Podcasts about high conflict divorce

Going through a high-conflict divorce can make it feel impossible to imagine a life where your phone isn't constantly lighting up, your nervous system isn't on high alert, and every day doesn't bring another crisis. But this episode is proof that there can be an after.Get the Guided Divorce Meditations to help you through these moments when you feel like you are going to lose your sh$t. In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Andrea shares the real-life story of a man who spent nine years navigating a brutal high-conflict divorce involving emotional abuse, manipulation, gaslighting, court battles, documentation, and children caught in the middle. Today, his kids are thriving, he has rebuilt his life, and he is in a healthy new marriage. More importantly, he shared what actually helped him survive.Andrea breaks down the lessons from his story, including why you have to stop trying to make irrational behavior make sense, how to document your divorce without allowing it to consume your life, and why preparing for conflict is often more useful than desperately trying to prevent it. They're also powerful reminders for parents. Your children are watching how you move through difficult situations—not whether you “win” every argument. The way you regulate yourself, build a support system, set boundaries, and respond to chaos teaches them how to survive hard things, too. And perhaps the biggest lesson: do not wait until your divorce is over to start rebuilding your life.Create new routines. Make new traditions with your kids. Reconnect with people you love. Find something that belongs only to you. Divorce may be a marathon—but even marathons end. For people dealing with an extremely difficult former spouse, traditional co-parenting may not always be realistic. Andrea also discusses parallel parenting, business-like communication, boundaries, and reducing opportunities for conflict when cooperative co-parenting simply isn't possible. If you are in the stage of divorce where you genuinely cannot picture your life feeling normal again, this episode is for you.You don't have to believe everything will suddenly become perfect.You just have to believe that this part will not last forever.In This Episode, You'll LearnHow to stop wasting energy trying to understand a high-conflict exWhy you should document everything without living inside the documentationHow to prepare for a high-conflict “avalanche”What your kids learn from watching you navigate divorceWhy therapy and personal growth can matter more than a courtroom victoryHow to start rebuilding your life before your divorce is officially overWhen parallel parenting may work better than traditional co-parentingHow boundaries and structured communication can reduce divorce conflictWhy examining your own patterns can change what happens after divorceResourcesDivorce Crash Course If you're overwhelmed by the divorce process and afraid of making expensive mistakes, our Divorce Crash Course was created to help you understand what's coming and make smarter decisions along the way.https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOurFamilyWizard Andrea also discusses how structured co-parenting communication can help reduce the feeling that you are constantly being bombarded by your ex, particularly in high-conflict situations. We are the only podcast that can save you 20% on Our Family Wizard. www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuck20And if this episode helped you, follow How Not to Suck at Divorce so the next episode finds you automatically.

Some divorces are disagreements. Others are wars. When fear takes over and kids get pulled into the middle, a high-conflict divorce becomes one of the most exhausting things a person can go through.In this episode of No One Dies from Divorce, I sit down with CoilLaw attorney Steve Oliphant, who's spent years handling our hardest, highest-conflict cases, to talk about what actually works when the other side won't stop fighting. We get into the word everybody throws around, narcissist, and why calling your ex one in court usually backfires. What a high-conflict personality really looks like, and why the calm, controlling spouse can read as the reasonable one while the worn-down victim looks like the problem.Then we get practical. Why the judge wants facts, not emotions, and the three levels of evidence that actually move a case. Why you should stay off social media even when you think it makes you look good. How kids get pulled into the conflict and what it does to them. And the single best piece of advice in this whole episode, straight from Steve: be the boring parent. Stable, brief, unbothered. That's what wins credibility, not outrage.And the truth we come back to every time: nobody really wins in divorce court. But you can walk out of this okay, with the tools to move forward, co-parent, and build a life that's better than the one you're leaving.⭐ Follow Jill Coil: https://www.instagram.com/jillcoil/

"One parent becomes the good parent, and one parent becomes the bad parent." That's how Shawna Leatherman describes the moment parental alienation actually begins, and it's almost never in a courtroom. It starts small: a "no more juice" overruled at bedtime, a rule at one house that quietly doesn't apply at the other. Thirteen years into her own experience with parental alienation, Shawna, who writes and speaks as "The Unseen Parent," walks through exactly how those tiny, seemingly insignificant moments compound into a full alienation pattern, and why almost nobody sees it happening until it's too late.In this conversation, Shawna and Lisa break down the mechanics of undermining, exclusive alliance, and what psychologist Dr. Amy Baker calls "poisonous messages" - the subtle signals that tell a child their other parent is unsafe, unloving, or unavailable. You'll hear how something as small as a sigh before answering the phone, or asking "are you okay?" a little too often, can quietly convince a child that one home isn't safe. This is a practical, pattern-recognition-focused conversation for any co-parent who suspects something is happening but can't quite name it yet.  WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ How undermining ("no, it's okay, you can have it") lays the groundwork for exclusive alliance ✅ The difference between the "enforcer" parent and the "rescuer" parent — and why it matters ✅ What it means to "minimize the other parent's authority," and how kids absorb it ✅ The "Three U's" framework: how poisonous messages paint a parent as unsafe, unloving, or unavailable ✅ Why the "are you okay?" phone call is one of the most common (and least recognized) forms of alienation ✅ The "eye shot" rule — why body language matters even when your child can't hear you ✅ Why most parents doing these things aren't fully aware of the damage they're causing ✅ How to start recognizing these patterns in your own co-parenting relationship before they compound  ABOUT SHAWNA LEATHERMAN: Shawna Leatherman is a mother, writer, and advocate who has lived through parental alienation for almost 13 years. She created "The Unseen Parent" as a resource and community for parents who feel isolated, unheard, and judged for an experience most people don't understand. She is the author of "The Unseen Parent: When Silence Hurts — Faith, Truth and Loving Through Parental Alienation," which draws on her own journal-writing as a form of therapy and offers a faith-rooted perspective on truth, forgiveness, and resilience. Shawna's work focuses on making alienation dynamics visible — not as a men-versus-women issue, but as a behavioral pattern that can happen to any parent, and one she believes needs to be discussed openly rather than in silence.  

"A toxic environment is a toxic environment, whether the parents are together or they're separate." That's not a divorce coach talking. That's Dave Kopeny — a former probation officer, school counselor, and sheriff's department investigator who now works as a private investigator specializing in families whose teenagers are struggling with substance use. And what he told Lisa in this conversation is something every parent navigating a high-conflict divorce or difficult co-parenting situation needs to hear: research shows an amicable divorce is actually better for a child's mental health than staying in a toxic marriage. The problem is, most of the people in our community don't have an amicable divorce. They have a toxic divorce and a toxic co-parenting situation — and that, Dave explains, is one of the heaviest burdens a child can carry, precisely because they have no control over it.This episode goes far beyond drug facts and statistics. Dave draws a direct line between the conflict a child witnesses at home — whether inside a marriage or across two households — and their risk of turning to substances to cope with feelings they don't know how to name. He also speaks candidly to a dynamic so many BTGO parents live with every day: the co-parent who checks out entirely. Dave sees it often in his own work with families — usually a father who doesn't have day-to-day custody, is angry at his ex, and simply stops showing up. Dave's advice for the parent left holding it all is direct, practical, and free of judgment.What You'll Learn:✅ Why research shows an amicable divorce protects kids better than a toxic intact marriage✅ How ongoing co-parenting conflict becomes a burden kids have no ability to control ✅ What to do when only one parent is willing to engage with a struggling teen ✅ Why you can't have a productive conversation with your child while you're dysregulated yourself ✅ The specific behavioral changes Dave tells parents to document before confronting a teen ✅ Why a mother's intuition about her child is worth listening to — and what Dave tells fathers about it ✅ How to reframe a hard conversation as "you and your child against addiction," not you against your child ✅ Why today's marijuana is a different, far more potent substance than the drug earlier generations knew ✅ The "four eyes vs. two eyes" problem single parents face — and who to bring in when you can't partner with your ex ✅ How to open a non-shaming conversation with a teen you're worried about, in under two minutesAbout Dave Kopeny:Dave Kopeny brings a rare, full-circle perspective to the world of adolescent substance use. He grew up in a household shaped by his father's alcoholism, later lost a brother to long-term addiction and a sister-in-law to a heroin overdose — experiences that shaped both his empathy and his career. Dave spent decades working directly with high-risk youth, starting as a juvenile probation officer in California, then serving as a school counselor, returning to intensive probation work, and later investigating for a sheriff's department. Today, as a private investigator, he specializes in helping families whose children are struggling with substance use disorder find their way toward lasting sobriety. He is the author of a book on adolescent addiction and founded a free online community where parents can learn the facts about teen substance use without cost or obligation.

Last week, we asked whether passive-aggressive behavior is always narcissistic. The answer was no — but that still left a big question: how do you actually tell the difference in real time, and what do you do once you know? This episode gives you both. We go deeper into fear-based and care-based passive aggression — the kind that comes from being afraid of conflict, or from truly not wanting to hurt someone's feelings — and we talk honestly about how this pattern can show up even in survivors of covert narcissistic abuse themselves. Then we get practical. You'll learn how to actually identify passive-aggressive behavior in the moment, starting with that gut feeling when someone's words and their energy don't match. We walk through how to gently call it out without turning it into a fight, and how to read the response you get back — because the response, not the original behavior, is what actually tells you whether you're dealing with fear, care, or control. Finally, we get into what to actually do about it — in romantic relationships, with family, with friends, and at work — depending on what you find. What you'll learn: how to spot the internal signal that something's off, tools for identifying passive-aggressive behavior in real time, exactly what "gently calling it out" sounds like in real conversations, how to read someone's response to tell fear from control, and practical next steps for every relationship in your life. P.S. — I'm opening two new coaching groups: Healing from Covert Narcissistic Abuse and High-Conflict Divorce. And my book, This Is Not Okay, releases next month. Head to covertnarcissism.com to learn more about both. The information provided by Renee Swanson, Covert Narcissism Podcast, and CNG Life Coaching is for educational purposes only and is not to be used for diagnosis purposes and not intended to be a substitute for clinical care. Please consult a health care provider for guidance specific to your case. This material discusses narcissism in general. I share stories from my personal experience as well as from those I've talked with over several years. This material does not claim that any specific person has narcissism and should not be used to refer to any specific person as having narcissism. Permission is not granted to link to or repost this material to support an allegation or claim that any specific person is a narcissist. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Divorce and Emotional Endurance: 3 Ways to Survive a High-Conflict DivorceGuided Divorce Meditations for When You're About to Lose Your Sh$tFor the moments when you can't sleep, when you miss your kids, when you're worried about money, or just need to get through the next ten minutes.

"Force demands fairness. Power prepares for reality. Force chases. Power disengages when engagement is useless." That's the framework Manalizing founder Garth Haslem uses to explain why so many marriages, divorces, and co-parenting relationships fall apart — and it's strikingly close to what we teach in our own Strategic Communication Course.In this raw, unscripted conversation, Lisa sits down with Garth to unpack the difference between force and power in relationships, why men are conditioned from childhood to stay silent about what's actually hurting them, and what happens when decades of suppressed emotion finally come out "in the wrong place, with the wrong people, at the wrong time." If you've ever wondered why your ex communicates the way they do, why the men in your life won't open up, or why your own attempts to "just talk it out" keep backfiring, this episode reframes the whole conversation.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:✅ The difference between force and power — and why force always backfires in high-conflict situations ✅ Why men are taught from childhood that vulnerability is dangerous, and what that costs them (and their families) ✅ The "trash compactor" pattern: how suppressed emotions eventually explode at the wrong time ✅ What "divorce brain" is, how to recognize it in yourself or your ex, and why it's a form of force ✅ How internalized criticism turns into self-hatred — and sometimes into abusive behavior ✅ Why some men become the "ATM Dad" and how that dynamic damages marriages from the inside ✅ A real, vulnerable account of parental alienation from a father's perspective ✅ The structure of a Manalizing meeting: the declaration, the "one word" check-in, being heard, and being seen ✅ Concrete examples of force vs. power language you can apply to your own co-parenting communication ✅ Why "happy wife, happy life" can quietly become a form of coercive control when taken too far ✅ How isolation compounds a crisis — and why having even one person who will listen changes everythingABOUT GARTH HASLEM: Garth Haslem is the founder of Manalizing, a national peer support community that meets twice monthly by Zoom to give men a structured, confidential space to be heard, seen, and known — often for the first time in their adult lives. Garth built Manalizing out of his own hard-won experience: two marriages, a divorce he navigated with no one to turn to, and a relationship with one of his three daughters that remains estranged today. He speaks openly about his own struggles with meaninglessness, force, and control, and has adapted Dr. David Hawkins' "Power vs. Force" framework into a practical, everyday tool for men navigating conflict, divorce, and fatherhood. Garth is not a therapist — he is something rarer in this space: a man willing to go first.

