Jennifer’s eyes were opened to intimate partner abuse when she had an internship with a domestic abuse shelter in 1982. That inspired her to learn about what promotes abuse and all other oppressions. She became a therapist, attaining her master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1986. Jennifer specialized in intimate partner abuse and developed a curriculum of materials for survivors that empowered clients. She was inspired by their resilience to write the book, “Coercive Relationships: Find the Answers You Seek,” to reach more survivors and those who care about them. 

Jennifer currently publishes a monthly blog and presents workshops to therapists and other professionals regarding effective therapy. Her work vision is to promote knowledge about coercive control and how to empower survivors, reduce the isolation victims feel, and shift society toward partnership and respect.

In this insightful episode of the Healing Through Love Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Parker, a seasoned therapist and expert on intimate partner abuse, to explore the deep psychological injuries caused by coercive control. As research shows, coercive control can be as damaging as physical abuse, slowly eroding a person’s confidence and increasing self-doubt. Jennifer shares her years of experience in helping survivors recognize the effects of this subtle form of abuse and provides practical steps to start the healing process. With over three decades of experience and her extensive work in empowering survivors, Jennifer discusses how to rebuild self-esteem, break free from the cycle of control, and create a path toward personal empowerment. Tune in to learn how survivors can reclaim their lives, build resilience, and overcome the lasting impacts of coercive relationships. 

Three Things the Audience Will Learn: 

1. How to recognize the signs of coercive control and understand its psychological impact. 

2. Practical steps to begin the healing process and rebuild confidence after emotional abuse. 

3. Strategies to empower survivors and break free from the cycle of control and self-doubt.