Advertise on podcast: The Rising Beyond Podcast

Mica Miller’s story has brought coercive control into the public conversation, but this episode is not about speculating about her death or turning her life into another true crime story. It is about learning to recognize the pattern. When we look at each behavior separately, the seriousness can be easy to miss. A tracking device. Repeated messages and calls. Financial control. Public humiliation. Sexual coercion. Using mental health systems against someone. One incident may not tell us the whole story, but together they can reveal a pattern designed to take away a person’s autonomy, stability, and ability to safely leave. Mica also reportedly reached out for help multiple times. Yet she encountered misunderstanding, legal limitations, and systems that seemed to conclude there was little or nothing they could do. We talk about: The patterns of coercive control reportedly present in Mica’s storyWhy these behaviors are often minimized when viewed one at a timeWhat may happen when professionals recognize an incident but miss the patternThe red tape and legal limitations survivors can face when they ask for helpWhy “nothing can be done” should never mean nothing else is offeredWhat professionals, family members, faith communities, and support systems can learn moving forwardWe may not always have the legal remedy a survivor needs. But we can believe her fear, document the pattern, help her understand her options, connect her with additional support, and make sure she does not leave believing that “nothing can be done” means no one can help. Mica’s story should push all of us to learn more, listen differently, and get better at recognizing coercive control before it is too late. Content note: This episode includes discussion of domestic violence, coercive control, stalking, sexual abuse, and suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 in the United States. For domestic violence support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788. Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

A protective mom is preparing for her final family court hearing after receiving a fairly neutral CFI report. The evaluator acknowledged that domestic violence occurred during the relationship but did not recognize the post-separation abuse she continues to experience. Although the parenting-time recommendations leaned slightly in her favor, the CFI did not recommend sole decision-making. After hearing stories about judges disregarding evaluators’ recommendations, she is struggling to hold onto hope without setting herself up for even more heartbreak. In this Friday Coaching Corner, we explore: Is it realistic to hope for sole decision-making when the CFI did not recommend it?How can she prepare for court without becoming consumed by other people’s horror stories?How can she explain the post-separation abuse the evaluator missed without appearing to attack the CFI or reject the report?When so much is outside of your control, how do you prepare thoughtfully, stay grounded, and still leave room for hope? Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

Family court asks survivors to explain years of coercive control within a system that often focuses on isolated incidents, limited evidence, and only a few hours of conversation. So how do you make sure the right information is actually heard? In this episode, I’m joined by Renee Rodriguez from The Custody Blueprint and Best Foot Forward Consulting, LLC. Renee shares how her own experience with coercive control and a custody battle led her to combine her professional background in strategy with a passion for helping protective parents prepare for family court and custody evaluations. We talk about why having the truth is not always enough in family court. Survivors also need to understand how to organize their evidence, communicate the impact on their children, work in partnership with their attorney, and stay grounded enough to be understood by evaluators and other professionals. Renee introduces the three pillars she uses with clients: strategy, evidence, and mindset. We also discuss the idea of developing a “court persona” that allows you to show up as an authentic, capable, child-centered parent without allowing trauma, fear, or the other parent’s accusations to pull you away from what the court needs to understand. In this conversation, we discuss: Why custody evaluations can hold so much weight in family courtThe gap between passing new domestic violence laws and implementing them effectivelyWhy your attorney cannot be your savior and what it means to truly partner with themThe difference between having a plan and having a strategyHow preparation can reduce some of the anxiety created by uncertaintyWhy the strongest evidence often focuses on the impact on the childHow to communicate your concerns without sounding like you are simply badmouthing the other parentThe importance of presenting as a parent rather than a litigantWhy healing and the family court timeline rarely move togetherThe different roles a therapist, attorney, domestic violence advocate, divorce coach, and custody strategist can playWhat child therapists notice during intakes and throughout treatmentWhy play therapy and other expressive therapies may be especially helpful for children experiencing coercive controlThis conversation does not pretend that there is a perfect way to navigate a deeply imperfect system. It does offer practical insight into how protective parents can prepare, communicate more clearly, and make intentional decisions about what information may help professionals understand what their children are experiencing. Learn more about Renee: Website: https://www.bestfootforwardllc.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecustodyblueprint LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/custody-help/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecustodyblueprint/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCustodyBlueprint Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecustodyblueprint Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thecustodyblueprint Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thecustodyblueprint Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

