Perfect Prey: A Coercive Control Podcast

Maya Laing joins Dr. C on Perfect Prey to share her and her brother Sebastian's experiences growing up in a home where they felt unsafe with one parent. When they expressed their desire to live with their father, their mother turned to the family court system, resulting in mandated reunification therapy and a reunification camp a devastating consequence for children who feel unsafe with one pa...

Dr. C interviews Anne Wintemute, the co-creator of Aimee Says, an AI tool that understands coercive control and supports victims and survivors of abuse. Anne Wintemute is the Co-Founder and CEO of Aimee Says, the AI companion for victims and survivors of relationship abuse. She is a fierce champion for the rights of survivors and children and systems that hold perpetrators accountable. ---🔸Follow...

Dr. Cocchiola sits down with Sybil Cummin , licensed therapist, play therapy expert, and founder of Rising Beyond, to discuss the hidden world of child therapy and coercive control . Sybil shares her front-line experience working with children who have been weaponized, silenced, and fractured by narcissistic or coercively controlling parents—especially in the context of family court and custody ba...

These brave young women share their powerful story of growing up with an abusive parent and navigating the ongoing trauma of the family court system. Their courage is undeniable—and their message is clear: Speak up if you can. Someone is listening. DISCLAIMER: The podcast must not replace medical or mental health guidance. It's recommended that individuals consult a healthcare professional for...

Dr. Christine Cocchiola explores the heartbreaking and complex issue of family estrangement and coercive control. Why are so many adult children turning against the parent who protected them? Could it be the result of slow, covert indoctrination by an abuser? Dr. Cocchiola dives deep into the psychology behind estrangement, the power dynamics within abusive family systems, and how protective paren...

Caitlin was a protective mother, navigating the chaos of coercive control and the family court system. For years, she believed her father was her rock—until he started giving her advice on how to beat the system. That’s when it hit her. The very tactics she was protecting her children from… were the same ones her father used on her mother. She hadn’t seen her mom in years. But in that moment, ever...

David Weeks is a survivor of coercive control and human trafficking, bravely speaking out about his experiences. His growing social media following is a testament to the impact of his message. David refuses to stay silent—because abuse thrives in silence. About David:David survived two decades of horrific abuse: familial, medical, and predatory. This included neglect, isolation, coercive control,...

Grace, a survivor of coercive control, grew up with an abusive father and a mother who couldn’t protect her. Now, she shares her story to give a voice to those who can't speak out. --- 🔸Follow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol 🔸Visit her website: https://coercivecontrolconsulting.com 🔸Become a Certified Trauma-Informed Protective Parent in this intensive educat...

Dr. Christine Cocchiola is joined by Dr. Lisa Fontes, a leading expert on coercive control. Dr. Fontes serves as an expert witness in legal cases involving coercive control and is the author of Invisible Chains, the second book ever written on the topic. In this powerful conversation, she sheds light on the insidious tactics abusers use to manipulate and dominate their victims—often without ever r...

Ashton Goff joins me in this heartbreaking episode to share his experiences as a child growing up in a home with a coercive controller and narcissistic abuser. He recounts being sent to a reunification camp with his abusive father and being separated from his mother for 3.5 years. Tragically, his brother remains in the custody of their abusive father. These stories are not isolated—they reflect th...

Dr. Cocchiola sheds light on the intense struggles faced by protective parents when their children are manipulated by abusers. She shares a heart-wrenching story of a mother whose child, after a period of reconnected attachment, is now making false accusations under the influence of an abuser. Through this case study, Dr. Cocchiola explores the harmful tactics of abusers, such as intimidation, iso...

Tina Swithin of One Mom’s Battle joins Dr. C to share insights on engaging family courts to better protect our children. Don't miss this important discussion! About Tina: Tina Swithin, author of "Divorcing a Narcissist,” creator of Family Court Awareness Month and "One Mom’s Battle," is a survivor of a tumultuous custody battle, where she acted as her own attorney and prevailed. Transforming her p...

When an older or more independent child no longer fulfills the abuser's needs, they will often shift their focus to another child. This pattern is predictable, and it’s crucial to anticipate it. PREDICT what’s coming, PREPARE for it, and PROTECT yourself and your children effectively. 🔸Follow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol 🔸Visit her website: https://coercive...

Dr. C and Dr. Salerno delve into the nature and nurture of narcissism , exploring strategies to support children growing up in these family systems and help prevent them from adopting these traits. About Dr. Peter: Dr. Peter Salerno, PsyD, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, trauma specialist, and award-winning author. With advanced certifications in Family and Complex Trauma, Psychoanalytic Psyc...

In this episode of Perfect Prey, we delve into the subtle yet devastating tactics abusers use to lure tweens and teens into alignment, often at the expense of protective parents. We explore how authoritarian styles of parenting evolve into permissive manipulation and discuss strategies for safeguarding children without compromising their trust. 🔸Follow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.co...

Dr. Andrew Cicchetti a psychotherapist and coercive control advocate and expert comes on the podcast to share his perspective on how predators prey upon their victims - both adults and children. You won't want to miss this episode full of nuggets! Follow Dr. Andrew Cicchetti: X: https://x.com/andrewcicchett1 Instagram: www.instagram.com/drandrewcicchett Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoda...

Follow Dr. Christine on social media: 🔸Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ 🔸Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@dr.cocchiola.coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ 🔸Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ 🔸YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@DrCocchiola⁠⁠⁠ 🔸Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://coercivecontrolconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠ 🔸Book a 15-minute FREE consultation with Dr. Cocchiola: https://l.bttr.to/ekxjM Become a Certified Trauma-Informed Protective Parent in this inte...

🔸Follow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol 🔸Visit her website: https://coercivecontrolconsulting.com 🔸Become a Certified Trauma-Informed Protective Parent in this intensive educational program with an option for LIVE coaching/support to guide protective parents as they navigate the stormy seas of parenting a child who has been coercively controlled. 🔸Sign up he...

Trauma bonding can keep us locked in an abusive relationship. It’s a neurological response to the abuse that creates significant vulnerability. It happens to our children too—they may become bonded to their abuser (your abuser). About Dr. Nadine: Dr. Nadine Macaluso, known to her patients as Dr. Nae, is the real-life inspiration behind Naomi Belfort's character in "The Wolf of Wall Street...

Caitlyn is my first adult child guest, and she’s here to share her powerful story of growing up in a home with a coercive controller. Her brave escape from the abuser paved the way for her mom to find freedom as well. The strength and resilience of children like Caitlyn inspire hope for us all. 🔸Follow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol 🔸Visit her website: https:...

Dr. Christine and Amy Polacko expose the disturbing realities within the family court system. In this episode, they discuss their new book FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld which highlights the struggles of mothers facing coercive control and narcissistic abuse. Learn how abusers manipulate the system and why family court often fails to protect victims. Tune in for an eye-opening conver...

In this episode, we talk about loss and grief and unpack the magnitude of loss that occurs via a coercive controller/narcissistic abuser and the institutions complicit in the abuser's game.  --- Follow Dr. Christine on social media: 🔸Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ 🔸Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@dr.cocchiola.coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ 🔸Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ 🔸YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@DrCocchiola⁠⁠⁠ 🔸...

Follow Dr. Christine on social media: 🔸Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ 🔸Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@dr.cocchiola.coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ 🔸Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ 🔸YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@DrCocchiola⁠⁠⁠ 🔸Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://coercivecontrolconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠ 🔸Book a 15-minute FREE consultation with Dr. Cocchiola: https://coercivecontrolconsultingllc.practicebetter.io/#/652da62e4e6384072a650689/booking...

Dr. Cocchiola highlights how coercive control in the home can significantly impact a child's developing brain and emotional wellbeing. Drawing from her experiences in child welfare and as a survivor herself, she emphasizes the importance of providing a safe space for children by preventing them from being forced into interactions with their abusers. --- Follow Dr. Christine on social media: In...

Do you see it? Watch for it and then the patterns will become evident. When the patterns are visible, then we can give them the support they need. --- Follow Dr. Christine on social media: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@dr.cocchiola.coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠@coercivecontrol⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@DrCocchiola⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://coercivecontrolconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠ Book...