PODCAST with SHEILA is back with a powerful live interview exploring coercive control, legal abuse, and high-conflict divorce through real-life experience.In this episode, I speak with Lisa Johnson, co-founder of Been There Got Out, a high-conflict divorce strategist and certified domestic violence advocate. After spending over $100,000 on her divorce, Lisa made the courageous decision to represent herself in family court. Her case was later published in the Connecticut Law Journal and is now used as legal precedent — an extraordinary outcome for a self-represented litigant.Lisa's live testimony also helped pass Jennifer's Law, expanding the legal definition of domestic violence to include coercive control. In this honest and educational conversation, we discuss how abuse can continue after separation, particularly through the legal system, and how individuals can protect themselves while navigating high-conflict custody and co-parenting situations.

"I would wake up every single morning, there'd be a moment when I'd forget who I was, and then I would just be furious. And it wasn't even at my ex — it was at the system allowing this to go on and on and on." If that sounds familiar, this conversation is for you. Lisa opens this episode admitting that rage is one of the single most common emotions she hears about from people living with legal abuse and parental alienation. So she brought in Jen Gallagher, a limited license psychologist in Michigan with over 20 years as a therapist, who now specializes in helping women work through rage using a neurobiological, brain-based approach. This isn't a conversation about anger management. It's a conversation about why your rage might be the sanest possible response to years of injustice — and what to actually do with it so it doesn't run your life, or your health, from the inside. Jen explains the real difference between everyday anger and deep, cumulative rage, why rage is a normal, protective emotion your brain is designed to feel (not a character flaw), and why the physical toll of suppressing it for years can show up as chronic illness, "sideways" explosions, or relentless self-criticism. If you've ever asked "when is this going to stop hurting," this episode gives you a real answer. What You'll Learn: ✅ The actual difference between anger and rage, and why rage runs so much deeper ✅ Why rage is one of the brain's built-in protective systems, not a personality flaw ✅ How to tell the difference between rage (a feeling) and violence (a behavior) ✅ Why men and women are conditioned to express rage so differently ✅ Why there's no "timeline" for how long you're allowed to feel furious ✅ Why chronic legal abuse produces a completely sane, expected rage response ✅ The physical cost of suppressing rage for years, including chronic illness ✅ How trauma can disconnect you from rage you don't even know you're carrying ✅ The first step to reclaiming your rage: simply naming it out loud ✅ A simple body-awareness practice to interrupt a rage spiral in real time ✅ What to look for in a therapist if rage is the issue you need help with About Jen Gallagher: Jen Gallagher is a limited license psychologist (a Michigan-licensed therapist with a master's degree) with more than 20 years of clinical experience. Her practice takes a neurobiological, brain-based approach to emotional healing, and she primarily works with women in midlife who are learning to build a healthier relationship with their rage — turning it into a source of power and energy instead of shame. She describes rage as one of the most misunderstood emotions, and she's made it her mission to change that.

"One hundred percent of what was reported back to me was untrue." That's what it's like to be the step-parent inside a parental alienation campaign — standing in the middle of a custody war that started long before you arrived.In this conversation, licensed clinical social worker, former guardian ad litem, and 40-year psychotherapist Jessica Anne Pressler shares something we almost never hear on this channel: what parental alienation looks like from the step-parent's chair. Jessica spent 15 years inside the court system conducting custody evaluations, and she also lived through alienation herself as the new partner a mother turned her daughter against.Jessica's story starts with a genuinely happy first year, a proposal, and then, almost overnight, a child who wouldn't come to the house anymore. We talk through the emails that arrived hours after her wedding, comparing her to a "black widow." Jessica calls this "borrowed scenarios" — language dressed up as a child's own feelings that could never have come from an eight- or nine-year-old.We also dig into what happens to the "healthy" partner who watches someone they love get pulled away by fear of losing a child. Jessica is honest about her husband's catch-22 — caught between the family he built with her and a daughter conditioned to see any closeness with Jessica as betrayal of her mother. And she's just as honest about her own fear of abandonment, what she calls her own "traitor within," also the title of her forthcoming novel.What You'll Learn:✅ Why children work so hard to please the alienating parent, and how "conditional love" and fear of loss drive that behavior✅ How to recognize "borrowed scenarios" — adult language coming out of a child's mouth✅ Why an ex refusing to allow a child into therapy is itself a red flag worth naming✅ What "hatred by association" looks like when it spreads to a target parent's friends, hobbies, and new family✅ How grandparents and extended family can become "flying monkeys," and why it happens✅ Warning signs new partners often miss before marrying into a high-conflict family✅ Why the divorce becoming legally final can trigger an ex rather than settle things down✅ What a target parent's household needs to be for a child: calm, safe, and free of commentary about the other parent✅ Why BTGO tells clients not to question their kids about time spent with the other parent✅ Where a target parent's own grief and anger belong — and why it's never in front of the kidsAbout Jessica Anne Pressler: Jessica Anne Pressler is a licensed clinical social worker with nearly 40 years of experience as a psychotherapist. For 15 years, she conducted custody and visitation evaluations within the family court system, giving her a rare, dual vantage point on parental alienation — as a professional evaluator and, later, as a step-parent who lived through it in her own marriage. She is the author of the forthcoming debut novel "The Traitor Within," following a woman named Cassandra through a cycle of toxic relationships and the internal "traitor" that keeps her abandoning herself first. Jessica has appeared on Been There Got Out before, and her story is also referenced in our book "When Your Ex Turns the Kids Against You."

Not every co-parenting relationship can be fixed through better communication. What do you do when the other parent refuses to cooperate, no matter what you try? There's a name for the path forward: parallel parenting. Susan Guthrie welcomes divorce and recovery coach Dr. Courtney Evans, who has lived through high-conflict co-parenting herself and now helps others build the boundaries that get them out of it. This episode continues Divorce & Beyond's summer series, picking up where last week's conversation on uncooperative co-parents left off. Dr. Evans explains what parallel parenting is, when to use it, and how to create real peace for you and your children even when the conflict doesn't stop.  Episode 6 of 8 in the Divorce & Beyond Summer Essentials Series. This summer, Divorce & Beyond brings back 8 the episodes listeners reach for most, the conversations with the clearest, most practical guidance for anyone thinking about, going through, or rebuilding after divorce. New Essentials air every other Monday all summer. Follow the show so you never miss one.   What You'll Learn  Parallel Parenting: a transformative approach that can help you manage high-conflict situations with greater ease and clarity “There is no one solution for how to divorce, co-parent or parallel parent or how to recover after. Every situation is unique.” The difference between counter-parent, co-parent, and parallel parent Why Courtney likes to refer to parallel parenting as peaceful parenting How and when to get started with parallel parenting or make the transition Episode 6 of 8 in the Divorce & Beyond Summer Essentials Series. This summer, Divorce & Beyond brings back 8 the episodes listeners reach for most, the conversations with the clearest, most practical guidance for anyone thinking about, going through, or rebuilding after divorce. New Essentials air every other Monday all summer. Follow the show so you never miss one.  About this week's special guest: Dr. Courtney Evans Dr. Courtney is an experienced divorce and co-parenting coach who also holds a DNP. Her two-decade career in the healthcare field has lent to her deep understanding of mental health and the importance of self-care during challenging life transitions. In 2021, after a traumatic family court journey, she switched gears in her career, determined to turn her experience into a source of healing. She began coursework in Alternate Dispute Resolution strategies. In 2022, Courtney received her Divorce Coach and Recovery Coach certifications from the CDC® International Divorce Coach Certification Program and a specialization in Divorce Conflict from the Divorce Coach Academy®. Courtney is currently in school working on her MBA as well as continued work in co-parenting and high conflict dispute resolution specializations. She is also currently writing her first book, Uncaged: Redefining Forgiveness out January 13, 2025. Find More Information on Dr. Evans: Contact Dr. Courtney: TheDivorceCo@gmail.com Dr. Courtney's website: www.thedivorceco.org Dr. Courtney on Instagram: http://instagram.com/thedivorceco Dr. Courtney on Facebook: http://facebook.com/thedivorceco Resources mentioned in this episode: The Parallel Parenting Solution (book)  If This Episode Helped You Follow Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share it with someone who needs clear, reliable guidance right now. And if you have a moment, a five-star review makes a real difference in helping the show reach the people who need it most. Follow Divorce & Beyond Website: divorceandbeyondpod.com Instagram: instagram.com/divorceandbeyondpod About the Host: Susan Guthrie, Esq. Susan Guthrie is one of the nation's leading family law and mediation attorneys, with more than 35 years of experience helping people navigate divorce with clarity and strategy. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, a best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker and trainer. Susan recently appeared as the featured expert on The Oprah Podcast and has been cited in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Town & Country, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC Chicago Today, among others. As the creator and host of Divorce & Beyond, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with more than 1.3 million downloads and an Apple Top 100 Self-Help designation, Susan brings together leading legal and mental health experts to help listeners move through divorce and into what comes next. Learn more at divorceandbeyondpod.com/about.   Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions shared on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state regarding your specific situation.  

"That is gaslighting — because the parent isn't thinking about what the child is going through. They're just making the child question their own reality."That's how licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Pinkal Panchal describes one of the most common — and most invisible — things that happens to kids caught in a high-conflict divorce or custody battle. Not the dramatic stuff. The quiet, everyday moments: a comment here, a video call there, a "your mom isn't as good as you think" dropped into an otherwise normal afternoon.In this conversation, Pinkal joins Lisa Johnson to unpack exactly what gaslighting looks like when it's aimed at kids instead of a partner — and why so many well-meaning parents do it without ever meaning to.What You'll Learn✅ How to recognize when a child is being fed conflicting realities between two homes✅ Why kids describe the divorce experience as "heartbroken, dream-broken, and brain-broken"✅ The physical and psychological symptoms Pinkal sees most often in alienated kids, including hypersomnia and eating disorders✅ A real case example of a parent using a child to monitor an ex's dating life — and why it backfires✅ Why permissive, rule-free homes often (temporarily) win a child's loyalty✅ A concrete, repeatable strategy for reconnecting with a disregulated or pulling-away child✅ Why giving your child real agency is more powerful than defending yourself✅ The three questions Pinkal asks before recommending couples therapy after domestic violence✅ Why Pinkal believes family therapy should happen before the legal battle, not afterAbout Pinkal PanchalPinkal Panchal is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Newport Beach, California, where she runs a private practice serving clients from age two through seventy-five and older. Pinkal specializes in couples and family work, and she also facilitates a free, anonymous domestic violence support group where survivors can log in, share, and be heard without ever turning on a camera or revealing their name. Coming from a community where mental health carries deep stigma, Pinkal has made it her mission to bring therapy and honest conversation to people who might otherwise never ask for help. In her therapy room, she regularly works with children caught in the middle of custody battles and with the parents trying to rebuild those relationships.

