The Rising Beyond Podcast

In this week’s Friday Coaching Corner, I respond to a heartbreaking listener story that highlights just how overwhelming it can feel to keep fighting for your child when the family court system and even your own attorney seem to be standing in the way.

This listener’s ex-partner is refusing to comply with the court order requiring their child to participate in family therapy, therapy that could be covered by Medicaid, while continuing to manipulate both the child and the process. The result is devastating: a protective parent with only a weekly phone call and a mountain of grief, legal obstacles, and financial strain.

Questions Answered in this Episode:

• How to use the exact language in your court order to advocate for family therapy.
• The difference between family therapy and reunification therapy (and why it matters for insurance coverage).
• Practical steps for documenting refusals and setting up a motion to compel, rather than just contempt proceedings.
• Strategies for getting your unresponsive attorney to act, including how to organize your communications using the Rocks in a Jar method.
• Where to turn for ADA accommodation requests or grievances in Colorado.
• Speaking to the grief of being kept from your child—and why your early bond still matters.

This is a tough but important conversation. If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the whole burden of advocacy while the system lets you down, I hope you find both validation and practical direction here.

Referred Links:
Rocks in a Jar video - https://www.canva.com/design/DAGv_UPUPeA/aGbiC6yT5hNhbsoevU-cQQ/edit
Project Justice USA Survey - https://www.projectjusticeusa.com/

Ask Me Anything - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/ama2026
Happening November 2nd at 12pm MST, November 3rd at 2pm MST and November 7th at 9am MST

Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html

If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
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Rising Beyond Pinterest 

What happens when you bring a passionate male advocate for survivors of domestic violence into a space that’s usually led by women? That’s what we're doing in this episode!

I talk with Michael, a rare but powerful male voice in this movement, to talk about the complexities of abuse, how children really experience it, and what it looks like for men to step into prevention and healing work.

Together, we cover:

• An unexpected start: How a “mess around job” at a domestic violence shelter shifted Michael’s path and purpose.
• Kids always know: Why children absorb far more than we think when abuse is happening at home.
• The gender gap: What keeps men out of advocacy spaces—and what could change that.
• Breaking cycles: Michael’s stories from working with boys and men, and how change actually happens.
• Parenting through it: How survivors can support their children in building healthy relationships and identities.
• The role of women: What’s yours to carry, and what isn’t, when it comes to men’s healing.

This conversation is honest, challenging, and full of hope. If you’ve ever wondered how to raise compassionate boys, how to include men in real culture change, or how to support your kids after abuse, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Michael Brasher, PhD, PCIC is a men's coach, researcher, and author working at the intersection of public health, gender, and racial justice. He helps men and boys unlearn toxic conditioning to build safe, equitable relationships with women, and engages them as allies in ending gender-based violence. His work focuses on the socialization of masculinity as a public health issue, with a research emphasis on domestic violence and anti-Blackness.

Connect with Michael:

• Is Your Partner a Robot? Take the free quiz: https://michael-odkf51tb.scoreapp.com/
• Free Healthy Masculinity Men’s Monthly Talking Circle: https://michael-uwrnhoyd.scoreapp.com
• Social Media: @lifeunboundcoaching
• Book some time with Me: https://dot.cards/michaelbrasher

Ask Me Anything - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/ama2026
Happening November 2nd at 12pm MST, November 3rd at 2pm MST and November 7th at 9am MST

Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html

If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest 

When it comes to domestic violence and coercive control, the systems we rely on to protect children are often looking at the wrong thing.

Instead of assessing for patterns like, long-term, consistent dynamics of fear, control, and power imbalances, many custody decisions are still made based on isolated incidents. And that’s a huge problem.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing why we need a major shift in how we assess safety, parenting, attachment, and the best interests of the child, and how a pattern-based approach can more accurately reflect the lived experience of survivors and their children.

We’ll talk about:

• Why coercive control often doesn’t show up in isolated “incidents”
• How this outdated model fails kids in custody evaluations
• Why it can take months or even a year for a child to feel safe enough to reveal the full picture in therapy
• The dangers of assuming we can determine a child’s best interest after two brief sessions with an evaluator

Whether you're a survivor navigating the family court system or a professional working in this space, this episode offers clarity and validation, and a call to do better by the families most impacted.

Ask Me Anything - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/ama2026
Happening November 2nd at 12pm MST, November 3rd at 2pm MST and November 7th at 9am MST

Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html

If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest 

Welcome to our very first Friday Coaching Corner! In this session, I answer questions from a listener navigating the challenges of living near her abusive ex, parenting through manipulation, and dealing with silent treatment in co-parenting apps.

The listener shares that her ex still lives in an outbuilding on the marital property, creating constant stress and safety concerns. On top of that, her ex is weaponizing the children against her, and she’s experiencing co-parenting sabotage through both denial of parenting time and the silent treatment in their communication app.

I answer these questions...

1. How can I create a sense of safety in my home when my abusive ex lives so close by?
2. How do I respond when my 13-year-old mimics my ex’s critical tone and behavior toward me, and how should I explain this shift to their therapist?
3. What strategies can I use when my co-parent stops responding to messages and uses the silent treatment as a tactic?

Want to have your questions featured on a Friday Coaching Corner? Send me a short summary of your situation and 2–3 questions at [email protected].

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice, mental health treatment, or a substitute for advice from professionals familiar with your specific situation. Every parenting plan and court order is different. If you have questions about your legal obligations or your child's safety, consult with a qualified attorney and other professionals knowledgeable about coercive control and family court dynamics.

Ask Me Anything - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/ama2026
Happening November 2nd at 12pm MST, November 3rd at 2pm MST and November 7th at 9am MST

Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html

If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest 

After years of surviving post-separation abuse and high-conflict co-parenting, you may find yourself disconnected from your older teen or adult child. Maybe they’re distant. Maybe they believe things about you that aren’t true. Or maybe they just don’t seem to want a relationship anymore. It can be heartbreaking.

Listen for ideas on how to begin rebuilding a stronger, more grounded connection with teenager or adult child, even when the path feels uncertain.

We cover:

• The emotional and developmental landscape of older teens and young adults
• How loyalty binds, trauma, and autonomy affect the parent-child dynamic
• Common emotional struggles parents face — like grief, guilt, and helplessness
• Small but powerful ways to reopen communication and rebuild trust
• The importance of boundaries — for you and for them
• How to let go of control while still showing up with love and steadiness
• What to do if your child isn’t ready (yet) to reconnect

I hope this episode leaves you feeling more grounded in your role as a parent, even if the relationship looks different than you hoped, and more confident in taking steps toward authentic, lasting connection.

Want to share your experience or ask a question for a future episode? You can do that anonymously via https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/podcasts.html or email me at [email protected].

Ask Me Anything - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/ama2026
Happening November 2nd at 12pm MST, November 3rd at 2pm MST and November 7th at 9am MST

Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html

If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest 

One of the most horrific and insidious consequences of coercive control and dv is the systematic way in which an abuser strips away their victim’s sense of self and identity. One of the most impactful parts of the healing process is rebuilding that connection with the self and redefining your roles and identities. 

On this episode, I invited my friend and colleague, Erin Siegel to share how the framework of Human Design has been pivotal as she heals from her abuse and continued post separation abuse and how it could be a tool for your healing as well.

Erin Siegel, Master Aesthetician, Certified High Conflict Divorce and Parenting Coach, and Human Design guide and Creatrix of Fortitude & Flourish, shares how this powerful system has supported her own transformation and how it can support yours, especially while navigating healing trauma and navigating the family courts.

Books Mentioned:
• A Modern Guide to Human Design by Rachel Lieberman
• The Definitive Book of Human Design: The Science of Differentiation by Ra Uru Hu & Lynda Bunnell

Human Design App:
• HDesign App – Why we love it: You can add your children’s charts and gain insights on how to parent and relate more consciously.

Explore your unique blueprint and connect with community through one of our upcoming events:
→ Human Design Social Gathering
→ Divorce Unlocked Community Gatherings

GIVEAWAY!
Win a free pair of tickets to the Human Design Social Gathering
Text your name, phone number, email, and a brief note about how you’ve risen beyond power and control to 720-933-8848.
Deadline: 1 week after this episode airs.
The winner will be announced on IG and contacted directly!

Book your complimentary coaching call with Erin here:
https://calendly.com/fortitudeandflourish/holistic-coaching-complimentary-discovery-call

Ask Me Anything - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/ama2026
Happening November 2nd at 12pm MST, November 3rd at 2pm MST and November 7th at 9am MST

Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html

If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest 

For many survivors, the deepest wound from coercive control is the loss of your connection to who you truly are. And for many women, especially protective mothers, your role as a mom becomes so entwined with your identity that life changes. Whether it's from abuse, family court challenges, or shifting seasons of parenting. It can all feel cataclysmic.

I’m joined by my friend and colleague, Stephanie Konter- O’Hara, LPC, to have an honest conversation about rebuilding identity after abuse. We explore how societal pressures, “supermom” expectations, and systemic biases in parenting roles impact women’s sense of worth. We also share tips for reconnecting with your authentic self, redefining your roles, and parenting in alignment with your values, even under the watchful eye of family court or in the face of counter-parenting.

We cover:

• Why abuse and coercive control so effectively strip away identity and autonomy
• The difference between “role” and “identity” in parenting for mothers and fathers
• How societal biases and family court systems reinforce perfectionism for moms
• The dangers of tying your worth to “performing” motherhood perfectly
• How to reframe parenting decisions through values rather than outside pressure
• Why connection, not perfection, creates lasting impact on your kids
• Navigating limited or supervised parenting time while keeping connection alive
• The role of community and shared stories in healing from relational trauma

Whether you’re still in the storm of family court or finally in a season where healing feels possible, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and reminders that you are already enough just as you are.

Connect with Stephanie:

• Instagram: @redefining_us_pod
• Website: www.wellmindedcounseling.com/redefining_us_pod

Ask Me Anything - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/ama2026
Happening November 2nd at 12pm MST, November 3rd at 2pm MST and November 7th at 9am MST

Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html

If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest 

You worked SO hard to find a therapist for your child and getting consent from your ex was no easy feat.  And now your child isn’t talking.

If your child isn’t talking in therapy — or worse, tells you it’s “boring” or “pointless” — you’re not alone. Many parents feel discouraged or even panicked when therapy doesn’t look the way they expected. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the common reasons children (especially those navigating trauma or high-conflict family dynamics) may shut down in therapy — and what you can do to support the process without getting in the way.

We’ll talk about:

• Why silence in therapy isn’t necessarily a bad sign
• What NOT to do when your child seems disengaged
• Simple ways to support trust-building between your child and their therapist
• When (and how) to check in with the therapist
• Why patience and presence are your superpowers as a parent

You’ll leave with practical ideas and a deeper understanding of how healing actually starts for kids — even when they’re not saying much.

Ask Me Anything - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/ama2026
Happening November 2nd at 12pm MST, November 3rd at 2pm MST and November 7th at 9am MST

Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html

If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest 

It’s that time of the year when kids go back to school. This is stressful for most families, but if you are coparenting with a narcissist the stress can increase exponentially.  

In this episode we are talking about how the start of the school year opens up opportunities for your ex to double down on their smear campaign, their continued expectations of you to be their secretary even though you are no longer together, and other ways they cause chaos at the school.  But, there are things that you can do to minimize their attacks and maintain your sanity during a stressful time of year. Listen for some tips. 

Ask Me Anything - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/ama2026
Happening November 2nd at 12pm MST, November 3rd at 2pm MST and November 7th at 9am MST

Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html

If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest 

If you’ve ever had to interact with Child Protective Services (CPS), you know the process can feel confusing, overwhelming, and, let’s be honest, downright terrifying. Whether you’ve made a report, had one made against you, or are just trying to protect your child in the midst of a high-conflict situation, understanding the system is key.

In this episode, I’m speaking with Christine Garcia, LPC, a seasoned therapist and fierce advocate for families, to demystify what actually happens when CPS gets involved. Together, we discuss how the system works (and how it doesn’t), what survivors of domestic violence need to know, and how to best communicate and document when CPS is part of your reality.

We don’t shy away from the hard stuff, like how the system can retraumatize survivors or misunderstand coercive control, but we also offer practical tips for how to protect yourself and your child through the process.

Connect with Christine:

https://cwccolorado.com/

Ask Me Anything - https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/ama2026
Happening November 2nd at 12pm MST, November 3rd at 2pm MST and November 7th at 9am MST

Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic, I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show, you may do so here at Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Wondering where to start? Check out our top free resources - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/resources.html

If you're interested in guesting on the show, please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest