In today’s episode, we dive deep into the complex topic of enmeshment—what it is, how it forms, and what healthyfamily patterns actually look like. We explore the journey of emancipation: how to recognise the conditioned roles you were assigned in childhood and, most importantly, how to break free from them.Joining us is Dr. Ken Adams, renowned national lecturer, workshop leader, and consultant specializing in child abuse, dysfunctional family systems, and sex addiction. Dr. Adams is the acclaimed author of Silently Seduced, When He’s Married to Mom, and A Light in the Dark.Together, we unpack the dynamics of enmeshment and offer insights on reclaiming your autonomy and emotional freedom.www.drkenadams.comwww.overcomingenmeshment.comFollow Dr. Adams on TikTokBEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast
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42:40
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42:40
An Interview with Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola (S3 Ep2)
“I started this work at the age of 19. I was a child abuse advocate, a sexual abuse advocate, a domestic violence advocate, a therapist — and yet, I didn’t know it was happening to me.”Dr. Christine Cocchiola is a leading expert on the experience of adult and child victims of coercive control. But even with all her knowledge and training, she found herself living inside the very dynamic she’d dedicated her life to understanding and preventing.In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Cocchiola shares her own story — the signs she missed, the psychological grip of coercive control, the impact on children, and how to recognise it in your own relationship. She also offers essential guidance on how to protect children from a coercively controlling parent.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the hidden dynamics of control and reclaim their sense of safety and self.Follow Dr. Christine Cocchiola on InstagramFollow Dr. Christine Cocchiola on Facebook www.coercivecontrolconsulting.comTed X Talk - It's All Coercive ControlBEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast
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45:14
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45:14
People-Pleasing / Fawning (S3 Ep1)
Solo Episode - This week on Beyond Survival – The Therapy Podcast, I’m unpacking the truth behind people pleasing. So often we think of it as a habit or personality trait - but in reality, it’s a deeply ingrained survival response. When a child grows up in dysfunction, their nervous system learns that safety comes from centering others and erasing themselves. This fawning response isn’t about being “too nice” - it’s about self-abandonment learned in an environment where needs, emotions, and authenticity weren’t safe.Join me as I explore how this pattern forms, how it shows up in adulthood, and what healing looks like when we start to reclaim our right to exist, take up space, and be seen.Receive information from me on The Calmer ParentBEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast
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47:05
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47:05
How do I let go of all the rage? (S2 Ep10)
This week a listener asks a question: How do I let go of all the rage? After years of no contact with her abusive family, she’s exhausted by how much power the past still has over her present. She doesn’t want revenge or empty apologies - she just wants peace. But how do you move forward when there will never be justice? In this episode, we explore what rage really is beneath the surface, why it can feel impossible to release, and how to begin freeing yourself from its grip so you can finally start living for you.Follow Dr. Ruth Callaghan on TikTokFollow Dr. Ruth Callaghan on InstagramFollow Dr. Ruth Callaghan on YouTubewww.callaghancounselling.ieBEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast
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54:05
Living on High Alert (S2 E9)
This week, I read a letter from a listener who’s been no contact with her mother for two years - but still feels like she’s living with her shadow.Every bark of the dog, every knock at the door, sends her body into high alert. Even something as simple as checking the mailbox feels dangerous. Myself and Dr. Ruth Callaghan will explore what it’s like when no contact doesn’t bring peace, and how our nervous system can become stuck in fight/flight - especially when the person we’re protecting ourselves from once felt impossible to escape.Follow Dr. Ruth Callaghan on TikTokFollow Dr. Ruth Callaghan on InstagramFollow Dr. Ruth Callaghan on YouTubewww.callaghancounselling.ieBEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast
About Beyond Survival - The Therapy Podcast with Katie McKenna
This Podcast is for anyone who grew up up in a dysfunctional or narcissistic family system and now finds themselves stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, anxiety or unhealthy relationships.Each episode offers real-world insight into trauma recovery, relationships, boundaries, nervous system healing and reconnecting to your true self. Whether your just starting your healing journey or looking to deepen it, you’re welcome here - just as you are
Listen to Beyond Survival - The Therapy Podcast with Katie McKenna, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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