
You might not see it. You might not hear it. But coercive control is happening all around us—often in the relationships we least suspect. It’s the invisible thread that weaves through all forms of abuse, and when children are involved, its impact can last generations.
Dr. Christine Cocchiola—clinician, coach, professor, survivor, and leading expert on coercive control—uncovers the truth about this insidious form of abuse. She joins Cathy O’Brien on Inside the Wellspace to break down how power and control dynamics take root, why victims stay, and how subtle boundary-shifting can erode autonomy and self-worth over time.
Dr. Cocchiola shares her personal story, professional insights, and the practical tools she uses to help survivors recognize manipulation, document patterns of harm, and begin the process of healing. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the unseen mechanisms of abuse—and how to support those trapped within them.
Guest Resources:
Dr. Christine Cocchiola — https://linktr.ee/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol?utm_source=linktree_profile_share
Website - https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/
Social - https://www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol/?hl=en
Listen: Perfect Prey: A Coercive Control Podcast https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/perfectpreypodcast/
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Understanding Coercive Control
06:46 The Dynamics of Power and Control
13:54 Recognizing Red Flags in Relationships
21:04 The Impact of Coercive Control on Families
25:43 The Cult of Coercive Control
27:24 Financial Abuse and Its Impact
29:47 Navigating Family Court Challenges
31:20 The Trauma of Children in Abusive Environments
34:24 Malicious Fracturing of Attachment
38:03 The Cycle of Abuse and Grooming
40:32 Recognizing the Signs of Abuse
45:41 The Danger of Leaving an Abusive Relationship
47:55 Supporting Children Through Trauma
SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/