"Our Family Wizard is the single source of truth." That's how attorney and Guardian ad Litem Elle Barr describes the platform she helps educate judges and family law professionals on nationwide - and it's a line worth sitting with if you're currently fighting to be believed by a court, an evaluator, or your own attorney.  In this episode, Elle joins Lisa and Chris to pull back the curtain on OurFamilyWizard (OFW), one of the most commonly court-ordered co-parenting apps in the country. If you've ever wondered why a judge would order you onto a parenting app, whether it's really different from just texting your ex, or how its AI actually rewrites hostile messages before they're sent, this conversation answers all of it - straight from someone who sits on both sides of the process.  Elle starts by dismantling the biggest misconception she hears from parents: that a court-ordered parenting app exists to punish them. In reality, it exists to protect the child by reducing conflict and creating accountability for both parents - not just the one who "needed" it.  Every action on OurFamilyWizard is time-stamped and preserved, which is why Elle calls it a single source of truth: messages can't be quietly edited or deleted, and that permanence protects both people, not just whoever's usually blamed for starting conflict. That protection matters more given what Elle describes next: "deceitful software," a growing category of apps that let someone fabricate an entire fake text or voicemail thread and present it as real evidence. She shares a personal story involving her own children pranking her with a spoofed phone call to show just how convincing these fakes can look.  The heart of the episode is Tone Meter AI, OurFamilyWizard's built-in artificial intelligence that flags an inflammatory message in real time and offers a calmer rewrite before it's sent. Elle walks through a live example - a father about to write "don't be late as usual" - and shows exactly how the AI intercepts it. If you've worked on gray writing or the FRAC model with BTGO, this will feel like validation from an independent source: a leading family-law technology platform arrived at nearly identical communication principles.  Elle also addresses privacy directly. She explains why OFW added a blurred video background to its Calls feature, protecting a survivor's location during virtual visitation, and is direct about children's limited accounts: they see the shared calendar and journal, but not private messages between their parents.  Most useful for BTGO's community: Elle confirms OurFamilyWizard offers fee waivers not only for financial hardship, but for any survivor with a protection order, restraining order, or civil restraint - a resource many don't know exists.  The conversation closes with two scenarios many of you are living right now: what to do when your ex claims they "can't figure out" the app, and how to make a persuasive, low-conflict case for using a parenting app before you have a court order requiring it.  

"Obsessive thinking is repetitive self-stimulation. It has movement in it — thought is a movement, it's an energy form." That's how somatic psychologist Annie Brook describes the loop so many of us get stuck in when life feels unsafe and unsolvable — the 3am replaying of a text from your ex, the imagined arguments you have in the shower, the same worry circling through your mind for the hundredth time.  If you're navigating high-conflict divorce, co-parenting with someone who won't cooperate, or the daily uncertainty of parental alienation, you already know this loop intimately. Chris Barry welcomes back somatic psychologist Annie Brook, Ph.D., LPC, for her second appearance on Been There Got Out, this time diving deep into why our nervous systems get hijacked by obsessive thinking, and exactly what to do about it.  Annie doesn't just explain the neuroscience, though she gets wonderfully geeky about the amygdala and hippocampus along the way. She teaches real, physical, in-the-moment tools you can use the next time your brain won't let go: an exercise to find the "center" of your head, a boundary practice she calls the hula hoop, a detective exercise for noticing exactly how you ruminate, and her signature "Blink Blink" technique for turning a stuck, painful thought back into free energy. Chris connects each tool directly back to what our community faces: court prep, hostile co-parenting calls, and the exhausting mental replay that comes with legal abuse.  What You'll Learn:  ✅ Why obsessive thinking is your brain's attempt to "motor" its way out of an unsolvable stress, not a personal failing ✅ How a simple axis exercise helps you find the calm, centered part of your brain instead of the anxious, analytical forehead ✅ How to build an invisible "hula hoop" boundary that protects your energy without shutting people out ✅ How to put on a "detective hat" and identify whether your rumination shows up as pictures, words, or sounds ✅ Why talking to your own rumination like a friend who needs help can surface what you actually need ✅ How one client turned a court-ordered call with her abusive ex into a "bingo card" that made the calls bearable ✅ Why staying "on the surfboard" instead of getting pulled into the emotional undertow protects your nervous system ✅ How the "Blink Blink" technique dynamites a stuck thought and turns it back into usable energy ✅ How the amygdala and hippocampus build a lifelong "file cabinet" of safety patterns, and why that matters for your triggers ✅ Why nervous system regulation isn't a luxury for our community, it's a strategic necessity for court and co-parenting  About Annie Brook: Annie Brook, Ph.D., LPC, is a somatic psychologist with over four decades of experience helping people repair and regulate their nervous systems. She is the former Director of Body Psychotherapy for the Master's program in Somatic Psychology at Naropa University, and co-founded the clinic Colorado Therapies, where she has worked with families, children, gang-involved youth, and survivors of abuse. Annie holds a Ph.D. in Perinatal and Somatic Psychology and blends neuroscience, movement, and body-based practices to help clients recover from trauma and chronic stress. She teaches ongoing classes including Healing Complex Trauma and Healing Birth Trauma, trains therapists in somatic methods, and is expanding her practice to include equine therapy. This is Annie's second appearance on Been There Got Out, and Chris and Lisa consider her one of the community's most requested guests.

Breaking up is hard to do. We'll make it a lil easier (and a lot funnier).Find a divorce pro who gets it at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://WTFdivorce.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠___Brought to you by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠OurFamilyWizard⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Join more than 1 million parents & family law professionals who trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠OurFamilyWizard⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.***Featuring Guest, Jenny ShaneContact Divorce Coach: Jenny Shane

Virginia Gilbert has spent over two decades working with people in high-conflict divorces — she started this specialty after going through one herself and getting nothing but platitudes from therapists who didn't understand what she was dealing with.In this episode, Evan and Virginia get into:Why family court isn't built to solve real parenting disputes — and often makes conflict worseHow social media turned every ex into a "narcissist" or a "borderline"The difference between wanting to be understood and wanting someone to agree with youWhy conflict itself isn't the problem in a relationship — it's how you fightFamily estrangement and emotional cutoff, and what actually happens after "no contact"Running skills-based divorce support groups, and why men show up differently in group than the stereotypes suggestIf you've ever wanted to hand someone a diagnosis instead of doing the actual work, this one's for you.Send us Fan Mail Support the showHave any questions or insights about this episode? Reach out to us at contactus@tellmeaboutyourmother.run

The word "sure" is quietly costing high-conflict divorce dads their parenting time. If you're the guy who keeps the peace at work but gets cornered at pickups, pulled into off-the-record texting, ignored by your own attorney, or slowly stripped of parenting time through "one quick change" — this episode breaks the pattern.We unpack the high-functioning "yes man" pattern in divorce and co-parenting: years of peacekeeping and absorbing conflict that quietly become your default. Then we cover what changes once divorce becomes an adversarial legal process — where documentation, consistency, and enforcement decide outcomes. Ground you don't defend gets taken. Boundaries aren't combative; they're calm, clear, and non-negotiable — especially with your kids watching.You'll get a real framework for parenting apps like OurFamilyWizard and TalkingParents, attorney responsiveness, and one-directional parenting-time swaps: Name It, State It, Hold It. Plus BIFF-style communication so you stop feeding emotional bait and start building a clean record.In this episode:The "yes man" pattern and why it forms during peacekeeping yearsWhy undefended ground always gets taken in high-conflict divorceThe Name It, State It, Hold It boundary frameworkBIFF replies for parenting apps and co-parenting communicationHow to stay calm and non-negotiable without becoming combative Support the showBeing unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Weekend Visitor Risk Assessment (TheDivorceQuiz.com): Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Strategic Risk Consultation (TalkWithJude.com): Book a private triage to ensure your mistakes don't become your permanent reality.Your kids are counting on you.

“The court doesn't care who was mean.” That's not a throwaway line, according to Beverly Hills divorce attorney Nikoo Berenji, it's one of the biggest blind spots she sees parents walk into family court with, and it can quietly sabotage an otherwise strong custody case.In this conversation, Nikoo, Senior Counsel at Berenji & Associates and a 20-year veteran of high-net-worth, high-conflict divorce litigation, breaks down exactly what judges weigh when deciding custody, and what doesn't move the needle at all, no matter how unfair that feels. She walks through a real case where a mother spent enormous time and money building a case around her ex's past absence as a parent, only to watch it backfire because the court only cares about what's best for the child going forward, not who was the “better” spouse in the past.She also shares a case where a court took the rare step of giving a father six months of primary custody to reset a relationship that had been damaged by alienating behavior; proof that judges are paying closer attention to alienation than ever before.Whether you're early in your custody case, deep into a years-long battle, or trying to figure out why your strategy isn't working, this episode reframes what “winning” in family court actually requires.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:✅ Why proving your ex was a bad spouse rarely helps your custody case — and can actively hurt it✅ The one best-interest factor that quietly decides more cases than people realize✅ A real case where alienating behavior led a judge to remove children from their primary caretaker for six months✅ How false or exaggerated domestic violence claims get used as a “silver bullet strategy” — and why it can backfire✅ Whether courts are getting smarter about recognizing parental alienation tactics✅ Why interrogating your kids after time with the other parent can be used against you✅ The boundaries you need around discussing legal matters when kids are in the home✅ Why a detailed, specific parenting plan prevents more conflict than any argument ever will✅ The “therapy clause” that can eliminate one of the most common sources of post-divorce conflict✅ Signs your child is struggling, even if they seem like they're handling everything fine✅ A simple daily practice Nikoo recommends to every client, no matter how skeptical they are at firstABOUT NIKOO BERENJI:Nikoo Berenji is Senior Counsel at Berenji & Associates Divorce Lawyers, a Beverly Hills family law firm marking more than two decades of practice focused on high-net-worth, high-conflict divorce and custody cases. Before family law, Nikoo built her career in corporate law and government criminal practice, graduating from UCLA and earning a full scholarship to Berkeley Law, where she also served as a federal judicial extern to the Honorable Judge S. James Otero before starting out as an associate at Latham & Watkins LLP, one of the largest law firms in the world. That combination of corporate, criminal, and family law experience shapes how she approaches the emotionally charged, financially complex cases her firm handles, many of which involve narcissistic dynamics between spouses who are highly successful in their professional lives. Nikoo is also an adjunct professor at both UCLA School of Law and USC Gould School of Law, and she and her team work with clients across the country and around the world, with a particularly heavy concentration of cases in Southern California.