If it feels like no one fully understands what happens at the intersection of domestic violence and the larger systems survivors are forced to navigate, this conversation is for you. So many women we serve are not only healing from coercive control. They are also trying to make sense of what happens when the systems they believed would help instead dismiss their experiences, restrict their choices, or prevent them from acting in ways that align with their values. Dr. Summer Rippe, one of my therapists, colleagues, and friends, recently completed research on moral injury among women survivors of domestic violence. Her work examines how coercive control, betrayal, and constrained moral agency can disrupt a survivor’s sense of identity, values, and moral selfhood. In this episode, we talk about what moral injury can look like, how it differs from other ways we understand trauma, and the impact of being forced to make impossible choices. We also discuss how institutional betrayal can deepen the harm when survivors are disbelieved, blamed, or pressured to participate in decisions they believe may hurt themselves or their children. We discuss the possible impact of this and future research on the professionals that survivors find themselves relying on.   If you have ever thought, “I knew what my child needed, but I wasn’t allowed to protect them,” this conversation may help put language to an experience that has been incredibly difficult to explain. Connect w/ Summer: https://www.instagram.com/emergingmeaningcounseling/   About Summer: Dr. Summer Rippe is a counselor educator, researcher, and licensed professional counselor candidate specializing in complex trauma, dissociation, domestic violence, and moral injury. She recently completed her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Colorado Christian University, where her dissertation explored the lived experiences of moral injury among women survivors of domestic violence. Her research examines how coercive control, betrayal, and constrained moral agency can disrupt survivors’ sense of identity, values, and moral selfhood. In addition to her research, Summer teaches master's level counseling students and provides trauma-focused clinical care, with a particular interest in helping survivors move toward meaning, integration, and moral repair. Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

If they see the safety concerns, why can’t they tell the court? In this episode, I pull back the curtain on the role of a treating therapist in cases involving coercive control, post-separation abuse, and family court. I explain why a child’s therapist must remain focused on the child, why a survivor’s therapist may be cautious about testifying, and how therapy records, diagnoses, and even honest testimony can sometimes be weaponized. But staying within our clinical role does not mean therapists have to remain silent about the larger systems affecting our clients. I also explore the ways mental health professionals can make an impact beyond the therapy room through continued education, collaboration, thoughtful documentation, professional training, public education, and advocacy. We explore: Why treating therapists generally cannot make parenting-time or decision-making recommendations.Why testifying may not always help—and can sometimes create additional risks for clients.How therapists can protect a child’s privacy and the trust built in therapy.Why diagnoses, records, and disclosures may be weaponized in family court.The importance of collaboration among therapists, attorneys, evaluators, GALs, and other professionals.How clinicians can advocate for survivors and children without practicing outside their scope.Why therapists have a role in changing the systems that shape their clients’ safety and healing.I would love to hear from both survivors and mental health professionals: What do you wish therapists could do in these cases? What has surprised you about their role? And where could therapists make the greatest impact beyond an individual case? Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

What if just one professional truly understood coercive control? What if your therapist, evaluator, attorney, judge, child protection worker, or GAL recognized the patterns that so often go unseen? Would your family's story look different? In this episode, I share more than 20 of the most important things I believe professionals need to understand about coercive control, post-separation abuse, and the experiences of protective parents and children. These aren't abstract theories. They are lessons I've learned from years of working with survivors, children, and families—and from listening to the stories of people who have lived through these systems. Whether you're a survivor hoping professionals will better understand your experience or you're a professional wanting to improve your practice, I hope this episode sparks curiosity, conversation, and change. We explore: Why looking at isolated incidents causes professionals to miss the larger pattern of coercive control.How children experience coercive control—and why their behaviors should invite curiosity rather than quick conclusions.The mindset shifts professionals need to better recognize, assess, and respond to coercive control while supporting protective parents and children.This episode is also an invitation. As I continue developing trainings for therapists, evaluators, attorneys, judges, and other professionals, I want to hear from you. What did I miss? What do you wish every professional understood that could have changed your family's story? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Couples Therapy Episode - “Ep 212: When Couples Therapy Causes Harm | Understanding Coercive Control in the Therapy Room with Frances Russell, LMFT”  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1991648/episodes/19493873 Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

This week's question comes from a protective mom navigating one of the most heartbreaking and misunderstood situations in family court. Her teenage daughter refuses to go to her dad's house. She's crying, begging not to go, and sometimes won't even get out of the car. She's too old to physically carry, and her mom doesn't want to force her in a way that could be traumatic. At the same time, she's terrified that if she doesn't somehow "make her go," the court will accuse her of alienation or violating the parenting plan. What is a protective parent supposed to do in a situation like this? In this Friday Coaching Corner, we explore the difference between facilitating parenting time and forcing a child, why that distinction matters, and how to navigate these impossible moments in a way that supports your child while making reasonable efforts to follow court orders. I answer the questions: What should I actually do when my teen refuses to get out of the car for parenting time?Where is the line between encouraging my child and forcing them?How can I show the court that I am supporting parenting time without traumatizing my child or appearing to alienate?Whether you're living this situation now or simply wondering how you would respond if it happened, this episode offers practical guidance, a trauma-informed perspective, and a mindset shift that can help you navigate one of the most difficult parenting dilemmas protective parents face. Want to have your questions featured on a Friday Coaching Corner? Send me a short summary of your situation and 2–3 questions at [email protected]. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice, mental health treatment, or a substitute for advice from professionals familiar with your specific situation. Every parenting plan and court order is different. If you have questions about your legal obligations or your child's safety, consult with a qualified attorney and other professionals knowledgeable about coercive control and family court dynamics.  Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

Back-to-school season often brings more than new teachers, new classmates, and new routines. For many protective parents, it also marks the beginning of a new round of smear campaigns. Whether it's with teachers, other parents, coaches, family members, or professionals involved in your case, someone who uses coercive control often looks for opportunities to shape the narrative before you have a chance to tell your own story. The result? Anxiety. Isolation. Self-doubt. And the overwhelming urge to defend yourself. But what if your greatest strength isn't convincing everyone you're telling the truth? What if it's learning to stay grounded in your values while allowing your consistency to speak louder than their accusations? In this episode, we explore practical mindset shifts that can help you respond differently to smear campaigns while protecting both your peace and your credibility. In this episode, we answer: How do I stop a smear campaign from taking over my thoughts and emotions?When should I respond to false accusations—and when is it better not to?How can I protect my credibility without constantly defending myself?If you've ever found yourself replaying conversations, worrying about what other people think, or wondering how to protect your reputation without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you. Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

Artificial intelligence is everywhere, including family court. More and more protective parents are telling me that their ex has suddenly started sending perfectly written messages, using AI to draft legal documents, or threatening to subpoena their ChatGPT conversations. It's understandable to feel intimidated. But does AI actually give an abusive person more power? Or is it simply another tool that can be used well—or misused? In this episode, I'm joined by divorce coach and author Rina Rosewell to unpack the growing role of AI in coercive control, post-separation abuse, and family court. We discuss both the opportunities and the limitations of AI, along with practical ways survivors can use it without becoming dependent on it. In this episode, we answer: Should I be worried if my ex suddenly starts using AI to write messages or court documents?Can AI actually help me communicate, organize my case, and reduce the emotional toll of post-separation abuse?What are the limitations of AI, and why shouldn't it replace the support of safe, trusted people in your healing?Whether you're curious about AI, already using it, or feeling anxious because your ex has discovered it, this conversation will help you separate fear from facts and use this technology in ways that support—not replace—your healing. About Rina: Rina Rosewell is a CDC Certified Divorce Coach, High-Conflict Coach, and Amazon bestselling author of AI ARMOR: Your Digital Defense Solution for Coparenting with a Narcissist. She helps post-separation abuse survivors use AI strategically to communicate, document, and protect themselves when their ex weaponizes every interaction. Find Rina: https://lifeafteranabusiverelationship.com/ https://rinas-newsletter-fbfe96.beehiiv.com/ Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

