The Psychology of Coercive Control: Cognitive Dissonance and Trauma Bonds Explained
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
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Unveiling Jennifer Dulos' Tragic Tale: Insights from Rich Cohen on Coercive Control
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
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Understanding Narcissism and Coercive Control with Mark Vicente
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
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Coercive Control in Family Law with Meg Groff
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
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Children of Coercive Control - Jessi Hersey
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
Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW is a Coercive Control Educator, Researcher, & Survivor. She has been an advocate since the age of 19, passionate about protecting children from abuse. Yet, even as a therapist, she didn't see the signs in her own relationship. How do we, as protective parents, support our children harmed by the coercive controller (aka Narcissistic Abuser)? Dr. Cocchiola's expertise provides the framework for supporting protective parents as they navigate parenting children harmed by the coercive controller. Protective parents can show their children a path to freedom.
New Zealand