The Survivors Playbook

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk to the amazingly knowledgeable Tara Shuler, communication queen (my title for her!)  We all have experts and people in our lives that we need to get onside, to understand our stories, to see our truths to help us and our children.  Tara walks us through how we can get experts, professionals, even our active counter parents to listen to what we say, to get t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I highlight the latest addition to the work I do with survivors and protective parents: The App. All of my year of education, knowledge, insights, strategies, and work wrapped into one incredibly convenient, 24/7 coaching app-coaching when you need it.  From parenting your dysregulated children, to communication with your counter parent, through to documentation,...

Send us Fan Mail Stories of Hope: Because You Need to Know It Can Get Better Protective parenting through abuse, coercive control and family court can be one of the loneliest and most exhausting journeys a parent will ever face. When you’re living in the middle of it, it can be incredibly difficult to imagine a future that feels peaceful, stable and hopeful. In this episode, I’m sharing real stori...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re a protective parent navigating a GAL, parenting coordinator, child therapist, forensic psychologist, custody evaluator, or another professional involved in your family, you may feel like you’re walking on eggshells. You know what’s happening. You know what you’ve experienced. You may have years of documentation, countless incidents, and a child who is struggling—but you’...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re raising more than one child while co-parenting with an active counter parent, you’ve probably felt this impossible tension. One child is in crisis. They need more of your time, your emotional energy, your advocacy. Meanwhile, your other child quietly wonders, “What about me?” As protective parents, we often carry enormous guilt that we’re somehow failing the child who is...

Send us Fan Mail When you’ve escaped an abusive relationship, traditional parenting advice often no longer applies. In this episode, I explore why protective parents must pivot the way they parent because of coercive control, post separation abuse, and family court. Whether you’re raising your children day-to-day or parenting from a distance after they’ve been turned against you, this conversation...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you’ve done everything you can to protect your children—and they’re still being manipulated, alienated, or turned against you? Many protective parents believe that letting go means giving up. It doesn’t. In this episode, Chantal explores one of the most difficult yet liberating mindset shifts you’ll ever make: learning to release what you cannot control without e...

Send us Fan Mail As protective parents, it’s easy to become consumed by the damage a narcissistic or abusive counter-parent is causing. The lies. But what if you’ve been underestimating your own influence? In this episode, I explore one of the most important truths protective parents need to hear: your child does not need a perfect parent, they need a safe one. You’ll learn: ✔ Why one emotionally...

Send us Fan Mail You left the relationship, but somehow they’re still controlling your life. In this episode, I dive into one of the most frustrating realities of post-separation abuse: the narcissistic ex-partner who refuses to let go. Whether they’re using the children, the court system, constant conflict, manipulation, intimidation, or endless communication to maintain control, many protective...

Send us Fan Mail This is such a powerful episode, that we recorded on June 1st, which happens to be International Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day. In this episode, I connect with the amazing powerhouse that is Kimberly Weeks. You would not be able to tell, as she's so incredibly articulate, that she had to relearn how to walk and talk, after she left her abuser.  She is the epitome of endura...

Send us Fan Mail This is the episode for every protective parent. I walk you through what fight, flight, freeze and fawn responses look like in your child, why they experience these responses and how you can help them navigate them.  This is a short but incredibly impactful episode designed to educate and empower you.  Want to learn how I help protective parents, just like you, navigate this insan...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk to the amazing Sami Bachota, of Informed Healing. She tells us how she got into the work of helping survivors and we delve into her story. Married for only 10 months, but in and out of court for over 3 years.  But, despite what her ex continues to do, drag her back to court and use the system to control her, she has built a life she loves. This is a must li...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we talk about how so many protective parents feel like they are David, up against Goliath. Spoiler alert: David won, against every single odd, by not playing the way Goliath expected him to.  A must listen for every protective parent navigating this all.  Visit: https://chantalcontorinescoaching.com to learn how to work with me.  And find it all here at: https://l...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we talk about the various forms of grief that so many protective parents feel and experience post separation. It's a powerful reminder that grief and joy can coexist and that just because you carry grief, doesn't mean you can't experience true happiness, peace and joy.  Visit: https://chantalcontorinescoaching.com to learn how to work with me.  And...

