut contact and fabricated controversy in an attempt to maintain control. Psychologist just goes along with the false narrative).
• Psychologist recommends parental coordination but states it will not be beneficial until after I receive counseling (other parentÂ’s complete unwillingness to co-parent is the single cause of conflict. Psychologist only serves to compound current problems).
What is my next step?
What should I do?
