In this episode of Perfect Prey, I’m honored to be joined by Judith Herman, one of the world’s foremost pioneers in trauma research and recovery.
Dr. Herman is the author of the groundbreaking books Father-Daughter Incest, Trauma and Recovery, and Truth and Repair—works that fundamentally changed how we understand trauma, complex trauma, institutional betrayal, and survivor healing.
Together, we discuss the origins of trauma theory, the women’s movement that brought survivor voices into public consciousness, the devastating lifelong impact of childhood abuse and coercive control, and why children living in unsafe family systems are so deeply affected—even when the abuse is not overtly physical.
We also explore the ACEs study, attachment, institutional failures, protective parenting, intergenerational trauma, and the critical role of safe relationships in healing.
This is an essential conversation for survivors, clinicians, advocates, educators, attorneys, judges, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of trauma and recovery.
What we cover
The origins of trauma and complex trauma theory
How the women’s movement changed the understanding of abuse
Dr. Herman’s groundbreaking work on incest and child sexual abuse
The lifelong mental and physical health impacts of childhood trauma
The ACEs study and adverse childhood experiences
Coercive control, family violence, and child development
Isolation as a tactic of abuse and coercive control
Why children exposed to family violence are profoundly harmed
Protective factors that help children heal from trauma
Attachment, belonging, and the importance of safe relationships
Institutional betrayal and why survivors must be heard
Protective parenting and rebuilding connection with children
Why listen
If you are a survivor, protective parent, clinician, advocate, educator, researcher, or legal professional, this episode offers foundational insight into trauma, coercive control, attachment, and recovery.
Dr. Herman’s work helped shape the modern understanding of trauma and continues to guide how we think about healing, institutional accountability, and the long-term impact of childhood abuse.
Guest bio (short)
Judith Herman, MD, is a psychiatrist, researcher, professor, and internationally recognized pioneer in the study of psychological trauma. She is the author of Father-Daughter Incest, Trauma and Recovery, and Truth and Repair, groundbreaking works that transformed the understanding of trauma, complex PTSD, and survivor recovery.
About Dr. Judith Lewis Herman
Guilford Press: https://www.guilford.com/author/Judith-Lewis-Herman?srsltid=AfmBOopF18dr2S7Z0VoukbbZiSSvNFY7XqwmoLAmoT2OykKgsoR2T4fY
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judith_Lewis_Herman
Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/judith-l-herman-md
Connect 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/videos
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.c_coercivecontrol
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol/
TEDxTalks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp2qByKOue4&t=24s
Books: https://url-shortener.me/c/FramedBook
https://url-shortener.me/c/EveryMomentOfEveryDay
If 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.
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— Dr. Christine Cocchiola & guest Dr. Judith Herman
New Zealand