Perfect Prey: A Coercive Control Podcast

In this episode of Perfect Prey, I’m joined by Anne Wintemute, co-creator of Aimee Says, an innovative AI platform designed specifically to support victims and survivors of coercive control. Aimee Says helps survivors understand abusive communication patterns, validate their lived experiences, and assist with documentation—particularly in high-stakes situations such as custody and family court.We explore why victims and survivors are not harmed because of character flaws, but because abusers intentionally target people who are kind, empathic, agreeable, and giving. Anne explains how Aimee Says was built around expertise in coercive control, narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, and power-and-control dynamics—and why that specialization matters.What we coverWhat Aimee Says is and how it supports survivors of coercive controlWhy validation and being truly heard are foundational to healing and decision-makingHow Aimee helps identify gaslighting, financial abuse, intimidation, and coercive patternsUsing Aimee Says to support documentation, journaling, and preparation for legal processesKey differences between Aimee Says and general AI tools, including safety, trauma-informed guardrails, and survivor-centered designPrivacy, confidentiality, and safety considerations for survivors navigating digital toolsHow tools like Aimee Says can reduce isolation and help restore agency and clarityWhy listenIf you are a survivor, protective parent, clinician, attorney, or advocate, this episode offers a grounded, accessible explanation of how coercive control operates and why survivors so often feel confused, minimized, or silenced. You’ll also learn how thoughtfully designed tools can help survivors feel validated, supported, and better equipped to navigate complex systems.Guest bio (short)Anne Wintemute is the co-creator of Aimee Says, an AI-powered platform developed to support victims and survivors of coercive control through validation, pattern recognition, and trauma-informed guidance. Her work focuses on increasing access to expert-level support while prioritizing survivor safety, autonomy, and confidentiality.Learn more about Anne Wintemute and Aimee Says:Anne Wintemute on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-wintemute-897077106Canvas Rebel interview: https://canvasrebel.com/meet-anne-wintemute/Aimee Says – Our Story: https://www.aimeesays.com/storyConnect with Dr. Christine:Protective Parenting Program: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/Official site: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCocchiola-coercivecontrol/videosTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.c_coercivecontrolIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol/TEDxTalks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp2qByKOue4&t=24sBooks: https://url-shortener.me/c/FramedBookhttps://url-shortener.me/c/EveryMomentOfEveryDayIf this episode landed for you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, subscribe for more trauma-informed conversations, and consider leaving a review — it helps other survivors find validation and safety.— Dr. Christine Cocchiola & guest Anne Wintemute

In this episode of Perfect Prey, I speak with Sarma Melngailis, author of The Girl with the Duck Tattoo and the central figure in the documentary Bad Vegan. Sarma shares her lived experience of sustained psychological coercion, how it felt to be worn down and re-anchored in someone else’s reality, and what the recovery process looks like after a relationship that functioned much like a one-on-one cult.What we coverHow coercive control can operate like psychological warfare and the tactics that make it feel impossible to leave.Why intelligent, accomplished people can become victims: the slow wearing down, mirroring, and exploitation of hopes and vulnerabilities.The parallels between cult dynamics and one-on-one coercive relationships—why isolation and repeated micro-assaults change perception and decision-making.The aftermath: public shame, misrepresentation in media, and the ongoing work of reclaiming agency, safety, and reputation.Practical reflections for survivors and protective parents: how to notice red flags early, the power of sitting with your intuition, and how healing helps rebuild boundaries and clarity.Why listen Sarma’s story illustrates that coercive control is not about intelligence or credentials — it’s about a strategic, multifaceted assault on agency and reality. Whether you are a survivor, a caregiver, a clinician, or someone trying to understand how otherwise kind and competent people get trapped, this episode names the mechanisms, normalizes survivors’ reactions, and offers concrete ideas for protection and recovery.Guest bio (short) Sarma Melngailis is the author of The Girl with the Duck Tattoo and the subject of the documentary Bad Vegan. She writes and speaks about her experience of coercive control and its aftermath, helping others recognize the subtle, insidious tactics used by predatory partners.Connect with Sarma Melngailis:Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarmamelngailisIG: https://www.instagram.com/sarmamelngailisLinktree: https://linktr.ee/sarmamelngailis?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=5c0c0b7d-0fd4-4700-b1ff-86848db49061Books: https://l1nk.dev/Sarma-Melngailis-BooksConnect with Dr. Christine:Protective Parenting Program: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/Official site: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCocchiola-coercivecontrol/videosTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.c_coercivecontrolIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol/TEDxTalks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp2qByKOue4&t=24sBooks: https://url-shortener.me/c/FramedBookhttps://url-shortener.me/c/EveryMomentOfEveryDayIf this episode landed for you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, subscribe for more trauma-informed conversations, and consider leaving a review — it helps other survivors find validation and safety.— Dr. Christine Cocchiola & guest Sarma Melngailis

