You are likely listening to The Rising Beyond Podcast because of coercive control and abuse within a romantic relationship. Unfortunately coercive control often shows up in other relationships as well and can have long term impacts on your mental health and wellness and can interfere with your healing journey.

Many of my clients have experienced what they often call a “test” of their healing. This is when they encounter a narcissistic and abusive person in another area of their lives.

In this episode we dive into how coercive control and abuse can show up in the workplace, in your family of origin, and within friendships. We touch on how to assess for these relationships in other areas of your life and what you can do to minimize their negative impacts on you.

Family of Origin, Referred Episode: Episode 19: Boundaries: I get to decide who’s in my life

Join community here - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/?msopen=/member/plans/all
When you join the RB community, you'll get expert thoughts from me and others on strategy, parenting, family court, healing, all the things, connection with other survivors in a safe place. And in a place where you won't have to defend yourself anymore. We believe you. You'll also have access to live events, workshops, and our online forum. Doors close on midnight, Tuesday, February 11th.

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/

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

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

Enjoy some of our freebies!

• Choosing Your Battles Freebie
• Canned Responses Freebie
• Mic Drop Moments Freebie
• ...

If you are a survivor in the battle ground of family court, would you say that your attorney is representing you well?

Do you feel heard?

Or maybe you do not have the financial means to even hire an attorney.

And so you find yourself going pro se. Representing yourself in family court. This can be extremely scary and it is possible that you will be able to do an even better job going pro se than with an attorney. On this episode of I have a conversation with Casey Schreiber-Brinkman on how she was able to turn her case around to finally be able to protect herself and her children when she got rid of her attorneys and became pro se.

Casey shares her best tips for representing yourself well as well as what a family court coach/consultant can do to help you on this journey. We discuss the importance of documentation, knowing your rights, doing the right research, how to get evidence in as evidence, and more.

About Casey: Casey is a dedicated protective mother who spent nearly five years navigating the complexities of the family court system. For just under three years, she worked with an attorney, but it wasn’t until she took on her case pro se in the last two years that she was able to truly have her voice, and her children’s voices, heard. Through her persistence and determination, Casey successfully turned her case around to protect her children, a journey that sparked her passion for helping other protective moms facing similar challenges.

Connect w Casey:
Tik Tok: @pro.se.strategies
IG: @prosestrategiesLLC
Email: prosestrategies@gmail.com

Join community here - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/?msopen=/member/plans/all
When you join the RB community, you'll get expert thoughts from me and others on strategy, parenting, family court, healing, all the things, connection with other survivors in a safe place. And in a place where you won't have to defend yourself anymore. We believe you. You'll also have access to live events, workshops, and our online forum. Doors close on midnight, Tuesday, February 11th.

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/

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

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

Enjoy some of our freebies!

• Choosing Your Battles Freebie
• Canned Responses Freebie
• Mic Drop Moments Freebie
• ...

Have you ever felt like your entire life is consumed by the chaos of post-separation abuse? What if I told you that there’s a part of you—a healing self—that can exist outside of the constant stress and conflict? And what if you could nurture that part of you, even in the middle of everything you're facing?

There is the delicate balance between the part of you that is stuck in survival mode—managing the daily chaos of post-separation abuse, family court battles, and co-parenting with a toxic ex—and the part of you that is yearning to heal, grow, and reclaim your life.

This episode will help you understand and separate these two selves so you can protect your energy, find moments of joy, and ultimately integrate these parts of yourself to live more fully. We’ll also share powerful mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you navigate this complex journey.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing yourself in the chaos, this episode is here to offer you hope, clarity, and actionable steps toward healing.

Join community here - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/?msopen=/member/plans/all
When you join the RB community, you'll get expert thoughts from me and others on strategy, parenting, family court, healing, all the things, connection with other survivors in a safe place. And in a place where you won't have to defend yourself anymore. We believe you. You'll also have access to live events, workshops, and our online forum. Doors close on midnight, Tuesday, February 11th.

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/

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

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

Enjoy some of our freebies!

• Choosing Your Battles Freebie
• Canned Responses Freebie
• Mic Drop Moments Freebie
• ...

When you finally realize that you are being abused in your relationship and that your partner is a narcissist, it can hit you like a ton of bricks.

In this episode, I have a conversation with Mita Begum on her experience of realizing that she had been in two different abusive relationships after watching a video on Tik Tok and what she did to start getting her power back before even leaving her relationship. She shares the steps she continues to take as she heals and helps other women heal and find their power.