This week's episode comes from a question I was asked by a group of family law attorneys. "What behaviors can we look for in a child that tell us coercive control or domestic violence is happening?" On the surface, it seems like a simple question. But the more I sat with it, the more I realized just how complicated, and potentially harmful, that question can become. As a child therapist, I absolutely believe we need to understand children's experiences. Their voices matter. But when our legal and child protection systems rely too heavily on children to provide the evidence, we can unintentionally place them in impossible loyalty binds, increase pressure on them, and even teach them that speaking up doesn't change anything. In this episode, I process these tensions out loud and share why I believe we need to think differently about assessing coercive control. We answer: Why is it so difficult to use children's behaviors as proof of coercive control or domestic violence?What should parents actually pay attention to when trying to understand their child's experience?How can we support our children without turning them into evidence in a family court case?If you've ever wondered why your child's behaviors seem confusing—or why professionals sometimes miss what's really happening—this conversation is for you. Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

Leaving an abusive relationship is only the beginning. For many survivors, the legal system becomes the next obstacle, especially when financial abuse, intimidation, and limited access to legal representation leave them trying to navigate family court alone. I'm talking with Heather Bellino from the Texas Advocacy Project to discuss the often-overlooked civil legal needs of survivors and the systemic gaps that continue to put families at risk. Although Texas Advocacy Project serves survivors in Texas, the themes discussed apply to communities across the United States. We explore how coordinated community responses, trauma-informed legal advocacy, and increased collaboration between professionals can improve both safety and access to justice. We discuss: The difference between criminal and civil legal remedies for survivorsWhy protective orders, custody, and family court often determine a survivor's immediate safetyWhy abuse must be understood as a pattern of coercive control, not isolated incidentsHow stalking and coercive control are frequently minimized when viewed one event at a timeThe importance of trauma-informed judges, evaluators, and court professionalsWhy passing new legislation is only the first step—and why implementation mattersThe role of court watchers in increasing accountability and transparencyHow Texas Advocacy Project helps survivors who must represent themselves in court (pro se)Why knowing your legal rights can be empowering after coercive controlThe importance of coordinated community responses rather than organizations working in silosWhy funding survivor services is essential to long-term systemic changeSurvivors shouldn't have to navigate complex legal systems alone. When professionals collaborate, communities invest in survivor-centered services, and systems understand coercive control as a pattern rather than isolated incidents, families have a far greater chance of finding both safety and justice. Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

You left the relationship. You're rebuilding your life. You're even trying to reconnect with friends. So why does every interaction leave you questioning everything? In this Friday Coaching Corner, I answer a listener question from a survivor who wants connection but finds herself constantly analyzing whether people are genuine, worrying about how she showed up, and struggling to trust her own judgment. Questions We'll Explore How do I know the difference between discernment and hypervigilance?Why do I replay conversations and judge myself so harshly afterward?How do I rebuild trust without becoming naive?We'll talk about the impact of coercive control and isolation on trust, why your nervous system may still be scanning for danger, and how trust is rebuilt one safe relationship at a time. Want to have your questions featured on a Friday Coaching Corner? Send me a short summary of your situation and 2–3 questions at [email protected]. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice, mental health treatment, or a substitute for advice from professionals familiar with your specific situation. Every parenting plan and court order is different. If you have questions about your legal obligations or your child's safety, consult with a qualified attorney and other professionals knowledgeable about coercive control and family court dynamics.  Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