Send us Fan Mail This is the very first instalment, or chapter, if you will, of my latest podcast within a podcast. Story Time with Chantal features the real life, can't make this shit up, stories from people just like you. I narrate them in the first person, using me/I, my children, my ex, but these are not my stories, they are yours. I do change some identifying markers, to keep you all saf...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, recorded by Allison K Dagney, where I was a guest on her podcast, Be A Better You, we talk all things co-parenting with an active counter parent. While the topic is so very serious, Allison and I had a lot of fun recording it.  You can find her on socials: @allisonkdagney or on all major podcast distributors Be a Better You Podcast. Visit: https://chantalcontorine...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk to the amazing Allison K Dagney about how you can actually rewire your beliefs to heal your trauma and your limiting beliefs. This is a powerful episode that takes us inside her new book: Hack Your Mind, Heal Your Heart. This gives you the tools to start rewiring your subconscious beliefs and healing your trauma. How powerful is that? You can find Allison o...

Send us Fan Mail This is such an important episode that focuses on the importance of teaching our children to be discerning and critical thinkers. While it's imperative for all children to learn these skills, it is never more so than for children who are being coercively controlled.  Narcissistic abuse depends on control of the narrative, critical thinking restores ownership of the narrative....

Send us Fan Mail In this amazing episode, I talk to Amanda Nguyen, who was my very first guest, about how she has reconnected with one of her son's and her work to change legislation. It's a powerful episode full of action, hope and empowerment.  You can find Amanda on IG at: @thebakealong Visit: https://chantalcontorinescoaching.com to learn how to work with me.  And find it all here at...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I talk to he amazing Sarah Delamarter, who combines her vast knowledge of scripture with divorce. We talk about all things divorce, leaving toxic/abusive marriages, what Christ has to say about this, and how you can thrive post divorce, despite what your ex does or doesn't do. It's a fun, deep dive into the reality of divorce for those who have b...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk about the power of your brand of unconditional love. How vital this is for your child, even if they are currently aligned with their abuser. It's a short but powerfully impactful episode.  Want to learn more about to empower your children? My next masterclass, How to Empower Your Children, is February 12th, from 12:00-1:30 pm PST. It's live and re...

Send us Fan Mail This is the episode for all protective parents navigating grief. We name it, we validate it and we learn to live with grief, while ensuring we also live lives with joy and happiness too. The two, grief and joy can in fact coexist.  Visit: https://chantalcontorinescoaching.com to learn how to work with me.  And find it all here at: https://linktr.ee/chantalcontorinescoaching Follow...

Send us Fan Mail In this lightning episode, I talk to Alexis Tanner, aka The Nutritionist Mama, about how she took control of her life, and healed herself using food, supplements and lifestyle changes. Stress, abuse, causes so many internal issues and ailments, but you can in fact, heal yourself, and it starts from the inside out. You can follow her on IG at @thenutritionistmama or via her website...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk with advocate (lawyer), mediator, parenting coordinator and advocate for children and adults, Angela Jane Bates. She gives us her top 5 tips for navigating this and we talk all things worldwide family court. She's worked in various areas throughout the world, and ended up in family law.  She's not only a wealth of information and whip smart, but i...

Send us Fan Mail This is the episode for EVERY protective parent, especially during the holidays. I deep dive into what decision fatigue is, how it presents, and what you can do to help lessen it's impact on you.  Visit: https://chantalcontorinescoaching.com to learn how to work with me.  And find it all here at: https://linktr.ee/chantalcontorinescoaching Follow me on Instagram: @chantal.con...