Episode 22: FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld with Dr. Christine Cocchiola and Amy Polacko
“This is for everyone. Everyone needs to learn how to identify the reg flags within the family court system and how to navigate this process, particularly in custody cases when you have very little support behind you,” begins Dr. Z. Joining her this week are Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, known as Dr. C, a coercive control educator and researcher, and Amy Polacko, an award-winning journalist and divorce coach. Both women, having survived domestic abuse, have turned their personal pain into a mission for change. Their newly released book, “Framed: Women in the Family Court Underworld,” shines a spotlight on the damaging impact of coercive control and systemic injustices women face in family court.
Dr. C and Amy share their deeply personal stories that emphasize how their experiences—and those of many other women—demand attention, action, and change. They pull back the curtain on a court system that too often fails to protect women, allowing abusers to continue their control and manipulation tactics through legal and financial strategies.
Beyond their individual stories, Dr. C and Amy tackle the broader issue of post-separation abuse and the emotional, psychological, and financial weight it carries for survivors. They question how society views romantic relationships, pushing for more awareness around coercive control and promoting healthier relationship dynamics for the future. This episode is both a validation for survivors and a rallying cry—how can we come together to support survivors and demand meaningful changes in the family court system?
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This workshop focuses on the process of healing from narcissistic abuse in relationships. More often than not, the abuse does not stop once the relationship has ended. It’s important that boundaries continue to be maintained long after the relationship is over. This workshop will discuss the patterns of abuse following the end of the relationship and strategies towards healing as you navigate these complex breakups
You Will Learn:
How to identify narcissistic behavior patterns after a breakup.
The importance of boundary maintenance as the “ex.”
How to identify ongoing control tactics used by the narcissistic ex-partner long after the relationship has ended.
Specific steps towards healing, including what you can do to pick healthier partners going forward.
*This workshop is not intended to diagnosis or treat. It is for informational purposes only. Individual advice or therapy cannot be provided for any individual’s specific circumstances and relationships*