She spent five years on the inside of the family court system as a Connecticut Family Relations Counselor — the person who meets with both parents, talks to the kids, and writes the recommendation the judge leans on. In this candid conversation, Sue Gabriele explains the quiet, well-intentioned mistakes that sink good parents before they ever reach a courtroom, and what to do instead.If you have ever walked in armed with a binder of everything your ex has ever done wrong, this episode will change how you prepare. Sue shares why "suitcases full of papers" backfire, why a clean, color-coded timeline beats a stack of journals, and how to give a busy professional the facts they can actually use in the limited time they have with you.She also pulls back the curtain on something most parents never hear said out loud: the system is built to push the "weaker link" into giving up, because a settlement means no one has to write the long report. Knowing that going in changes everything about how you hold your ground.Whether you are still deciding to leave, deep in a custody dispute, or trying to co-parent with someone impossible, Sue's insider perspective helps you stop fighting the battles that don't matter and start building the case that does. As we say at Been There Got Out, courts often don't care about the abuse you suffered the way you wish they would — they care about the present, the child, and the proof. This conversation shows you how to meet them there without losing yourself.A quick, important caveat: Sue's experience is grounded in Connecticut, and family law varies widely by state. Treat her insights as a lens for understanding how court professionals think, not as legal advice for your specific case.ABOUT BEEN THERE GOT OUTLisa Johnson and Chris Barry are high-conflict divorce, custody, and co-parenting strategists who help good people navigate the family court system and protect their relationships with their children. We fill the gap between what attorneys are trained to do and what therapists understand.Get our books, "Been There Got Out" and "When Your Ex Turns the Kids Against You," and learn about our courses and 1:1 coaching at BeenThereGotOut.com.#HighConflictDivorce #CustodyBattle #FamilyCourt #CoParenting #CustodyEvaluation #NarcissisticAbuse #ParentalAlienation #DivorceAdvice #BeenThereGotOut

High-conflict divorce can feel like a life sentence — especially when you're fighting over your child's health and well-being, and neither parent will budge. In this episode, Elaine sits down with Alanah, an attorney and civil rights advocate, who shares how she transformed a near-litigation co-parenting nightmare into a working relationship built on mutual respect and collaboration. Alanah breaks down the exact shift that changed everything — and what she did when her co-parent wasn't on board yet. If you've ever felt trapped in a conflict you can't get out of, this one's for you. Listen now and find out what's actually possible.What to expect in this episode:The parenting covenant strategy: How Alanah transformed a stack of legal pleadings into a clear, shared vision, and how to distill what you actually want from a conflict so you can start working toward it.What to do when your co-parent isn't on board: Practical guidance on enrolling a resistant co-parent in a new vision without forcing it on them.Why alignment beats agreement: The crucial difference between trying to agree on specifics and starting with what you both already share: your child's well-being.Real-time coaching and "texting from the ledge": Why practicing new patterns in the middle of a real conflict, not just during a coaching session, is what makes change stick.The shift from "have to" to "get to": How Alanah moved from feeling like a prisoner in her co-parenting dynamic to feeling genuinely liberated and what that shift actually required.Download free guide: Top 12 Tips To Help Your Complex KidsConnect with ImpactParents: InstagramFacebookLinkedInSubstack

Most people believe that once the divorce is final, the chaos finally ends. With a high-conflict, narcissistic, or unpredictable co-parent, the opposite is often true. As they lose day-to-day control, they learn to control you from afar—through the kids, the money, and the legal system. In this honest, practical conversation, UK coach and psychotherapist Louize Yafai joins Lisa Johnson to explain why the abuse can ramp up after separation, and exactly what to do about it.Louize knows this from the inside. After a 16-year marriage, she survived severe financial and post-separation abuse, came close to homelessness twice, and relied on food banks while raising three daughters and litigating on her own. Then she turned her pain into power, trained as a counsellor and psychotherapist, and now helps parents navigate the same storm with their dignity intact.Together they unpack the “Friday Night Bomb”—the email or filing timed to ruin your weekend—and why peace doesn't come from your ex changing. It comes from learning to trust yourself to handle whatever arrives. You'll learn how to stop reacting, when not to respond at all, how to protect your legal fees and your nervous system, and why an impartial guide matters when friends and family keep telling you to “just move on.”✅ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN✅ Why a high-conflict ex often gets worse, not better, after the divorce is final✅ What the “Friday Night Bomb” is—and how to stop it from ruining your time with the kids✅ How to build a “Teflon suit” and respond from a calm, grounded place✅ The in-the-moment “buffer” to use the second a hostile message lands✅ Why you should not respond to every lie—and what judges actually care about✅ How reactivity quietly drives up your legal fees✅ Why being “coached” by AI can backfire badly in a high-conflict case✅ How to know it's time for support—without waiting until burnoutABOUT LOUIZE YAFAILouize Yafai is a divorce, separation, and co-parenting coach with a degree in counselling and psychotherapy. Drawing on her own experience of financial and post-separation abuse—and years of helping men and women face unpredictable, narcissistic co-parents—she specializes in emotional regulation, boundaries, and the practical strategies that help people move through high-conflict divorce with strength and self-respect. She is a contributing author to the #1 best seller “Emotional Alchemy” and to a recent anthology curated with Olympic medalist Fatima Whitbread MBE on overcoming adversity.

High conflict divorce is often misunderstood. Many people imagine two individuals who simply cannot get along. In reality, these cases frequently involve one person who wants to move forward and another who is determined to maintain control through manipulation, intimidation, and ongoing legal conflict.In this episode, Strategic Divorce Consultant Mardi Winder is joined by High Conflict Divorce Strategist Ksenia Muench for an open conversation about the realities of navigating divorce with a toxic or abusive partner. Drawing from both her personal experience and years of working with clients, Ksenia explains why high conflict divorce requires a completely different strategy than a typical divorce. Together, they discuss the tactics commonly used by high conflict personalities, including legal abuse, smear campaigns, manipulation through children, hoovering, and attempts to provoke emotional reactions. More importantly, they share practical strategies for staying grounded, thinking strategically, building the right professional team, and protecting yourself throughout the divorce process and beyond. If you are divorcing someone who thrives on chaos, this episode offers valuable insight into recognizing the game, avoiding common mistakes, and responding with confidence instead of emotion.This episode highlights:• Why high conflict divorce is about control rather than conflict• The difference between a traditional divorce and a high conflict divorce• How legal abuse can become a continuation of the abusive relationship• Common mistakes people make early in a high conflict divorce• Why you should expect the unexpected and prepare strategically• Understanding smear campaigns, gaslighting, and emotional manipulation• Why reacting emotionally often benefits the high conflict partner• How to build a professional team that works for your unique situation• Preparing not only for divorce, but for life after the divorce is finalizedAbout the Guest:Ksenia Muench, MBA, is a high-conflict divorce strategist, host of the Uncoupled and Unfiltered podcast, and creator of the High Conflict Playbook™, a structured framework for women who refuse to be intimidated by their ex. She is not a therapist, a lawyer, or a generic divorce coach. She is the woman who survived high-conflict litigation—and now helps women see the risks, make smart moves, and win outcomes that matter. Most women in high-conflict divorce are playing checkers; Ksenia teaches them how to play chess. She guides smart, accomplished women to make informed financial and legal decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and advocate for themselves with confidence. Ksenia ensures you are fully in the driver's seat of your next chapter. She sits across from you, calls it like it is, and equips you to make the choices that matter. For Ksenia's gift: https://www.highconflictplaybook.com/free-resources-1To connect:Website: www.ThriveAgainDivorceCoaching.com Website: www.highconflictplaybook.com IG: @ThriveAgainDivorceCoaching Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uncoupled-unfiltered/id1820205268 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk8lruQJSg5uB0_ZD-_4MvcBfoTVz8wJx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvmuenchAbout the HostMardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and High-Conflict Divorce Coach who helps high-achieving individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and control. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in mediation, divorce coaching and conflict resolution, she supports clients in making smart decisions while reducing emotional and financial fallout, particularly in high-conflict, high-asset and complex divorces. Mardi is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and the Strategic Divorce Directory, LLC.For Mardi's gift: The Resilience Building Blueprint: A 28-Day Journey To A Stronger You https://www.divorcecoach4women.com/rbbConnect with Mardi on Social Media:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4womenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinder/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4womenThanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the PodcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave an Apple Podcast ReviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Everyone walks into family court assuming the “fair” answer is to split the kids right down the middle. Fifty-fifty. Equal time, equal say, problem solved. But what if that instinct toward fairness is quietly setting your children up for years of stress — and setting you up to lose the very argument you should be winning?In this conversation, Lisa sits down with veteran matrimonial attorney Gus Dimopoulos, who has spent 25 years handling complex, high-conflict divorce and custody cases in Westchester County and New York City. After his article “The Equality Trap” struck a nerve, we asked him to walk us through what he's really seeing in courtrooms — and why the growing assumption that 50/50 is automatically best can be, in his words, disastrous in practice.Gus explains something most parents never learn until it's too late: in New York, there is no legal presumption of shared custody. The law requires a best-interest analysis, and the question of a shared-custody presumption has come before the state legislature for 25 years without ever reaching a vote. Yet judges juggling hundreds of cases are under enormous pressure to settle custody early, and “just split it” starts to feel like the path of least resistance. Understanding that gap — between what the law actually says and what tends to happen in a crowded courtroom — changes how you prepare.We get into the practical reality nobody talks about: fifty-fifty demands a level of coordination, communication, and mutual respect that high-conflict co-parents simply don't have. When you add modern kids' schedules — sports, tutoring, therapy, club teams — an equal-time arrangement can turn every week into a battlefield. Gus also walks through parallel parenting and “spheres of influence” as a more realistic alternative for parents who can't cooperate: you take this domain, I take that one, and we keep out of each other's way so the kids aren't caught in the crossfire. He shares his most important courtroom lesson, too: judges reward the parent who shows up as a calm, prepared problem-solver with a pragmatic list of facts, not the parent who comes in with drama and accusations. If something doesn't work for your kids, you have to be able to show why — with logistics, work policies, train schedules, and evidence — rather than simply insisting the other parent is awful. We also talk about why putting real specifics into your parenting plan beats vague promises to “be cordial,” and why a child should never have to decide which parent to run to after scoring the game-winning goal.This one is essential listening whether you're negotiating a parenting plan, heading into a custody hearing, or trying to understand why the “fair” outcome keeps making your life harder. As always, this isn't legal advice for your specific case — it's strategic education to help you walk in better prepared.

Parental alienation is a legal emergency, not just heartbreak — and family court is too slow to stop it on its own. Here's how fathers move from venting to evidence with a court-focused, 6-category documentation framework.When a parent starts canceling visits, blocking school and medical access, or quietly rewriting a child's story, the damage becomes "normal" long before a judge ever hears the case. In this briefing we treat alienation as both an emotional crisis and a legal one, and we unpack a real-time split in family law: New Hampshire's HB 1323, which would define parental alienation in statute and force a ruling within 60 days (with remedies like makeup parenting time, custody changes, and attorney's fees), versus Canada's Bill C-223, which would move to ban alienation claims and reunification therapy. We cover the narratives behind both, the peer-reviewed research on long-term harm to kids, and why the data does not support the "junk science" label. Then we bring it home to what you can do this week: a practical documentation system that proves patterns, defends against false claims, and demonstrates your own fitness and flexibility as a dad.In this episode: why speed is alienation's weapon · HB 1323's 60-day rule and its remedies · Bill C-223 and the counter-narrative · what the research really says · the 6-category evidence framework. Support the showBeing unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Weekend Visitor Risk Assessment (TheDivorceQuiz.com): Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Strategic Risk Consultation (TalkWithJude.com): Book a private triage to ensure your mistakes don't become your permanent reality.Your kids are counting on you.

