Co-Parenting Through Coercive Control w/ Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW

Coercive control doesn’t end with separation—and when children are involved, the stakes are even higher. In this compelling episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, host Karen McMahon sits down with Dr. Christine Cocchiola, a leading expert and passionate advocate in the field of coercive control, to explore how this invisible form of abuse continues to impact families long after the relationship ends.

Together, they unpack how emotional abuse often flies under the radar, the lasting harm it causes to both parents and children, and how protective parents can navigate the ongoing manipulation with clarity, strength, and love. If you've felt trapped in a battle where your integrity and your child’s well-being are constantly under attack, this conversation offers validation—and a way forward.

Dr. Cocchiola shares powerful insights on how to stay emotionally grounded, respond without reactivity, and support your child’s healing without gaslighting yourself or them. She explores the role trauma plays in behavioral issues and emphasizes the importance of becoming a consistent source of safety and truth in your child’s life.

This episode introduces a strategy to help you lead with intention: Predict what your children may have heard, Prepare your grounded response, and Protect both yourself and your child.

It’s not just about recognizing the harm—it’s about rising to meet it. Your steady, loving presence may be the most powerful tool your child has—and the clearest reflection of your own healing and hope.

Connect with Dr. Christine:

YouTube:    / @drcocchiola-coercivecontrol  
Instagram:   / dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol  
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg

🎧 Listen and download:

👉 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/30wi...

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:18 Understanding Coercive Control in Co-Parenting
01:32 Empowering the Protective Parent
03:29 The Impact on Children
09:00 Personal Experiences and Insights
10:30 Defining Narcissism and Coercive Control
17:30 Gaslighting and Intuition Disintegration
23:07 Addressing Parental Yelling and Its Impact
23:25 Navigating Character Assassination in Co-Parenting
23:56 Elevating Parenting to Ensure Child Safety
24:08 Supporting Children Through Parental Conflict
25:20 The Resilience and Growth of Children
25:29 Understanding and Healing Broken Brains
25:51 The Role of Trauma in Child Behavior

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