We also talk about:

• How domestic violence does not discriminate and how she did not fit the “picture” of a victim
• How your family of origin and culture can make you more vulnerable to finding an abusive relationship
• The difficulties of breaking a trauma bond and what helped for her
• Tips to finding your power and sense of self

About Mita:

Mita is a passionate advocate for personal growth and empowerment, holding certifications as a Life Coach, Mindset Coach, and Domestic Violence and Abuse Specialist. She is the founder of Glowing Beyond, where she helps individuals reconnect with their mind, body, and soul while guiding abuse survivors to reclaim their power and transition into healthier, thriving lifestyles.

With 16 years of experience as a makeup artist, including working as a celebrity makeup artist for clients like four-time Olympic gold medalist Hayley Wickenheiser, Mita’s expertise extends to empowering women through both inner and outer transformation. Her work has been featured in magazines, multiple podcasts, and community platforms.

As the host of The Glowing Beyond Show, Mita shares her journey of overcoming depression, anxiety, and abuse through self-acceptance and inner work, inspiring others to embrace their own power to thrive.

Connect with Mita:
glowingbeyond.com
IG: @mindsetcoachmita
FB:

Join community here - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/?msopen=/member/plans/all
When you join the RB community, you'll get expert thoughts from me and others on strategy, parenting, family court, healing, all the things, connection with other survivors in a safe place. And in a place where you won't have to defend yourself anymore. We believe you. You'll also have access to live events, workshops, and our online forum. Doors close on midnight, Tuesday, February 11th.

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/

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

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

Enjoy some of our freebies!

• Choosing Your Battles Freebie
• Canned Responses Freebie
• Mic Drop Moments Freebie
• ...

Explore the transformative power of creativity as a tool for processing emotions and reclaiming your identity after abuse. Learn how engaging in creative expression can help rewire your brain, improve your mood, and reconnect you to your true self.

We’ll dive into:

• Why creativity is particularly powerful for survivors of trauma.
• Insights from The Body Keeps the Score on how trauma affects brain function.
• How creative outlets like art, writing, and movement can help you reframe your story and build resilience.
• Overcoming perfectionism and embracing the healing power of the creative process.

This episode includes real-life examples of creative healing and actionable steps to start your own creative journey today.

Key Takeaways:

• Creativity engages the right side of the brain, enabling you to process trauma in ways that words alone cannot.
• Artistic expression can help you find new strengths, reframe your narrative, and celebrate progress in your healing journey.
• You don’t need to be an artist—just willing to explore and experiment.

Join community here - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/?msopen=/member/plans/all
When you join the RB community, you'll get expert thoughts from me and others on strategy, parenting, family court, healing, all the things, connection with other survivors in a safe place. And in a place where you won't have to defend yourself anymore. We believe you. You'll also have access to live events, workshops, and our online forum. Doors close on midnight, Tuesday, February 11th.

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/

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

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

Enjoy some of our freebies!

• Choosing Your Battles Freebie
• Canned Responses Freebie
• Mic Drop Moments Freebie
• ...

We’re diving deep into the world of triggers. A common and often overwhelming experience for survivors of trauma and abuse. We’ll explore what triggers are, why they happen, and how they can actually become opportunities for healing and growth.

Whether you’re just beginning your recovery journey or you’re further along, this episode offers practical tools and validation to help you navigate triggers with confidence and compassion.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Understanding Triggers: What they are, how they relate to the brain and body’s fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses, and the difference between triggers and flashbacks.
• Common Triggers: Examples like certain sounds, behaviors, or phrases that may remind you of past trauma.
• Recognizing Triggers: Learn how to identify early signs of being triggered and track patterns using a “trigger tracker” journal.
• Managing Triggers in the Moment: Techniques like grounding exercises, deep breathing, and creating a personalized “calm kit.”
• Growing Through Triggers: How to reframe triggers as milestones in your healing journey and use them as data to guide therapeutic work.

Key Takeaways:

• Triggers are a normal part of recovery and not a sign of failure.
• Grounding tools, when practiced consistently, can help regulate your nervous system.
• With mindfulness and support, triggers can illuminate unresolved trauma and help you move toward healing.

Call to Action:
This week, choose one grounding tool like deep breathing or the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, and practice it daily. Building this habit can make it easier to manage triggers when they arise.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 133: Polyvagal Healing with Erica

Join community here - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/?msopen=/member/plans/all
When you join the RB community, you'll get expert thoughts from me and others on strategy, parenting, family court, healing, all the things, connection with other survivors in a safe place. And in a place where you won't have to defend yourself anymore. We believe you. You'll also have access to live events, workshops, and our online forum. Doors close on midnight, Tuesday, February 11th.

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/

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

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

Enjoy some of our freebies!

• Choosing Your Battles Freebie
• Canned Responses Freebie
• Mic Drop Moments Freebie
• ...

Why is it that we can understand the abuse we suffered, understand why we are hypervigilant, and yet not see the progress we are hoping for on the healing front?

The trauma of an abusive, narcissistic and coercively controlling relationship affects survivors in such a way that we cannot just think our way out of it. Your brains and nervous systems have been re-wired to protect you and your survival at all costs. And your nervous system will not give up those strategies of survival just because you now understand the abuse.

This abuse is held in our bodies as well. So we need a full bodied, holistic approach to healing and this is what I am talking about with Erica Bonham, LPC today. We discuss the different ways in which trauma is held in our bodies and she shares some practical tips and skills you can use today to start to lower your hypervigilance and fight, flight, freeze, and fawning responses.

Erica shares her passion in helping survivors heal and how she is offering this healing to a wider audience in her new book, Always Enough, Never Done.

Erica Bonham is a certified EMDR clinician, consultant and trainer, and is a licensed professional counselor and nervous system regulation coach in the state of Colorado. She aspires to be a catalyst for change, justice, growth, evolution and all around badassery. She specializes in abuse recovery, trauma related to social injustice, and spiritual abuse. She incorporates her training as a yoga instructor and mindfulness practitioner to deepen clients healing of their bodies and specializes in somatic and attachment EMDR, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and ego state work. She is a published author and speaker.

Connect with Erica:
AVOS practice website: www.avoscounseling.com
To order the book, Always Enough, Never Done, the accompanying workbook, course, and/or join coaching calls: https://www.avoscounseling.com/coaching-packages
Downlo

Join community here - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/?msopen=/member/plans/all
When you join the RB community, you'll get expert thoughts from me and others on strategy, parenting, family court, healing, all the things, connection with other survivors in a safe place. And in a place where you won't have to defend yourself anymore. We believe you. You'll also have access to live events, workshops, and our online forum. Doors close on midnight, Tuesday, February 11th.

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/

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

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

Enjoy some of our freebies!

• Choosing Your Battles Freebie
• Canned Responses Freebie
• Mic Drop Moments Freebie
• ...

If you’re a survivor navigating family court, co-parenting with an abusive ex, and just trying to make it through another day, goal-setting might feel like an impossible task. Even though it is a new year, you are expecting the same old BS from your co-parent and the family court system.

In this episode, we explore how to set meaningful goals for the year ahead—even when life feels like it’s stuck on repeat and the container you’re in does not seem to be changing.

Drawing inspiration from the book 10X Is Easier Than 2X, I share how thinking bigger—instead of smaller—can help you create radical change, even in challenging circumstances. We’ll contrast 10X thinking with the more traditional SMART goals and “1% better each day” theories, highlighting the pros and cons of each approach. Most importantly, I validate the very real feeling that if you’re low on energy or hope, these big ideas might feel overwhelming or out of reach. And that’s okay—we’re meeting you where you are.

This episode focuses on balancing outside-the-box thinking with the strategies you already know work for, as well as putting energy into what is in our control:

• Navigating family court more effectively
• Parenting and co-parenting in high-conflict situations
• Protecting your energy and mental health

Whether you’re ready to dream big or simply looking for small steps to regain control, this episode offers practical, compassionate guidance to help you move forward in your unique situation. cJHs2fzYlu5CvCQx080x

Referenced Links:
Episode 128 - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1991648/episodes/16201738-ep-128-when-hope-feels-out-of-reach-for-domestic-violence-survivors
Book:

Join community here - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/?msopen=/member/plans/all
When you join the RB community, you'll get expert thoughts from me and others on strategy, parenting, family court, healing, all the things, connection with other survivors in a safe place. And in a place where you won't have to defend yourself anymore. We believe you. You'll also have access to live events, workshops, and our online forum. Doors close on midnight, Tuesday, February 11th.

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/

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

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

Enjoy some of our freebies!

• Choosing Your Battles Freebie
• Canned Responses Freebie
• Mic Drop Moments Freebie
• ...