If you have already left an abusive relationship and you're now staring down the family court system, this conversation was made for you. Lisa Johnson of Been There Got Out sits down with Liz Ortenberger, CEO of SafeNest, the largest domestic and sexual violence nonprofit in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a frank discussion about what actually works once you're in front of a judge.Here's the hard truth Liz names out loud: the court will never understand your abuser the way you do. Judges are busy, they're drawn to whoever tells the cleanest, most linear story, and many of them quietly assume that a mother fighting for custody may be exaggerating the abuse to gain an advantage. That isn't fair - but it is the room you're walking into, and pretending otherwise helps no one.So what do you do with that? Liz lays out a survivor's playbook that lines up almost perfectly with what we coach every day. Get it into the record that your children witnessed the abuse, because a child witnessing abuse has the same chemical brain reaction as a child being abused directly. Build your own clear, linear timeline before you ever walk into the courtroom. Think like a chess player rather than a boxer - anticipate your ex's next several moves and head them off, instead of just reacting. And document, document, document: photograph injuries, keep a private journal, tell a trusted friend, and email evidence to yourself so it carries a date stamp the other side can't explain away.She also shares a statistic that every survivor deserves to know: if you were strangled or choked during the relationship, your risk of a later lethal outcome rises dramatically - and that is something you can get documented medically and entered into the court record. Throughout, Liz zooms out to the bigger picture too: the history of the movement, why our systems haven't moved the numbers in 30 years, and what it would take to actually protect the next generation. Practical, honest, and genuinely useful whether you're just starting your case or years deep into it.A SURVIVOR'S COURT PLAYBOOK- How to get a child's exposure to abuse onto the official record - and why it counts- Building the clean, linear timeline judges actually respond to- Anticipating your ex's legal moves like a chess player instead of reacting like a boxer- The custody bias many survivors run into - and how to get ahead of it- A simple, free way to date-stamp your evidence so it can't be dismissed as fabricated- The strangulation statistic that belongs in your medical records and your court fileRESOURCES MENTIONED:SafeNest (Las Vegas): https://www.safenest.orgReach Liz's team: info@safenest.orgLook up your ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score - and take it for your child, tooIf you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services. In the U.S., the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).This conversation is for education and support; it is not legal or mental-health advice. When you're ready, we're here to help you build a strategy that fits your situation.#DomesticViolence #FamilyCourt #CustodyBattle #CoParenting #NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #DVAwareness #SurvivorSupport

Send us Fan MailA high conflict divorce can stretch on for years, drain your savings, and leave your children caught in the middle. Glee Nahon spent six and a half years in litigation, worked with four different attorneys, and fought a spouse who hid business assets and refused to settle. She joins family law attorney Billie Tarascio to break down what she wishes she had known before filing.Glee Nahon spent 26 years in a marriage before filing for divorce with five children at home. What followed was six and a half years of litigation, four attorneys, a spouse who emptied their joint accounts and filed for reconciliation as a delay tactic, and a court that found no fraud despite fabricated financial documents. She is not a lawyer or a coach. She is someone who lived it and is willing to say exactly what went wrong.Glee wants listeners to know two things she did not get to say fully on the recording. First, she filed in large part to show her daughters what a strong woman looks like and to teach all five of her children that marriage and family life should not be toxic. Second, she maintains a caring, loving relationship with all five of her children today. The divorce brought them closer, not further apart.What you will learn in this episode:- Recognize when emotional abuse escalates after filing for divorce- Identify the red flags that mean it is time to change attorneys- Interview divorce lawyers properly instead of just telling your story- Build a divorce strategy before you file, not after- Understand why delay tactics and false reconciliation drain your case- Gather financial records before filing, since joint account access disappears fast- Understand how moving out of the marital home affects settlement leverage- Value a spouse's business when they control all the financial records- Decide when to stop chasing hidden assets and negotiate instead- Weigh the real cost of fighting for a fair split versus settling- Protect your children when temporary orders are not in place- Push for court-ordered therapy when co-parents disagree- Understand the limits of child interviews in Arizona family court- Know that court-ordered fee shifting is not always enforced- Build financial and emotional support before litigation startsChapters:00:00 Introduction and Glee's background01:30 Reasons for the divorce and initial challenges02:24 Escalation of conflict during divorce03:36 Living apart and emotional toll04:00 Duration of the divorce and reasons for delay05:20 Outcome and lessons learned from the lengthy process06:10 Litigation tactics and court challenges07:21 Changing lawyers and communication issues08:45 Advice on lawyer selection and red flags10:46 Final strategy and successful lawyer selection12:01 Settlement process and asset discovery13:24 Dealing with dismissive lawyers14:12 Nuancing settlement terms15:07 Impact on children and therapy17:03 Children's relationships post-divorce18:17 Handling hidden assets and financial uncertainty19:50 Acceptance and moving forward20:58 Mediation considerations22:48 Surprises and insights from the process23:41 System flaws and potential improvements24:17 Proposed system changes and child voice25:03 Lessons learned and advice for others27:11 Managing costs and emotional support28:15 Celebrating resilience and family supportIf you are facing a high conflict divorce in Arizona, Modern Law can help you build a strategy before you file. Call 480-649-2905 or visit mymodernlaw.com.

New Jersey judges are now hearing from children directly in custody matters, and parents whose exes have spent years working on those children are alarmed. Nilaja Ford's counter is that the children were already in the middle of it. The revision changes who gets to hear them.Nilaja Ford co-founded Ford Brown Law with her partner Donnett Brown. Both were prosecutors for the state of New Jersey, and both specialize in domestic violence alongside family law. Nilaja handled domestic violence contempt matters on the prosecution side before moving into an exclusively matrimonial, custody, and domestic violence practice, and she has been conducting child interviews since before the statute was revised to formalize them. She and her partner also run a free legal-services clinic at a women's resource center in Newark. Everything she describes here is New Jersey practice, though she notes much of it tracks other states moving the same way.The conversation opens on hearsay, because it is where parents lose ground without understanding why. A letter from a therapist, a teacher, or a supportive friend generally cannot stand on its own at a hearing; the person who wrote it has to be available to be questioned. Nilaja walks through the exceptions she leans on, particularly business records like school attendance, and why expert reports come with the expectation that the expert can be asked how they reached their conclusions.She then explains what the revision, nicknamed children in charge, actually does. New Jersey's best-interest standard and its 14 factors are unchanged. What is clarified is the mechanism: a recorded interview with the judge, under a protective order rather than something a parent can post, with questions submitted by both sides. Age affects how much weight a child's preference carries, not whether they are heard. And the question she puts on her own list is not who do you want to live with, it is what the ideal arrangement would look like, in specifics, because the specifics are what reveal what is really going on.Nilaja and Lisa then work through the situations BTGO's clients live in. A parent asking for sole custody, and her first question, which is always why. Reporting abuse, and why the investigating body has to be the state agency rather than you. Cayden's Law, and what these changes are trying to prevent. A teenager who has already aligned with one parent, and Nilaja's uncomfortable point that acts and omissions count, that timing counts, and that a case arriving late arrives with a history already built. She also covers legal decision-making, stonewalling, and the 24-hour clause she has had written into orders so one parent cannot run out the clock on the other.As always, this is strategic education, not legal or mental-health advice for your specific situation.

Some of the language we all use in family court every day didn't always exist. The word “co-parenting” is one of them — and the attorney credited with introducing it sits down with us in this conversation. Anne P. Mitchell was one of the first two attorneys in the United States to fight for a child's right to an ongoing relationship with their father after separation, and what she learned across decades in the trenches of high-conflict custody is exactly what targeted parents need to hear today.In this first part of our conversation, Anne walks us through the warning signs that a false allegation of abuse is on its way, the simple steps that protect you before one ever lands, and the co-parent counseling model she helped pioneer — including the surprisingly effective way to get a judge to order it.

Before I jump into this week's episode, I have a new resource that will help those who struggle with finances. After announcing that I launched a manifestation journaling app called ReInvent that helps reframe limiting belief, I realized that I didn't really provide much context! To remedy that, there is now a blog . I have posted my own personal story of how I tripled my income with this practice. I also include some of the science behind creating empowering beliefs, law of attraction, and wealth creation. You can find it at blog.getreinvent.app. If you are into manifesting, journaling, and reinventing your identity, you can try the app free at https://getreinvent.app  Today, I have a very important episode for you, especially if you are going through a high conflict divorce or if you are dealing with post divorce abuse. In this episode I sit down with Ksenia Muench, a divorce coach who specializes in high-conflict divorce and post-separation abuse. Ksenia walked through her own six-figure, high-conflict divorce, and she now helps women go from feeling completely powerless to becoming the CEO of their own divorce. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to self-soothe without numbing or reaching for a substance • Why the harassment doesn't stop when the papers are signed • The gray rock method for staying grounded without reacting • How to rebuild trust in yourself and redefine who you are Guest Website: https://www.thriveagaindivorcecoaching.com/  

Ashish Joshi returns to Been There Got Out — and this time, he's brought a new book and a perspective that may change how you talk about your case forever.If you've been calling your situation a "high-conflict divorce," you may be inadvertently sharing blame you don't deserve. Attorney Ashish Joshi — a domestic violence specialist who focuses on parental alienation and family court litigation — explains why the term "high-conflict" is legally and strategically dangerous for targeted parents, and what the more accurate framework of "family violence" actually means in court.In this conversation, Joshi draws on his brand-new book, Litigating Family Violence, to walk us through the umbrella of behaviors that constitute family violence — from coercive control and emotional abuse to financial abuse, immigration weaponization, and yes, parental alienation. He explains how all of these are interconnected, and why treating them as separate issues misses the point.If you're in family court right now, or trying to understand why nothing seems to be working the way it should, this episode gives you something rare: a practicing trial attorney explaining exactly what courts look for, what language to use, and what actually makes the difference in these cases.IN THIS EPISODE:- Why calling your case "high-conflict" may actually hurt you in family court- What "family violence" means legally — and how it changes the narrative- "Leaving is a process, not an event" — and why courts need to understand this- The difference between parental alienating behaviors (PABs) and parental alienation itself- Resist-refuse dynamics: what they are, and what's really causing them- When to go to court early — and what to ask for instead of pointing fingers- What a proper, enforceable reunification therapy order actually requires- The "running the clock" tactic: how the favored parent uses delay as a weapon- Child voice vs. child choice — and why courts shouldn't let kids decide- Peer-reviewed research: adult children thanked courts for intervening- Enmeshment, parentification, and the cult-like loyalty dynamic- Vicarious trauma and why self-care isn't optional for litigating parentsABOUT ASHISH JOSHI:Ashish Joshi is a practicing family law attorney who specializes at the intersection of domestic violence and parental alienation. He is a sought-after speaker at legal and judicial conferences, including the AFCC (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts), and is the author of two books for legal practitioners and litigants: Litigating Parental Alienation and his newest, Litigating Family Violence. His work bridges the gap between academic research and what actually happens in courtrooms.Ashish Joshi website: www.joshiattorneys.comBook: https://www.amazon.com/Litigating-Family-Violence-Ashish-Joshi/dp/1639057439/#ParentalAlienation #FamilyViolence #HighConflictDivorce #CustodyBattle #CoerciveControl #ReunificationTherapy #FamilyCourt #TargetedParent #BeenThereGotOut

High conflict divorce can leave you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and questioning who you are. In this powerful conversation, divorce coach Karen McMahon shares how to reclaim your identity, regulate your emotions, and begin healing after divorce.If you're facing a high conflict divorce, struggling with betrayal, or wondering if life will ever feel normal again, this episode is for you.Lesa sits down with renowned divorce coach, speaker, and host of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, Karen McMahon, for an honest conversation about what really happens during divorce—and how women can emerge stronger than ever.Karen shares her deeply personal story of surviving a three-and-a-half-year high conflict divorce, losing herself in marriage, and rebuilding a life she now calls her greatest gift. Together, Lesa and Karen discuss emotional regulation, surrender, self-worth, people-pleasing, codependency, healing childhood wounds, and why the comeback begins long before the divorce is final.If you've been feeling stuck, afraid, or overwhelmed, this episode will remind you that healing is possible and your best chapter may still be ahead.Because divorce isn't the end of your story—it can be the beginning of your comeback.Timestamps(00:00) Welcome and introduction to Karen McMahon(03:15) Karen's powerful high conflict divorce story(08:40) Why women often lose their identity in marriage(15:10) Emotional regulation during divorce(22:30) Reclaiming your identity and rebuilding confidence(30:05) The power of surrender and letting go of control(38:20) Breaking free from victim mentality and embracing acceptance(47:15) Healing betrayal, grief, and emotional wounds(55:40) How to get unstuck and move forward after divorce(1:03:30) Creating your comeback and envisioning your future selfKey TakeawaysMany women lose their identity long before divorce begins—and healing starts by reconnecting with yourself.Emotional regulation allows you to make wiser decisions during divorce instead of reacting from fear.Acceptance isn't giving up; it's letting go of what you can't control while taking responsibility for what you can.Your divorce does not define your future—your response to it does.The comeback begins when you start becoming the woman you were created to be.Guest BioKaren McMahon is a nationally recognized divorce coach, speaker, and host of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast. After surviving a lengthy high conflict divorce herself, she dedicated her career to helping women reclaim their confidence, rebuild their identity, and create a life they truly love after divorce. Karen has coached thousands of individuals through one of life's most difficult transitions with compassion, practical strategies, and hope.Resource LinksKaren McMahonJourney Beyond Divorce PodcastWebsite: https://journeybeyonddivorce.comLesa KoskiJoin the Divorce Comeback Community (Live every Wednesday at Noon CST)Website: https://www.lesakoski.comSchedule a Divorce Clarity Callhttps://www.lesakoski.comPodcast SponsorsSoberlink – A trusted alcohol monitoring solution that helps reduce conflict and increase accountability during co-parenting and family law matters.https://www.soberlink.com/divorce/family-law?utm_source=affiliatelink&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=lesa-koski-affiliatelinkOsteoStrong – Support your bone health, strength, and healthy aging with OsteoStrong.https://osteostrongmn.com/affiliate-referral-koski/Tags/Keywordshigh conflict divorce, divorce recovery, divorce coaching, healing after divorce, identity after divorce, emotional healing after divorce, divorce support, codependency recovery, people pleasing, emotional regulation, betrayal trauma, self-worth after divorce, women over 40, divorce podcast, Journey Beyond Divorce, Karen McMahon, Lesa Koski, Doing Divorce Different, divorce mindset, life after divorce, divorce healing, rebuilding after divorce, personal growth, women empowerment

What happens when your ex doesn't just badmouth you to the kids, but tells them God is on their side? In this episode, Lisa talks with interfaith minister and trauma-informed therapist Sherri Heller about one of the most under-recognized weapons in a high-conflict divorce: faith itself.When a marriage involving a high-control religious system breaks down, the parent who leaves is rarely treated as someone making a healthy choice. They're cast as the one who “deviated,” the one who is “morally depraved,” the one the children must be protected from. Sherri explains exactly how this plays out as parental alienation and why family courts so often miss it, pushing for reconciliation “at any cost” while the smear campaign hides in plain sight behind a veneer of virtue.If you've heard your own child repeat phrases that don't sound like them, like one parent in this episode, whose child said she should be talking to “good Christians, not bad divorced people,” you've seen what Sherri calls borrowed scenarios and abuse by proxy: the child used as a vessel to carry the alienating parent's message. She and Lisa talk through what to actually do in that moment, why opposing the indoctrination head-on backfires, and how to find the “middle ground” and the “way in” instead.You'll also hear Sherri's candid take on a hard truth we teach our own clients: in a system that won't recognize this abuse, you have to learn to play the game. Stay tactical. Gray rock. Build leverage so you're not completely cut off from your child, and plant seeds quietly (through nature, literature, science, and critical thinking) that give your kids room to find their own autonomy as they grow, especially in adolescence when the contradictions start to surface.Sherri and Lisa also talk about where to put your energy instead of into endless arguments. At Been There Got Out we teach our clients to look for the “universal agreements,” the handful of things both parents claim to want, like a child who is healthy, happy, and well cared for. Anchoring your communication there keeps you on the high ground, gives a watching judge a clear contrast between your behavior and your ex's, and quietly removes the conflict your ex is fishing for. Sherri's clinical framing of why opposition feeds the narcissist lines up exactly with the strategic communication we coach every day.There's also real hope in this episode. Sherri reminds protective parents that the very contradictions an alienating parent creates tend to surface on their own, especially in adolescence, when the pressure of living inside someone else's story starts to produce its own symptoms. The seeds you plant now, quietly and consistently, are often what your child reaches for later when they begin to question. Your steadiness is the long game.This is essential viewing if you're navigating custody where religion, a controlling community, or a “messianic” ex is part of the picture. It pairs directly with our book “When Your Ex Turns the Kids Against You” and our work on strategic communication.About our guest: Sherri Heller is an interfaith minister and trauma-informed therapist specializing in narcissistic abuse and complex trauma recovery, and a survivor herself.⏱ CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome — a topic we rarely cover00:52 What is spiritual & religious abuse?02:12 Meet Sherri Heller: minister & trauma-informed therapist03:40 Common misconceptions (it's not just isolated sects)06:02 How love bombing opens the door08:17 When the community sanctions the abuse09:44 A survivor robbed of her future11:23 Rigid rules: controlled marriages & forced isolation13:31 Narrowing it to the family system14:17 Red flags: cognitive dissonance & the absence of humility17:47 Covert vs. overt: ontological gaslighting18:48 Triangulating with the divine & prosocial camouflage20:34 Grooming children into martyrs24:49 Divorce, leaving the faith & parental alienation25:51 Learning to “play the game” in family court28:49 Borrowed scenarios & abuse by proxy29:36 Finding the middle ground with an alienated child31:34 When (and how) to tell kids a parent is mentally ill33:32 Getting out: reclaiming yourself35:27 Gray rocking, planting seeds & the adolescent awakening37:21 Where to find Sherri Heller37:53 Closing thoughtsWHO WE ARE: Been There Got Out helps protective parents survive high-conflict divorce, custody battles, and parental alienation. Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry teach the strategy that attorneys often don't — how to communicate, document, and present your case while protecting your relationship with your kids. We've been there. We got out. We'll help you do the same.→ Struggling with alienation right now? Book a free 30-minute discovery call: https://btgo.as.me/?appointmentType=24686877→ Get the book “When Your Ex Turns the Kids Against You”: https://www.amazon.com/Been-There-Got-Out-Against/dp/1967674183/Find Sherri Heller: https://sheritherapist.com/index.html#ParentalAlienation #ReligiousAbuse #HighConflictDivorce #CustodyBattle #NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #ProtectiveParent #CoParenting #BeenThereGotOut

Send us Fan MailDivorcing a business owner can be one of the most financially complex parts of any separation. In this episode, Sara Davison speaks with business valuation expert Richard Brady about how businesses are valued during divorce, common tactics used to reduce a company's apparent value, and the steps you can take to protect your financial future before agreeing to a settlement.Whether you're a business owner or divorcing one, this episode offers practical insights to help you make informed decisions.Find Richard Brady:

Your child looks you in the eye and repeats something that doesn't sound like them. It sounds like an adult's script. If you're a divorced dad dealing with bad mouthing, lies, or subtle parental alienation, that moment can hit like a punch to the chest and it's exactly where a lot of fathers lose ground by reacting instead of leading.We walk through what parental alienation is, the warning signs that matter, and why this pattern is so damaging for kids who naturally identify with both parents. Then we get practical: how to stay calm when you're hurt, how to avoid the trap of trashing your ex, and how to correct misinformation without turning your home into a courtroom. We also share simple example responses you can use when your child says things like “Mom says you don't love me” or throws out an accusation that clearly came from somewhere else.From there, we shift to the long game: strengthening your father-child relationship so the truth is felt, not just argued. We talk about quality time, consistent love and support, and routines and traditions that create stability during transitions between households. Finally, we cover when it makes sense to seek professional help, what to be careful about with counseling in high-conflict situations, and when legal guidance may be needed to protect your parenting time. Being unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Risk Assessment: Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Protection Session: Book a private triage to ensure mistakes don't become permanent.Your kids are counting on you. Support the show

Susan Guthrie has been a divorce attorney and mediator for 35 years and she thinks that in almost all cases, your first hire in divorce should be a coach. This episode explains why. How do you find the right divorce coach for you? The popularity of divorce coaching has grown enormously, and with so many kinds of coaches out there, it can be hard to know what a divorce coach actually does or how to find the right one. People hear the word coach and think of life coaches, athletic coaches, business coaches, and divorce coaching gets lumped in with all of them. This episode clears that up and answers the questions many people need early in the divorce process. Susan is joined by Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak, the founders of The Divorce Coaches Academy, who train and support divorce coaches and are themselves practicing coaches, mediators, and Susan's colleagues in the dispute resolution field. They explain what a divorce coach really is, a flexible, goal-oriented process recognized by the American Bar Association as a form of alternative dispute resolution, designed to support and guide people through both the business side and the emotional management of divorce. Together they walk through how to find a coach who fits, what questions to ask on a complimentary discovery call, why training and certification matter in a field with no national standards, and how the right coach can save a client both time and money. Susan makes the case she has made before, that a divorce coach is an essential member of your team and often the best place to start, because the choice can shape who you hire next. Episode 2 of 8 in the Divorce & Beyond Summer Essentials Series This summer, Divorce & Beyond brings back 8 the episodes listeners reach for most, the conversations with the clearest, most practical guidance for anyone thinking about, going through, or rebuilding after divorce. New Essentials air every other Monday all summer. Follow the show so you never miss one. The series starts here. What You'll Learn What a divorce coach actually is, and why the American Bar Association recognizes divorce coaching as a form of alternative dispute resolution Why finding a coach before an attorney can change who you hire and how your whole divorce unfolds How to tell if a coach is the right fit, from credentials and training to the complimentary discovery call What to ask about a coach's process, programs, pricing, and how they work before you commit Why training and certification matter in a field with no national standards, and what it means to coach from your scar and not from your wound About Our Guests: Tracy Callahan and Debra Doak Debra and Tracy are both committed to the profession of divorce coaching and the process of alternative dispute resolution. They are both CDC Certified Divorce Coaches®, authors, educators, and founding members of Divorce Coaches Academy, an online education platform that provides continuing education for practicing, professional divorce coaches. Tracy is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, serves as the Manager of the Mentor and Peer Coaching Programs for the CDC Certified Divorce Coach® certifying body, and has built her practice and reputation as an alternative dispute resolution specialist and conflict expert over the past 13 years.  Get Tracy's book: Divorce: Taking the High Road: Simple Strategies for Creating a Healthy Divorce, Tracy Callahan contributor and reach out to her at www.mediatingmatters.com Debra is also a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, Ohio Supreme Court trained Family Court Mediator, and Betrayal Trauma Specialist.  Get Debra's book: High Conflict Divorce for Women and reach out to her at www.debradoak.com For More Information on Tracy, Debra and The Divorce Coaches Academy: Website:  https://www.divorcecoachesacademy.com/ Email: dca@divorcecoachesacademy Social Media Handles  IG: @divorcecoachesacademy FB: @divorcecoachesacademy LI: divorce-coaches-academy Twitter: @AcademyDivorce If This Episode Helped You Follow Divorce & Beyond so you never miss an episode. Share it with someone who needs clear, reliable guidance right now. And if you have a moment, a five-star review makes a real difference in helping the show reach the people who need it most. Follow Divorce & Beyond Website: divorceandbeyondpod.com Instagram: instagram.com/divorceandbeyondpod About the Host: Susan Guthrie, Esq. Susan Guthrie is one of the nation's leading family law and mediation attorneys, with more than 35 years of experience helping people navigate divorce with clarity and strategy. She is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution, a best-selling author, and a sought-after speaker and trainer. Susan recently appeared as the featured expert on The Oprah Podcast and has been cited in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Town & Country, The Washington Post, NewsNation, and NBC Chicago Today, among others. As the creator and host of Divorce & Beyond, ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide with more than 1.3 million downloads and an Apple Top 100 Self-Help designation, Susan brings together leading legal and mental health experts to help listeners move through divorce and into what comes next. Learn more at divorceandbeyondpod.com/about.   Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions shared on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state regarding your specific situation.  