What do you do when the outcome you feared actually happens? What happens when you've lost time with your children, the professionals who were supposed to protect them didn't listen, and you're wondering how you're supposed to keep going? This is one of the heaviest episodes I've ever recorded—but it's also one of the most important. Too often, survivors are told to "stay positive" or "everything happens for a reason." But that's not what hope looks like after coercive control, systemic betrayal, or devastating family court outcomes. In this episode, I talk honestly about the hopelessness many protective parents experience, including suicidal thoughts that can arise after prolonged trauma and loss. More importantly, we explore what research tells us about hope—and why hope is not passive optimism. Hope is something we build one small step at a time. If you've ever wondered whether you'll make it through this season, I hope this conversation helps you feel a little less alone. We discuss: The difference between optimism and hope—and why the distinction matters.Why toxic positivity can feel invalidating after trauma.The grief that many protective parents carry after family court and post-separation abuse.How focusing on what is within your control can restore a sense of agency.Why breaking overwhelming goals into smaller steps builds hope.The importance of community and allowing others to hold hope for you when you can't.Why purpose can exist alongside pain.Practical ways to nurture hope, even when circumstances haven't changed.If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another protective parent who may need to hear that they are not alone. If this episode brought up thoughts of suicide or you feel like you may be in immediate emotional danger, please don't go through this alone. Here are some resources. United States & Canada Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.Chat online through the 988 Lifeline website.International Suicide Hotlines and Resources https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

Colorado recently signed HB26-1309 into law, and many survivors and protective parents are asking what it actually means for families navigating family court. I break down what I am learning about HB26-1309, a bill focused on domestic violence, coercive control, and child safety in Colorado family courts. While some headlines make it sound like family court has been completely transformed overnight, the reality is more nuanced. Many of the protections addressed in this bill already existed in Colorado law. What HB26-1309 primarily does is clarify, reorganize, and strengthen how courts are expected to analyze evidence of domestic violence and coercive control. We discuss: What changes were actually made to Colorado lawWhy requiring courts to make findings on the record may matterHow coercive control is addressed within the statuteWhat attorneys are saying about how they may use these changes in practicePotential benefits for survivors and protective parentsRemaining concerns about implementation and court cultureI also share insights from attorneys who were closely involved with the bill and discuss how these changes could influence litigation strategy, evidence presentation, and judicial accountability moving forward. HB26-1309 does not automatically change custody orders or fix family court overnight. But it may create greater clarity, accountability, and recognition of abuse dynamics within the legal process. Whether you're navigating family court yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you understand both the promise and limitations of this new law. Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest

What if the therapy that was supposed to help actually made things worse? For many survivors of coercive control, couples therapy doesn't bring clarity, it deepens confusion, self-doubt, and shame. In this episode, I'm joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Frances Russell to talk about why traditional couples therapy can be harmful when coercive control or domestic violence is present. We discuss what survivors should know, what therapists often miss, and why understanding patterns of power and control—not just isolated incidents—is essential. Whether you're a survivor wondering why couples therapy didn't work or a mental health professional wanting to better recognize coercive control, this conversation offers practical insights and compassionate validation. In this episode, we discuss: Why couples therapy can unintentionally reinforce coercive control.How neutrality can cause harm when abuse is present.The subtle signs therapists should be watching for.Why assessment for coercive control is an ongoing process—not a one-time intake questionnaire.The difference between incident-based and pattern-based thinking.What survivors can do if they're looking back and realizing therapy caused additional harm.Considerations for therapists when ending couples therapy due to safety concerns.What to know about therapy notes, confidentiality, and family court.About Frances: Frances works as a therapist for both individuals and couples, and specializes in trauma recovery, helping people rebuild trust in themselves, others and life after experiences that have shattered it. She works with clients who want to process childhood abuse and neglect as well as others who come in to process recent, traumatic experiences between themselves and their partner. She primarily uses Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with individuals.  In addition to being a therapist, Frances is a trauma-informed yoga instructor with Comeback Yoga, an organization that supports veterans and their families. Frances also teaches graduate students at Regis University and her courses include Crisis, Trauma and Loss and Human Growth and Development. In her free time, Frances enjoys staying active and getting outdoors through running, backpacking and skiing. She is also always on the lookout for new restaurants and recipes. Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people. If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community. If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/ Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7 Where to find more from Rising Beyond: Rising Beyond Facebook Rising Beyond LinkedIn Rising Beyond Pinterest