Understanding Coercive Control and How to Break Free

Most people think abuse means being hit. But what if some of the most damaging abuse leaves no visible bruises at all?In this deep-dive episode, licensed trauma therapist and domestic abuse expert Tabitha Westbrook breaks down what coercive control REALLY is and why terms like "domestic violence" or "narcissistic abuse" don't even come close to describing it.In this episode you'll learn:• Why coercive control is about taking someone's personhood, not just hurting their body• The subtle tactics coercive controllers use• Why ALL coercive control is physical abuse (yes, really)• How to recognize if YOU are in a coercively controlling relationship• What to do if you think YOU might be the coercive controller and that change IS possibleWhether it's a marriage, a friendship, or even church, coercive control shows up in more places than we realize. This episode will give you language, clarity, and a path forward.🕊️ Men of Peace Cohort applications now open → https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/upcoming-events-groups/men-of-peace/📞 Called to Peace Ministries → https://calledtopeace.org/📚 Eyes Wide Open by Dr. Deborah Wingfield → https://amzn.to/4uei4rV📲 Rate & review on your favorite podcast platform — it helps others find us!Wanna say hi? Send a text! At The Journey and The Process we strive to help you heal. Our therapists are trauma specialists who use evidence-based tools like EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems to help you heal - mind, soul, and body. Reach out today to start your healing journey. https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/  This book is for every Christian woman who has been harmed sexually, whether that happened in childhood, adulthood, or even within your coercive controlling marriage, and you're longing to feel safe in your body again. We talk about the hard stuff, shame, desire, faith, and even questions like, is this sin or is this trauma?You don't have to untangle it alone. Body & Soul, Healed & Whole is for you. Get a copy here today - https://a.co/d/8Jo3Z4V👍 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share to help others who need this information!📖 Order Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality After Trauma, Abuse, and Coercive ControlWanna support Hey Tabi? Buy me a coffee here - https://buymeacoffee.com/heytabi📩 Connect with Tabitha & The Journey and The Process:💻 Tabitha's Website - www.tabithawestbrook.com📲 Tabitha's Instagram - www.instagram.com/tabithathecounselor🎙️ Podcast Homepage - https://heytabi.buzzsprout.com💻 The Journey & The Process Website - www.thejourneyandtheprocess.comSubscribe to our YouTube Channel & watch podcast episodes there🚨 Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy and is intended for educational purposes only. If you're in crisis or need therapy, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional.Need to know how to find a great therapist? Read this blog post here.