Perfect Prey: A Coercive Control Podcast

In this episode of Perfect Prey, I sit down with Vanessa Reiser, LCSW, a renowned psychotherapist, speaker, and advocate who has dedicated her career to helping survivors of narcissistic abuse and coercive control reclaim their lives. Vanessa is the founder of Tell a Therapist, a nationwide telehealth platform, and the author of Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist’s Guide, a groundbreaking resource that not only unpacks the devastating impact of narcissistic and cult abuse but also offers clinicians the training and tools they need to support survivors in the healing process.Together, we explore what coercive control looks like in real life. We talk about why certain people are more vulnerable to narcissistic abuse, the toll it takes on mental health, and how survivors can begin to recognize the patterns and break free.We also shine a light on the unique challenges survivors face in family court when narcissistic abuse is involved, and why therapist training in this area is so urgently needed. Vanessa’s book is an essential guide for professionals and survivors alike, offering not just insight but hope—that recovery is possible, and that healing from narcissistic abuse is about reclaiming your voice, your power, and your life.Connect with Vanessa:Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist’s Guide: https://www.amazon.com/Narcissistic-Abuse-Therapists-Identifying-Manipulative/dp/0306833174Tell a Therapist: https://tellatherapist.net/Follow Vanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessareiserlcsw/Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:🔸Follow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol🔸Services for Professionals: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-professionals/🔸Private Coaching: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/private-coaching/🔸Free Guide: Clinical Implications for Children Who Are Coercively Controlled: https://drchristinemarie.kartra.com/page/childvictimofccgrowthguide

In this episode of Perfect Prey: A Podcast on Coercive Control, I am joined by Dr. Bandy X. Lee, a forensic psychiatrist and internationally recognized expert on violence. Together, we examine the alarming injustices occurring within family courts, where coercive control, child abuse, and even child trafficking are too often overlooked or minimized.Dr. Lee brings her extensive experience to highlight how judicial culture and systemic failures repeatedly fail to protect victims, leaving children and protective parents at risk. We also discuss the urgent need for reform and the strategies that could begin to shift these deeply entrenched systems.This is an important conversation for anyone concerned about child safety, coercive control, and the changes necessary to ensure our family courts serve the best interests of children.Tune in for insight, advocacy, and a call to action for systemic change.Connect with Dr. Bandy:Website: https://bandylee.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bandyxlee/?hl=enJoin Dr. Bandy on Substack: https://bandyxlee.substack.com/Resources Mentioned in this Podcast:🔸Follow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol🔸Services for Parents: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/🔸Services for Professionals: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-professionals/🔸Services for Victims of Abuse: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-individuals/🔸Private Coaching: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/private-coaching/🔸Free Guide: Clinical Implications for ChildrenWho Are Coercively Controlled: https://drchristinemarie.kartra.com/page/childvictimofccgrowthguide

In this episode of Perfect Prey: A Coercive Control Podcast, Dr. Christine Cocchiola sits down with Dr. Peter Salerno to take a deeper look at the hidden dynamics of coercive control and the psychological abuse that entraps partners and children in cycles of fear, confusion, and dependency.We explore the defining traits of coercive controllers, how they manipulate both adult and child victims, and why survivors often struggle with cognitive dissonance, a mental conflict that can keep them tethered to abusive relationships long after the harm is clear. Together, we discuss the traumatic impact of cognitive dissonance, how abusers condition children to adopt distorted beliefs, and what protective strategies parents can use to safeguard their children’s well-being.You’ll also hear about the crucial role of trauma-informed therapy, ways to respond intentionally to children’s conditioned behaviors, and how survivors can begin to break free from the psychological grip of coercive control.This conversation sheds light on the complex psychological dynamics of abuse and offers practical steps for supporting both adults and children who have been targeted by coercive controllers.If you’ve ever felt trapped in a relationship that left you doubting your own reality, or if you’re working to protect children from ongoing manipulation, this episode will give you clarity, tools, and hope for the path forward.Connect with Dr. Peter Salerno:Website: https://www.drpetersalerno.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpetersalerno/Book a Consultation: https://www.drpetersalerno.com/new-page-1Book: https://www.drpetersalerno.com/new-pageResources Mentioned in this Podcast:🔸Follow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol🔸Services for Parents: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/🔸Services for Professionals: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-professionals/🔸Services for Victims of Abuse: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-individuals/🔸Private Coaching: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/private-coaching/🔸Free Guide: Clinical Implications for ChildrenWho Are Coercively Controlled: https://drchristinemarie.kartra.com/page/childvictimofccgrowthguide

In this episode of Perfect Prey Podcast, I sit down with journalist and author Rich Cohen to discuss his book, Murder in the Dollhouse, which explores the tragic case of Jennifer Dulos, a mother from New Canaan, Connecticut, murdered by her husband, Fotis Dulos. Together, we examine the role of coercive control in intimate partner violence, the systemic failures that too often leave victims unprotected, and the broader implications for Jennifers' Law in Connecticut.Rich Cohen is a bestselling author and award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, The Atlantic, and Rolling Stone. His keen ability to uncover the human story behind complex events has shaped his career as both a storyteller and social commentator, bringing clarity and depth to difficult conversations.Rich shares powerful insights into the patterns of abuse, the hidden nature of coercion, and why it is essential for all of us to recognize the warning signs. Connect with Rich:Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Dollhouse-Jennifer-Dulos-Story/dp/0374608067Follow Rich on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/author.richcohen/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/rich.cohen1https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-cohen-4736816/https://x.com/richcohen2003?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorResources To Support this Podcast:🔸Follow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol🔸Services for Parents: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/🔸Services for Professionals: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-professionals/🔸Services for Victims of Abuse: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-individuals/🔸Private Coaching: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/private-coaching/🔸Free Guide: Clinical Implications for ChildrenWho Are Coercively Controlled: https://drchristinemarie.kartra.com/page/childvictimofccgrowthguide

In this episode of Perfect Prey, I sit down with filmmaker and NXIVM Whistleblower, Mark Vicente, to explore the insidious nature of narcissism and coercive control. Known for his role in exposing the NXIVM cult and for his upcoming documentary Narcissist Playbook, Mark brings a rare blend of lived experience and narrative insight to a conversation that is both deeply personal and profoundly educational.Together, we examine how narcissistic abuse thrives on confusion, manipulation, and silence. Coercive control isn't always visible—often it hides in plain sight, eroding a survivor’s sense of self through emotional, psychological, and sometimes spiritual abuse. Mark shares how he came to recognize the patterns of power and control he endured, and why storytelling and awareness are key to dismantling these dynamics.As a licensed clinical social worker and survivor of coercive control myself, this conversation is one I know will resonate. We talk about the trauma of emotional abuse, the grooming tactics abusers use to gain and maintain control, and the long road to healing after escaping these toxic dynamics. Mark’s courage and clarity offer validation to those still trying to make sense of what happened to them, and hope to those who are just beginning to find their voice.This is more than a podcast episode… it’s a call to awareness, to healing, and to action. Tune in to better understand the trauma of coercive control and narcissistic relationships, and to remember that your truth is the first step toward freedom.Connect with Mark:Mark's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/?hl=enNarcissist Playbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenarcissistsplaybook/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.empathynotincluded.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/Listen to Mark's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wtf-is-on-my-mind/id1646783869Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX1OsELrINqvPVImbyM6qdQResources Mentioned in this Podcast:🔸Follow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol🔸Services for Parents: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/🔸Services for Professionals: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-professionals/🔸Services for Victims of Abuse: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-individuals/🔸Private Coaching: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/private-coaching/🔸Free Guide: Clinical Implications for ChildrenWho Are Coercively Controlled: https://drchristinemarie.kartra.com/page/childvictimofccgrowthguide

For over 40 years, Attorney Meg Groff has been a fierce advocate for victims of domestic abuse.In her powerful memoir, Not If I Can Help It, Meg shares some of the most harrowing and eye-opening cases she’s encountered, offering a rare glimpse into the justice system through the eyes of someone who fought tirelessly within it.Alongside Dr. C, co-author of FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld, Meg is committed to raising awareness about the often-overlooked realities women and children face in the family court system. ---🔸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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy

In this episode, Jessi Hersey bravely shares her story of surviving two forms of coercive control: childhood grooming by her drum teacher and emotional manipulation within the Twin Flames Universe online cult. As a neurodivergent survivor, Jessi reflects on how her autism both made her more vulnerable and more attuned to subtle forms of abuse. She discusses the long-term impact of grooming, the cult’s use of “mirror exercises” to control beliefs, and her journey to reclaim safety and identity. Jessi’s story highlights the urgent need for awareness around neurodivergence, grooming, and online spiritual coercion.---🔸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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy

In this powerful and emotional episode, Dr. Cocchiola speaks with Leah Moses, mother of Om Moses Gandhi, who was tragically killed by his abusive father after over a decade of family court battles.Leah shares her lived experience of reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence, and systemic failure, and how she turned unimaginable loss into advocacy through Om’s Law. This conversation exposes the urgent need for court reform, judicial accountability, and trauma-informed parenting protections.---🔸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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy

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 parent. ---🔸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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy

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. 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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy

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 battles. She reveals how kids show their trauma in play, how therapists can (and often don’t) catch the signs, and why protective parents are often the best therapists their kids have.🔸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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/pppwselfstudyDownload VEST2.1K and Repeatables FREE Guide: https://go.drcocchiola.com/vest-free-guide

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 independent medical advice, counseling, or therapy regarding any medical or mental health concerns, including topics covered in the podcast.

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 parents can begin to make sense of this painful reversal. She also speaks directly to estranged young adults, asking important, reflective questions to help them see the bigger picture.🔸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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy

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, everything clicked. The truth rose to the surface—and with it, a deeper clarity about her past and her purpose.---🔸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 for April: go.drcocchiola.com/acceleratedself-study🔸Sign up for September: go.drcocchiola.com/pppaccelerated-selfstudy2

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, and attempted murder. Sex trafficked at 13, with known abuse ignored, he was diagnosed with autism and suffered life-altering trauma. He now educates on trauma to support survivors and protect the vulnerable.🔸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 for April: go.drcocchiola.com/acceleratedself-study🔸Sign up for September: go.drcocchiola.com/pppaccelerated-selfstudy2

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 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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy

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 resorting to physical violence. Learn More from Dr. Lisa Fontes: Lisa A. Fontes, PhD is an expert on coercive control, child abuse, and intimate partner violence. A researcher, professor, and expert witness, she has authored Invisible Chains, Interviewing Clients Across Cultures, and Child Abuse and Culture. A Senior Lecturer at UMass Amherst, she has over 30 years of experience in research, psychotherapy, and education. Her work is widely published, with millions of readers on Psychology Today and Domesticshelters.org. She has served as an expert witness in 17 states on trauma, abuse, and child development. 🔗 Get Invisible Chains: https://a.co/d/8257LNs 🌐 Visit Lisa’s website: https://lisafontes.com --- 🔸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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy

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 the devastating reality faced by children worldwide who are being trafficked by family courts. --- 🔸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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy

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, isolation, and brainwashing, and how they impact a child's emotional and psychological development. 🔸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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/ppp-accelerated

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 personal experiences into advocacy, Tina has become one of the leading activists for family court reform. Through her social media platform, Tina brings survivors together for support, legislative change, and other advocacy-related calls-to-action. Website: www.onemomsbattle.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/onemomsbattle Instagram: www.instagram.com/onemomsbattle --- 🔸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 here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/ppp-accelerated