Click on Fan Mail link and give me feedback. ThanksNavigating High Conflict Divorce and Co-Parenting Challenges with Lisa JohnsonIn this episode, Lisa Johnson, a high conflict divorce strategist and legal advocate, shares her inspiring story of resilience and expertise in managing complex family court issues. Whether you're facing separation, custody battles, or co-parenting with a difficult ex, this episode offers real insights, practical tools, and hope.Key TopicsLisa's personal journey through a high-conflict divorce and groundbreaking case lawWarning signs of high conflict and red flags in relationships and co-parentingStrategies for effective communication and strategic interactions with difficult ex-partnersThe role of legal advocacy in high conflict cases and navigating the justice systemRecognizing and addressing parental alienation and weaponization of childrenThe importance of transparency and trust in healthy co-parenting relationshipsHow to support children emotionally during and after divorceBuilding community and finding hope through advocacy and shared experiencesKey resources: books, legal tips, and educational courses for navigating high conflict divorceTimestamps00:00 - Episode introduction and Lisa's background as a family court advocate 01:12 - Welcome and introduction of Lisa Johnson, high conflict divorce strategist 02:03 - Lisa's personal legal story and landmark case law 04:00 - Insights into the emotional journey of divorce and rediscovering hope 06:08 - Lessons from Lisa's 10-year legal battle — self-representation and advocacy 08:00 - Broader impact: expansion of domestic violence laws in Connecticut 10:21 - Recognizing red flags early in relationships and marriages 12:33 - Emotional toll and grief during divorce 14:10 - Family dynamics and in-law influences on relationships 16:02 - The importance of maturity and shared responsibility in partnerships 18:19 - Supporting children emotionally through divorce and separation 20:13 - Parental abandonment, the impact on kids, and co-parenting challenges 22:40 - Anecdotes of extreme behaviors and understanding mental health issues 24:20 - Red flags in early stages: love bombing, rapid moves, and dependency 26:23 - The significance of financial transparency and recognizing financial abuse 28:55 - Building trust through transparency in a partnership 30:29 - Lisa's relationship journey and lessons learned about love and partnership 33:34 - Katie and the story of their love and marriage after friendship 36:17 - The lessons learned from past relationships and hope for the future 39:04 - Recognizing high conflict warning signs early, especially weaponization of children 41:34 - Strategies for co-parenting with a difficult ex-partner and managing communication 44:06 - The role of legal advocacy and understanding the justice process 45:46 - Recommended resources: books, legal tips, and upcoming courses 47:23 - Wrap-up, contact info, and encouragement for listenersResources & Links[It Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High Conflict Divorce, and How to Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances](Link to site or publisher)[Legal Abuse Prevention Tips PDF](Link to download)[Book: "It Got Out" by Lisa Johnson](amazon link)Jennifer's Law - Connecticut law expanding domestic violence definitions[Strategic Communication Course: How to Communicate with Your Ex](Link when available)Connect with Lisa JohnsonLinkedInWebsiteFinal NotesRemember, high conflict divorce and co-parenting situations are complex, but hope and effective strategies can lead to healthier outcomes for families. Lisa's insights underscore the importance of informed advocacy, transparency, and emotional resilience. For support, resources, and community, visit our website and stay tuned for upcoming courses and tools designed to empower you.Richard Jones. I am an RN with over 34 years of Nursing Experience, much of that experience working with young adults in the corrections system.  Parenting Adult Children Call To Action Support the showSocial Media Links https://www.youtube.com/@abcparentingadultchildrenhttps://www.instagram.com/parentingadultchildren125/ https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefpropellerheadABC's of Parenting Adult Children Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581576308055 r/parentingadultchildrenFeel free to subscribe to these channels and share the links with your social media portals.

If you've been living in a high-conflict divorce or custody battle, you probably know that feeling all too well — the exhaustion that never quite leaves, the hypervigilance, the sense that your nervous system has forgotten how to relax. And for many people in these situations, a glass of wine at the end of the day has quietly become two, or three, or something stronger. Not because of weakness. Because of science.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Christal Badour, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Kentucky, where she runs a research lab focused on trauma recovery and the intersection of PTSD and substance use disorders. Dr. Badour's work is dedicated to understanding why trauma and substance use co-occur so frequently — and more importantly, how to help people break that cycle.What you'll learn in this conversation will likely change the way you see yourself.

Is what you're experiencing actually gaslighting? In this episode of We Chat Divorce, Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan sit down with narcissistic abuse expert Tracy Malone — author of Divorcing Your Narcissist — to answer that question with real examples, practical tools, and language you can use right now. Tracy explains what gaslighting actually looks like in practice — not just the definition, but the tactics, the phrases, and the specific ways it shows up in high-conflict divorce. She walks through DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender), explains why gaslighting targets your greatest strengths, and shares why the pattern intensifies the moment you file. Catherine also shares from her own experience — including how she kept a detailed journal for years before her divorce, and how that documentation became her anchor when her reality was being contested. IN THIS EPISODE: What gaslighting actually is — and why the word alone isn't enough DARVO: Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender (and why Tracy calls it “the love language of a narcissist”) Why gaslighting targets your greatest strengths (and Tracy's Home Depot story) How gaslighting escalates when you file for divorce — including with the children, attorneys, and judges Financial gaslighting: “There is no money” and other phrases that keep victims stuck The story of a woman married 29 years who discovered mid-divorce they were multi-millionaires Why documentation is your most powerful tool — and how Catherine used a journal before her own divorce How to use financial statements to counter financial gaslighting without accusation The recovery work after gaslighting: guilt, shame, self-doubt, and rebuilding Why financial clarity and emotional independence go hand in hand FREE COMPANION RESOURCE Download “Is This Gaslighting? — A Reality-Check Guide” Signs checklist DARVO explainer Incident log & financial tracker Phrases to protect yourself Next steps checklist ➡️ MyDivorceSolution.com/gaslighting-guide

That heavy feeling behind your sternum when your phone vibrates is not just “stress.” It is your nervous system firing a survival response that can quietly wreck your sleep, your judgment, and the one thing family court rewards most: steady, consistent regulation under pressure.We walk through a real story of a disciplined dad who did everything right on paper until one perfectly timed message pushed him into a short defensive reply. That single paragraph became courtroom evidence, while weeks of calm communication never made it onto the judge's desk. The takeaway is uncomfortable but freeing: legal tactics and co-parenting scripts collapse if they're powered by willpower alone. We explain the biology of amygdala hijack, why your prefrontal cortex goes offline, and why “just ignore it” is doomed in a high-conflict divorce and custody battle.Then we give you a practical playbook. Our rule is simple: center first, tend later. You'll learn a four-step physiological reset you can run in two to five minutes, including precise emotion naming, identifying the hijack, slow nasal box breathing to engage the vagus nerve, and a future-anchor question that produces court-defensible responses like gray rock or BIFF. We also connect this to parenting: your kids' mirror neurons read your internal state, so regulated calm is not a side project, it is the work. Being unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Risk Assessment: Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Protection Session: Book a private triage to ensure mistakes don't become permanent.Your kids are counting on you. Support the show

  Toxic Relationships, High Conflict Divorce, And How To Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances. Join Me As I Talk To Authors Lisa Johnson And Chris Barry From "Been There Got Out" About Their New 2nd Book: 'When Your Ex Turns The Kids Against You!    Welcome to Life With Peter G, the show where we explore the many facets of life through the lens of host Peter G's unique perspective. From business to relationships, personal growth to pop culture, Peter G takes us on a journey of discovery and self-reflection with each episode. With a combination of insightful inteiews, engaging discussions, and personal anecdotes, Life With Peter G offers a fresh and authentic take on the human experience. Join us as we delve into the complexities and joys of life, one conversation at a time. This is Life With Peter G, The Peter G Show Every Wednesday Night. 6:00pm Pacific, 8:00pm Central, and 9:00pm Eastern. We're Talking About Things You Need To Hear. Check It Out. Don't forget to listen on the go with The Peter G Show On Audio Podcast Everywhere. And Please Like and Subscribe to The Peter G Show YouTube Channel. Love You Guys, Peace Out. @drphil @greggutfeld @gutfeld! @envoytv @foxnews @drphilmcgraw @gutfeldfox @podcastone @envoymediagroup @envoymediacompany @beentheregotout #petergshow,#subscribe,#like,#follow,#truth,#share,#america,#love,#drphil,#drphilmcgraw,#gutfeld,#greggutfeld,#gutfeldfox,#fun,#grateful,#god,#entertainment,#new,#currentevents,#podcast,#billgates,#news,#commonsense,#divorce,#beentheregotout

What happens when a parenting plan leaves too much room for interpretation?In this episode, we're talking about one of the biggest mistakes survivors make during divorce and custody negotiations: agreeing to vague parenting plans that unintentionally create openings for ongoing manipulation, conflict, and coercive control.I'm joined by Cat Climaco to discuss why detailed, clearly written parenting plans matter so much in high-conflict and abusive co-parenting situations. We break down some of the most common loopholes narcissistic or controlling co-parents exploit, including pick-up and drop-off logistics, extracurricular activities, communication expectations, and what happens when parents with joint decision-making reach an impasse.We also talk about how to advocate for a more specific parenting plan when attorneys or mediators push back and prefer “standard” or cookie-cutter agreements.If you're currently negotiating a parenting plan or struggling with one that feels impossible to navigate, this episode will help you understand why clarity and specificity matter far more than most people realize.In This Episode We Discuss:Common parenting plan loopholesWhy vague agreements create more conflictDecision-making impasse clausesExtracurricular and exchange challengesAdvocating for specificity with attorneys About Cat: Cat Climaco, Founder of Peaceful Presence Divorce Coaching, is a nationally certified High-Conflict Divorce, Custody, and Co-Parenting Coach, mediator, DASH Risk Assessor, and trauma-informed Colorado Victim's Advocate who specializes in helping protective parents navigate complex, high-conflict family court cases to achieve greater peace and safety in life after divorce. Cat blends professional expertise with lived experience to support parents facing coercive control, post-separation abuse, abusive co-parenting, and cases involving children with additional emotional or developmental needs. Connect w/ Cat: https://www.peacefulpresencedivorcecoaching.comhttps://www.instagram.com/peacefulpresencedivorcecoach/https://www.facebook.com/peacefulpresencedivorcecoaching/https://www.linkedin.com/in/catclimaco/https://www.youtube.com/@PeacefulPresenceDivorceCoachhttps://www.peacefulpresencedivorcecoaching.com/workshops-documentationJoin the Rising Beyond Community today. Learn more at https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/membership.htmlPlease 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! @risingbeyondpcIf 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/Where to find more from Rising Beyond:Rising Beyond FacebookRising Beyond LinkedInRising Beyond Pinterest If you're interested in guesting on the show please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7Enjoy some of our freebies!Choosing Your Battles FreebieCanned Responses FreebieMic Drop Moments Freebie...

High-conflict divorce can feel endless, emotionally exhausting, and financially devastating, especially later in life. In Episode 96, Andrew Hatherley welcomes Karen McMahon, high-conflict divorce strategist, to explore emotional regulation, post-traumatic growth, adult children, high-conflict personalities, and why healing—not just the legal settlement—is the true path to freedom after divorce.  Thanks for listening! We'd be very grateful if you'd subscribe to the podcast and give us 5 stars! Please visit Transcend Retirement or Wiser Divorce Solutions. Follow Andrew on LinkedIn too!

