Understanding Narcissism and Coercive Control with Mark Vicente
In this episode of Perfect Prey, I sit down with filmmaker and NXIVM Whistleblower, Mark Vicente, to explore the insidious nature of narcissism and coercive control. Known for his role in exposing the NXIVM cult and for his upcoming documentary Narcissist Playbook, Mark brings a rare blend of lived experience and narrative insight to a conversation that is both deeply personal and profoundly educational.Together, we examine how narcissistic abuse thrives on confusion, manipulation, and silence. Coercive control isn't always visibleāoften it hides in plain sight, eroding a survivorās sense of self through emotional, psychological, and sometimes spiritual abuse. Mark shares how he came to recognize the patterns of power and control he endured, and why storytelling and awareness are key to dismantling these dynamics.As a licensed clinical social worker and survivor of coercive control myself, this conversation is one I know will resonate. We talk about the trauma of emotional abuse, the grooming tactics abusers use to gain and maintain control, and the long road to healing after escaping these toxic dynamics. Markās courage and clarity offer validation to those still trying to make sense of what happened to them, and hope to those who are just beginning to find their voice.This is more than a podcast episodeā¦ itās a call to awareness, to healing, and to action.Ā Tune in to better understand the trauma of coercive control and narcissistic relationships, and to remember that your truth is the first step toward freedom.Connect with Mark:Mark's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markvicente/?hl=enNarcissist Playbook Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenarcissistsplaybook/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.empathynotincluded.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markvicente/Listen to Mark's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wtf-is-on-my-mind/id1646783869Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX1OsELrINqvPVImbyM6qdQResources Mentioned in this Podcast:šøFollow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrolšøServices for Parents: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/šøServices for Professionals: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-professionals/šøServices for Victims of Abuse: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-individuals/šøPrivate Coaching: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/private-coaching/šøFree Guide: Clinical Implications for ChildrenWho Are Coercively Controlled: https://drchristinemarie.kartra.com/page/childvictimofccgrowthguide
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Coercive Control in Family Law with Meg Groff
For over 40 years, Attorney Meg Groff has been a fierce advocate for victims of domestic abuse.In her powerful memoir, Not If I Can Help It, Meg shares some of the most harrowing and eye-opening cases sheās encountered, offering a rare glimpse into the justice system through the eyes of someone who fought tirelessly within it.Alongside Dr. C, co-author of FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld, Meg is committed to raising awareness about the often-overlooked realities women and children face in the family court system. ---šøFollow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrolšøVisit her website: https://coercivecontrolconsulting.comšøBecome a Certified Trauma-Informed Protective Parent in this intensive educational program with an option for LIVE coaching/support to guide protective parents as they navigate the stormy seas of parenting a child who has been coercively controlled.šøSign up here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy
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Children of Coercive Control - Jessi Hersey
In this episode, Jessi Hersey bravely shares her story of surviving two forms of coercive control: childhood grooming by her drum teacher and emotional manipulation within the Twin Flames Universe online cult. As a neurodivergent survivor, Jessi reflects on how her autism both made her more vulnerable and more attuned to subtle forms of abuse. She discusses the long-term impact of grooming, the cultās use of āmirror exercisesā to control beliefs, and her journey to reclaim safety and identity. Jessiās story highlights the urgent need for awareness around neurodivergence, grooming, and online spiritual coercion.---šøFollow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrolšøVisit her website: https://coercivecontrolconsulting.comšøBecome a Certified Trauma-Informed Protective Parent in this intensive educational program with an option for LIVE coaching/support to guide protective parents as they navigate the stormy seas of parenting a child who has been coercively controlled.šøSign up here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy
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The System Failed Om: Why Leah Moses Fought to Change Family Court
In this powerful and emotional episode, Dr. Cocchiola speaks with Leah Moses, mother of Om Moses Gandhi, who was tragically killed by his abusive father after over a decade of family court battles.Leah shares her lived experience of reproductive coercion, intimate partner violence, and systemic failure, and how she turned unimaginable loss into advocacy through Omās Law. This conversation exposes the urgent need for court reform, judicial accountability, and trauma-informed parenting protections.---šøFollow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrolšøVisit her website: https://coercivecontrolconsulting.comšøBecome a Certified Trauma-Informed Protective Parent in this intensive educational program with an option for LIVE coaching/support to guide protective parents as they navigate the stormy seas of parenting a child who has been coercively controlled.šøSign up here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy
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Children of Coercive Control - Maya Laing
Maya Laing joins Dr. C on Perfect Prey to share her and her brother Sebastian's experiences growing up in a home where they felt unsafe with one parent. When they expressed their desire to live with their father, their mother turned to the family court system, resulting in mandated reunification therapy and a reunification camp a devastating consequence for children who feel unsafe with one parent. ---šøFollow Dr. Christine on IG: www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrolšøVisit her website: https://coercivecontrolconsulting.com šøBecome a Certified Trauma-Informed Protective Parent in this intensive educational program with an option for LIVE coaching/support to guide protective parents as they navigate the stormy seas of parenting a child who has been coercively controlled. šøSign up here: https://go.drcocchiola.com/accelerated2-selfstudy
Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW is a Coercive Control Educator, Researcher, & Survivor. She has been an advocate since the age of 19, passionate about protecting children from abuse. Yet, even as a therapist, she didn't see the signs in her own relationship. How do we, as protective parents, support our children harmed by the coercive controller (aka Narcissistic Abuser)? Dr. Cocchiola's expertise provides the framework for supporting protective parents as they navigate parenting children harmed by the coercive controller. Protective parents can show their children a path to freedom.
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