In this episode of Perfect Prey I’m joined by my friend and colleague Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, author, professor, and internationally recognized expert on narcissistic abuse. We dig into why coercive control feels like imprisonment without bars, how systems (including family court) retraumatize survivors, and what survivors can do to protect themselves and their children. What we coverWhy coercive control is often invisible — and why the myth of “free will” makes it so hard for institutions to understand emotional abuse.How victim-blaming and the DARVO pattern (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim & Offender) let abusers manipulate sympathy in court.The difference between milder narcissistic traits and the kind of malignant, coercive abuse that creates real danger and CPTSD-like responses.Practical, trauma-informed strategies for surviving family court: what to document, when to prioritize safety over “justice,” and how to protect your children while minimizing retraumatization.The “industrial divorce complex” — how systems and money can deepen harm, and what survivors can do strategically to preserve their safety and sense of self.Why listen If you’re a survivor, a clinician, a legal professional, or someone trying to understand a loved one’s experience, this conversation names the harms you may not see on the surface and gives clear, compassionate guidance for staying safe and getting validated. You’ll hear clinical insight paired with real-world, tactical advice about custody, court behavior, and how to build a safety-first plan.Guest bio (short) Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and media expert who writes and speaks widely about narcissism, personality disorders, and relationship dynamics. She maintains a clinical practice and educational network focused on helping people heal from narcissistic relationships. Connect with Dr. Ramani:Official site: https://doctor-ramani.com/drn/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorRamaniTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@doctorramaniIG: https://www.instagram.com/doctorramani/Podcast: Navigating Narcissism with Dr. RamaniBooks: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Ramani-Durvasula/author/B00C2C5U0O?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueConnect with Dr. Christine:Protective Parenting Program: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/Official site: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrCocchiola-coercivecontrol/videosTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.c_coercivecontrolIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol/TEDxTalks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp2qByKOue4&t=24sBooks: https://url-shortener.me/c/FramedBookhttps://url-shortener.me/c/EveryMomentOfEveryDayIf this episode landed for you: share it with someone who needs to hear it, subscribe for more trauma-informed conversations, and leave a rating — it helps more survivors find validation and safety.— Dr. Christine Cocchiola & guest Dr. Ramani Durvasula

In this episode of Perfect Prey, I sit down with Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, a licensed clinical psychologist and national expert in narcissistic abuse, to uncover the hidden dynamics of coercive control and narcissistic relationships. Dr. Zuckerman shares her deep expertise from years of working with survivors, offering insight into the traits that make individuals vulnerable, the subtle and overt patterns of abuse, and the critical need for better clinician training to identify these behaviors.As the founder of The Z Group, host of the Next Up: Narcissism podcast, and author of two interactive workbooks—Find Your Calm and Find Good Habits—Dr. Zuckerman brings practical tools and real-world strategies for reclaiming your power, setting boundaries, and rebuilding your life. She also shares a sneak peek at her upcoming guided workbook designed to help survivors navigate narcissistic abuse in any type of relationship.Whether you’re a survivor, a clinician, or someone seeking to understand the insidious nature of coercive control, this episode provides clarity, guidance, and the support you need to recognize patterns and take back your power.Connect with Dr. Zuckerman:Workshops: https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/workshopsIG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.z_psychologist/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJaimeZuckermanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.z_psychologistNarcissistic Abuse Coaching: https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/Therapy with The Z Group: https://www.zgrouptherapy.com/Podcast: Next Up: Narcissism https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/podcastBooks: https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/books

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