Gaslighting In Divorce: How To Protect Your Child

Off the Fence with Karen Covy: Mastering Decision Making, Divorce & More

In this episode of Breakthrough Divorce Coaching, Anne, a divorcing mom caught in a three-year court battle, opens up about what it’s really like to navigate a high-conflict divorce when abuse, manipulation, and gaslighting don’t end just because your marriage does.

Despite restraining orders and years of separation, Anne still finds herself fighting to protect her child’s safety and emotional well-being while trying to keep her own head above water. Her story exposes the toll that prolonged litigation and co-parenting with a toxic ex can take. It also illustrates the heartbreaking reality that the legal system isn’t built to solve these deeply human problems.

Anne’s breakthrough comes when she starts to shift her focus from battling her ex to building her child’s resilience. Instead of pouring more money into a court system that can’t fix what’s broken, Anne explores how to empower her child with coping skills, emotional awareness, and a sense of safety that no court order can provide.

What begins as a story about legal frustration turns into one of strength, insight, and breaking the cycle of abuse, showing that sometimes, the most powerful victory is raising a child who knows their own worth.

Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube.
You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.

פרקים

1. Welcome & Live Coaching Format (00:00:00)

2. Anne’s Case: History and Context (00:04:00)

3. Safety Orders, Parenting Time, Logistics (00:07:00)

4. The Gaslighting Pattern Explained (00:11:00)

5. Smoke Exposure Dispute and Limits of Court (00:14:30)

6. Choosing Battles vs. Legal Enforcement (00:19:00)

7. Shift: Empowering the Child with Tools (00:22:30)

8. Reducing Conflict Harm and Coping Skills (00:26:30)