Jonathan Merel runs a mid-sized family law firm built around high-conflict divorce. In this episode, he talks about the kinds of cases his firm takes on, how he sets strategy across a team of lawyers, and what shifted when he moved from full-time litigator to running the business. He also reflects on the emotional weight of family law, why it draws certain practitioners and burns out others, and how he separates emotion from legal judgment. We also hear from Kristina Lindsay, the firm's in-house divorce coach. With a background in domestic violence advocacy, she helps clients navigate trauma, safety, and conflict, operating under the firm's attorney-client privilege. Together, they show how legal strategy and emotional support can work side by side and shape the outcome of a case. Jonathan is a graduate of Chicago-Kent College of Law.This episode is hosted by Kyle McEntee.Mentioned in this episode:Learn more about Juno and private student loansAccess LawHub today!Learn more about Juno and private student loansLearn more about Haynes Boone LLP

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, we revisit the topic of agunot by talking to Sarah Nissel and Yona Elishis, who run the Jewish Divorce Assistance Center of Los Angeles.We're also joined by Keshet Starr, CEO of Shalom Task Force. In this episode we discuss:How do potentially amicable divorces escalate to being high-conflict? Why does adversarial divorce seem to be increasingly common in the Jewish community?  What do experts in the area of agunot think of the related social-media movements? Tune in to hear a conversation about the integrity of our marriages in the Jewish community. Interview begins at 15:16.Keshet Starr joins at 53:20. Sarah M. Nissel is the founding Executive Director of the Jewish Divorce Assistance Center and a visiting professor of law and religion at Pepperdine Caruso school of law, where she leads the Faith & Family Mediation Clinic. A Yale and NYU Law graduate, she previously worked in white-collar and complex litigation, served at the Innocence Project, and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and four children.Yona Elishis is a family law mediator and Adjunct Clinical Professor at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, where she teaches in the Faith & Family Mediation Clinic in partnership with the Jewish Divorce Assistance Center of Los Angeles (JDAC). Trained at Osgoode Hall Law School, Columbia Law School, and New York University School of Law, she previously practiced family and corporate law in Toronto and New York and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and five children.Keshet Starr is the CEO of Shalom Task Force, which works to combat and prevent domestic abuse in the Jewish community. Previously, she led the Organization for the Resolution of Agunot. She lives in Hillside, New Jersey, with her family. References:Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle BurdenSee What You Made Me Do: Power, Control and Domestic Violence by Jess HillMarriage Story (2019)Gett (2014)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Is your parenting plan actually protecting your children — or creating more conflict?High conflict divorce is about far more than legal paperwork and court appearances. When toxic dynamics, emotional manipulation, and parenting disputes enter the picture, many moms feel overwhelmed trying to protect their children while rebuilding their own lives. In this episode, Heather Quick and divorce coach Samantha Boss break down the strategies women need to navigate high conflict divorce with more clarity, confidence, and peace.Learn why many parenting plans fail and what makes one truly effective in high conflict situationsDiscover practical ways to protect your children from toxic divorce dynamicsUnderstand how to rebuild confidence and create a healthier future after divorceTune in now to learn the practical strategies that can help you protect your peace, support your children, and move forward stronger after high conflict divorce!Interested in working with us? Fill out this form here to get started.Not quite ready? Interact with us on socials! OR get all of your questions answered by taking our online course: Divorce 101!Divorce 101 Online Course- https://heather-quick.mykajabi.com/divorce-101Linktree- https://linktr.ee/FloridaWomensLawGroup Florida Women's Law Group Website- https://www.floridawomenslawgroup.com/Samantha Boss's Links: Official Website: https://www.samanthaboss.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theuglytruthofdivorceYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theuglytruthofdivorcePodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/63XhuzAVPjR4tdJwE794sWWomen Winning Divorce is supported by Florida Women's Law Group.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not an advertisement for legal services. The information provided on this podcast is not intended to be legal advice. You should not rely on what you hear on this podcast as legal advice. If you have a legal issue, please contact a lawyer. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are solely those of the individuals and do not represent the views or opinions of the firms or organizations with which they are affiliated or the views or opinions of this podcast's advertisers. This podcast is available for private, non-commercial use only. Any editing, reproduction, or redistribution of this podcast for commercial use or monetary gain without the expressed, written consent of the podcast's creator is prohibited.Thank you for listening, please leave us a review and share the podcast with your friends and colleagues. Send your questions, comments, and feedback to marketing@4womenlaw.com.

The Stuph File Program Featuring Lisa Johnson, co-founder of Been There Got Out; Jennifer Lieberman, author of Independent Theatre Production For The 21st Century: In Seven Simple Steps; & Stuart Nulman with Book Banter Download Lisa Johnson is the co-founder of Been There Got Out and also the co-author of Been There Got Out: Toxic Relationships, High-Conflict Divorce, And How To Stay Sane Under Insane Circumstances & When Your Ex Turns The Kids Against You. Actress Jennifer Lieberman is the author of Independent Theatre Production For The 21st Century: In Seven Simple Steps. Stuart Nulman with another edition of Book Banter. This week's reviewed title is Jean Drapeau’s Baby: Aislin’s 1976 Montreal Olympic Scrapbook by Terry Mosher (Aislin Publications; $50 softcover, $100 hardcover).You can also read Stuart's articles in The Main and at BestStory.ca. This week's opening slate is presented by Emmy Award winning sports broadcaster Steve Lanthier, who also works as a broadcast consultant. Steve has almost 50 years experience in the industry as a producer.  Click below to order directly from Amazon.com Part of the success of this show depends on the generosity of its listeners worldwide. If you enjoy the program please feel free to make a donation in any amount, no matter how small, in any denomination of $1, $5, $10, $20 or more.  Just click on the donate button to the left. It will be greatly appreciated. This website is powered by PubNIX a boutique Internet service provider with great personalized service that was instrumental in helping to structure the look of this very site! The computer used for this site was built by InfoMontreal.ca, serving individuals, commercial & industrial companies in Quebec with computers, software and networks. Your needs are unique and InfoMontreal.ca believes the solutions should be too.

When betrayal impacts a marriage, children feel it too. But how do you protect your kids without pulling them into adult pain?In this episode, betrayal trauma expert Sarah McDugal (MSA-ID, MCPC, High-Conflict Divorce and Custody Coach) shares how parents can teach children to recognize manipulation, unhealthy behaviors, and emotional red flags—without trashing the other parent.We explore:how betrayal impacts childrenwhat NOT to say to your kidshow to teach emotional boundarieshow to recognize manipulation and gaslightinghow to help children trust their intuitionhow to protect kids without parental alienationConnect with Sarah: Facebook, Instagram, websiteChapters00:46 Introducing Sarah McDugal01:44 Parenting Without Trash Talk05:05 Teach Red Flags Not Blame09:07 Kids Tools Help Recovery12:42 Using Movies to Teach23:05 Age-Appropriate Answers25:55 Don't Speak For Others31:34 Someday Journal Method40:15 Breaking Generational CyclesRegister Now!***Use promo code PODCAST150 to get $150 off when you register for any Choose intensive or retreat in 2026!***

Mediation can look calm on the calendar and feel like a wood chipper in the room. If you're a dad heading toward divorce mediation, this briefing is built for the exact moment the tone shifts, the “reasonable” mask drops, and your parenting time suddenly becomes negotiable. We lay out the tactical mindset that keeps you from getting processed into the weekend-visitor trap and helps you protect a real 50/50 custody schedule.We start with the courtroom math most people miss: family court often runs on a preponderance of evidence, where that extra 1% of perception can decide everything. From there, we unpack the biggest red flag in the room, the 50/50 custody litmus test. If the other parent won't support equal parenting time up front, we explain what that usually means for custody, support, and the next twenty years of co-parenting, and how to shift from “nice guy” hoping to strategic defense.Then we get concrete. We talk about using mediation as intelligence gathering, locking in small wins with an a la carte approach, and building a durable floor through documented agreements like an MOU where your jurisdiction allows it. You'll also hear tools for high conflict divorce dynamics: the legal pad protocol for handling provocation and false allegations, how to “spoon feed” the mediator labeled facts and a parenting log, and how to use ask-based questions that force the other side to show evidence. We close with the decision gap, managing exhaustion, and why you should demand a 24-hour review before signing anything. Being unprepared is how great fathers become weekend visitors. Most ground is lost quietly through "drift" and decisions made under pressure. Stop the drift today at TheDivorcedDadvocate.com.Access your tactical tools:Risk Assessment: Identify your "quiet loss" exposure in 10 minutes.Protection Session: Book a private triage to ensure mistakes don't become permanent.Your kids are counting on you. Support the show

One of the things I see so often with women going through divorce, especially high conflict divorce, is this instinct to explain yourself, to clarify, to defend yourself, to make sure the other person understands what actually happened. But here's the problem: in a high conflict divorce, explaining yourself is often the very thing that keeps you stuck in the conflict. In this episode, I walk you through why the communication playbook that works in healthy relationships completely backfires when you're dealing with a high conflict personality, and what to do instead. Here's the thing: high conflict dynamics operate like a fire. Explanations are oxygen. Every time you write a long response or try to defend yourself, you're actually blowing air into the flames. Every explanation keeps you in the engagement. Every defense keeps you in the arena. You don't have to keep exhausting yourself trying to explain the truth to someone who has already decided not to hear it. You get to step out of that cycle and you get to move forward with a playbook that actually works in high conflict divorce. What you'll hear about in this episode: Why explanations don't resolve conflict in high conflict dynamics, they extend it How your words become fuel: long texts, clarifying emails, and attempts to correct the narrative all give the other person material to twist, screenshot, and weaponize The difference between the explanation mindset and the documentation mindset The BIFF method (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm) and how to use it Why silence isn't capitulating and why not every accusation requires a response Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce  =================== DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM. =================== Episode link: https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-360-stop-explaining-yourself-why-it-makes-high-conflict-divorce-worse/  

Sarah McDugal is back on the podcast, and this time we're talking about what it actually takes to protect your children inside a family court system that often reframes abuse as "mutual high conflict" and makes the protective parent look like the problem. Sarah is a clarity coach and founder of Freedom Navigator and Wilderness to Wild, where she works exclusively with protective parents navigating high-conflict divorce and custody battles. In this conversation, we talk about why the ways most of us instinctively respond—explaining, defending, and trying to get people to understand the truth—can actually work against us in court. We also dive into Sarah's High Conflict Court Risk Index, an assessment designed to help parents understand early how likely their case is to become a long, drawn-out legal battle. The earlier you can see the terrain you're walking into, the more strategically you can move through it. And we talk about the kids. One of the most powerful reframes Sarah offers is that protecting our children doesn't always mean shielding them from harm. Sometimes the greatest protection we can give them is helping them learn how to navigate difficult realities with clarity, resilience, and support. If you're deep in a high-conflict case and feel like everything you do somehow gets used against you, you're not imagining it. The family court system is not what most of us think it is—and fighting it the way we naturally want to can sometimes make things worse. This conversation offers a different playbook. What you'll hear about in this episode: Why what family court labels "high conflict" is very often an abuser-victim dynamic, not a mutual conflict situation (5:28) How you can shift the dynamics in court by changing yourself, not by trying to change the other person or the system (11:10) The High Conflict Court Risk Index, what it assesses, who it is for, and why taking it early means you can start the right conversations sooner (12:28) Why an interdisciplinary divorce team saves you time, money, and unnecessary damage (24:28) What to do when your high conflict court risk comes back moderate to high, and where to go for support (23:30) Why protecting your kids from all harm is not the goal and how to start teaching them to navigate tricky people and tricky situations instead (31:30) ✨ If you'd like to watch the video version of this episode, you can find it here. Learn more about Sarah McDugal:Sarah McDugal is a clarity coach and founder of FREEDOM Navigator and Wilderness to WILD. She works exclusively with protective parents in high-conflict divorce and custody battles. In addition to a master's degree, Sarah holds certifications and training in: Master Certified Professional Coach (MCPC), Certified High Conflict Legal Dispute Resolver, High Conflict Institute, Certified Assessor: Danger and Lethality Assessment, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Deceptive Sexuality and Trauma Treatment (DSTT) Training, Dr. Omar Minwalla, and APSATS Model for Multi-Dimensional Partner Trauma (MPTM) Training. After surviving nearly a decade of custody litigation herself, Sarah equips her clients with trauma-informed tools, court-ready case prep resources, and strategic battle plans to fight smarter for the long haul — without losing their sanity, their kids, or their voice. Known for her blend of ethical precision and empathetic strength, Sarah empowers protective parents to transform survival into strategy — guiding weary warriors to rise with endurance, resilience, and courage. Resources & Links: Get Your Curated Podcast PlaylistFocused Strategy Sessions with Kate The Divorce Survival Guide Resource BundlePhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment CollectiveKate on InstagramKate on FacebookKate's Substack Newsletter: Divorce Coaching Dispatch The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast Episodes are also available YouTube! Seven Step Mindset Reset for Divorce  High Conflict Court Risk Index Freedom Navigator WebsiteSarah on LinkedIn Sarah on Instagram Sarah on YouTube Episode 109: DSG Abuse Mini-Series: Escaping Toxic Relationships and Abuse in Faith-Based Communities with Sarah McDugal =================== DISCLAIMER:  THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE.  YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM