S4 E33: Coercive Control, Counter-Parenting, and Protecting Your Kids — with Dr. Christine Cocchiola

Send us Fan MailShe spent 27 years married to her abuser. She was a domestic abuse counselor the entire time. And she still didn't recognize what was happening to her until year 20 of her marriage.Dr. Christine Cocchiola — licensed social worker, professor, therapist, survivor, and protective mom — joins Alex and Amanda to talk about coercive control as the foundation of all abuse, not just the violent incidents we're taught to look for. She explains the dark tetrad of personality traits that drive abusive behavior, why she tells protective parents not to take their children to therapy with a coercive co-parent, what counter-parenting is and how abusers use it to fracture a child's attachment to the safe parent, and what practical tools parents can use when their kids come home dysregulated after a visit.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our podcast guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts or the podcast. We value diverse perspectives and aim to provide a platform for thoughtful discussion and exploration of different ideas.Got any comments, suggestions or queries? We'd love to hear from you! DM us on Instagram @dirty.laundry.podcast to be featured on one of our upcoming episodes.  Also, don't forget to rate and review our show on your favourite podcast player.