I hold experience in multiple worlds. Decades of lived pattern recognition in abuse dynamics, certified training in coercive control (CCPC), and extensive somatic and trauma-informed certifications.

Q: What's your experience with the Alec and Lydia Act?

  • I’ve been a DV advocate for years. My case started before I even knew the Alec and Lydia Act was coming, but I fully supported it the moment I heard rumors it was getting close. I was actually one of the few in the Arizona Senate gallery during its historic passing — a memory I’ll never forget. I’ve always had it in me to keep fighting for change, even while fighting my own personal hell.

  • Learning how to properly document changed things for me. None of my advocacy mattered when the legal system wouldn’t apply the new law to my own already-pending case. I don’t believe we can fully rely on systemic change — it’s going to take time, and it will probably go through a few amendments before it works the way it’s meant to. You can have the evidence. You can have a lawyer. You still need to have rock solid methods to be able to navigate coercive control. That’s what I teach you. You are your own first line of defense.

Q: Did the new law fix things for you?

Q: Will things automatically shift when the judges and lawyers get more experience?

  • I personally believe that it will take time. It’s very unfamiliar territory. I believe judges are going to be very careful about using the word “abuse.” In my experience, until someone truly gets it, it looks like high conflict. So if your case looks like high conflict, it will be labeled high conflict — and you’re the one who has to prove it isn’t. That proof isn’t one instance. It’s the pattern. And you won’t get 30 minutes to explain the pattern. You’ll get 30 seconds.

    I had to learn the system while the system was still trying to learn coercive control. We both stumbled through it together. My mistakes were financially devastating. The knowledge I walked away with is priceless.

  • For me, yes. Every step to freedom and every victory has been massively worth it. But the fight is not cheap, and it’s not easy — and it isn’t worth it for every woman. I’ve read so many stories of devastating loss. The decision to take it on is yours alone to make, and however you land, I think it’s remarkably brave to honor your own truth.

    What I can offer is this: I didn’t find many stories of success or hope when I was in it. I want to be one. The more we believe it’s possible, and the more we actually see it happen, the more common it becomes.

Q: Was it worth it?

Q: Why do you feel the knowledge you gained is priceless?

  • Knowledge is protection. I no longer live in fear of what he’ll do next. No matter what happens I know how to document it, report it, and navigate it. I feel legally protected by knowing the system, knowing my rights, and knowing who to call.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

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TRAUMA INFORMED CERTIFICATION

A Masterclass for Healers includes a comprehensive introduction and overview of Dr Maté's unified philosophy on the origin of disease and mental illness, with detailed lessons and practical

demonstrations that offer a diversity of tools, techniques, and psycho-education focused on helping healing professionals to cultivate deeper attunement, connection and healing with their clients.

This masterclass is a "must-have" for any professional interested in learning more about Gabor's work and approach.

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COERCIVE CONTROL PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATION

The Coercive Control Consulting Institute offers professional certification training led by Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola designed to equip clinicians, attorneys, coaches, and advocates with trauma-informed education.

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TWO IMMERSIVES + REIKI MASTER CERTIFICATION

Yandara Yoga is one of the world's most established Yoga Teacher Training schools. For over 25 years, they’ve guided thousands of students from all walks of life to become confident, inspiring teachers through their Teacher Trainings around the world.

Allison Eaton is an international teacher of Reiki, yoga and meditation. Allison is the author the Reiki Flow Manuals and the Yandara Asana Manual. She is a kirtan artist and is featured in the guided meditation CD, "Sat Nam." Allison inspires practitioners to serve from intuitive guidance, connected to the heart, with a balance of applied technique and skill.

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