The Rising Beyond Podcast

Sybil Cummin, MA, LPC, ACS
  • 5.0 (42)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

If you're trying to protect your children while navigating an abusive ex, this podcast is for you. Because leaving the relationship didn't end the abuse, and no one prepared you for what came next. The Rising Beyond Podcast is for protective mothers navigating the overwhelming reality of sharing children with someone who continues patterns of manipulation, coercive control, or emotional abuse after separation. Join Sybil Cummin, licensed professional counselor, who has spent the last decade helping survivors and their children navigate this incredibly difficult chapter. Every week, we share trauma-informed education, nervous system insights, protective parenting strategies, and honest conversations about family court, post-separation abuse, and healing, so you can feel more confident, more grounded, and better equipped to protect both your children and yourself.  Whether you're in the middle of family court, struggling with parenting alongside someone who continues patterns of control, or simply trying to become the parent you want to be after everything you've survived, you'll find validation, practical guidance, and hope here.

  1. 1d ago

    Bonus Coaching Session: My Teen Refuses to Go to the Other Parent's House. What Do I Do?

    This week's question comes from a protective mom navigating one of the most heartbreaking and misunderstood situations in family court. Her teenage daughter refuses to go to her dad's house. She's crying, begging not to go, and sometimes won't even get out of the car. She's too old to physically carry, and her mom doesn't want to force her in a way that could be traumatic. At the same time, she's terrified that if she doesn't somehow "make her go," the court will accuse her of alienation or violating the parenting plan. What is a protective parent supposed to do in a situation like this? In this Friday Coaching Corner, we explore the difference between facilitating parenting time and forcing a child, why that distinction matters, and how to navigate these impossible moments in a way that supports your child while making reasonable efforts to follow court orders. I answer the questions: What should I actually do when my teen refuses to get out of the car for parenting time?Where is the line between encouraging my child and forcing them?How can I show the court that I am supporting parenting time without traumatizing my child or appearing to alienate?Whether you're living this situation now or simply wondering how you would respond if it happened, this episode offers practical guidance, a trauma-informed perspective, and a mindset shift that can help you navigate one of the most difficult parenting dilemmas protective parents face. Want to have your questions featured on a Friday Coaching Corner? Send me a short summary of your situation and 2–3 questions at info@risingbeyondpc.com. 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.  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

    Bonus Coaching Session: My Teen Refuses to Go to the Other Parent's House. What Do I Do?

  2. 3d ago

    Ep 218: Surviving a Smear Campaign Without Losing Yourself

    Back-to-school season often brings more than new teachers, new classmates, and new routines. For many protective parents, it also marks the beginning of a new round of smear campaigns. Whether it's with teachers, other parents, coaches, family members, or professionals involved in your case, someone who uses coercive control often looks for opportunities to shape the narrative before you have a chance to tell your own story. The result? Anxiety. Isolation. Self-doubt. And the overwhelming urge to defend yourself. But what if your greatest strength isn't convincing everyone you're telling the truth? What if it's learning to stay grounded in your values while allowing your consistency to speak louder than their accusations? In this episode, we explore practical mindset shifts that can help you respond differently to smear campaigns while protecting both your peace and your credibility. In this episode, we answer: How do I stop a smear campaign from taking over my thoughts and emotions?When should I respond to false accusations—and when is it better not to?How can I protect my credibility without constantly defending myself?If you've ever found yourself replaying conversations, worrying about what other people think, or wondering how to protect your reputation without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you. 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

  3. Aug 19

    Ep 217: AI and Post-Separation Abuse: What Protective Parents Need to Know with Rina Rosewell

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere, including family court. More and more protective parents are telling me that their ex has suddenly started sending perfectly written messages, using AI to draft legal documents, or threatening to subpoena their ChatGPT conversations. It's understandable to feel intimidated. But does AI actually give an abusive person more power? Or is it simply another tool that can be used well—or misused? In this episode, I'm joined by divorce coach and author Rina Rosewell to unpack the growing role of AI in coercive control, post-separation abuse, and family court. We discuss both the opportunities and the limitations of AI, along with practical ways survivors can use it without becoming dependent on it. In this episode, we answer: Should I be worried if my ex suddenly starts using AI to write messages or court documents?Can AI actually help me communicate, organize my case, and reduce the emotional toll of post-separation abuse?What are the limitations of AI, and why shouldn't it replace the support of safe, trusted people in your healing?Whether you're curious about AI, already using it, or feeling anxious because your ex has discovered it, this conversation will help you separate fear from facts and use this technology in ways that support—not replace—your healing. About Rina: Rina Rosewell is a CDC Certified Divorce Coach, High-Conflict Coach, and Amazon bestselling author of AI ARMOR: Your Digital Defense Solution for Coparenting with a Narcissist. She helps post-separation abuse survivors use AI strategically to communicate, document, and protect themselves when their ex weaponizes every interaction. Find Rina: https://lifeafteranabusiverelationship.com/ https://rinas-newsletter-fbfe96.beehiiv.com/ 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

  4. Aug 12

    Ep 216: The Problem with Using Children as Evidence in Family Court

    This week's episode comes from a question I was asked by a group of family law attorneys. "What behaviors can we look for in a child that tell us coercive control or domestic violence is happening?" On the surface, it seems like a simple question. But the more I sat with it, the more I realized just how complicated, and potentially harmful, that question can become. As a child therapist, I absolutely believe we need to understand children's experiences. Their voices matter. But when our legal and child protection systems rely too heavily on children to provide the evidence, we can unintentionally place them in impossible loyalty binds, increase pressure on them, and even teach them that speaking up doesn't change anything. In this episode, I process these tensions out loud and share why I believe we need to think differently about assessing coercive control. We answer: Why is it so difficult to use children's behaviors as proof of coercive control or domestic violence?What should parents actually pay attention to when trying to understand their child's experience?How can we support our children without turning them into evidence in a family court case?If you've ever wondered why your child's behaviors seem confusing—or why professionals sometimes miss what's really happening—this conversation is for you. 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

  5. Aug 5

    Ep 215: When Justice Isn't Accessible: Closing the Gaps in Legal Support for Survivors with Heather Bellino

    Leaving an abusive relationship is only the beginning. For many survivors, the legal system becomes the next obstacle, especially when financial abuse, intimidation, and limited access to legal representation leave them trying to navigate family court alone. I'm talking with Heather Bellino from the Texas Advocacy Project to discuss the often-overlooked civil legal needs of survivors and the systemic gaps that continue to put families at risk. Although Texas Advocacy Project serves survivors in Texas, the themes discussed apply to communities across the United States. We explore how coordinated community responses, trauma-informed legal advocacy, and increased collaboration between professionals can improve both safety and access to justice. We discuss: The difference between criminal and civil legal remedies for survivorsWhy protective orders, custody, and family court often determine a survivor's immediate safetyWhy abuse must be understood as a pattern of coercive control, not isolated incidentsHow stalking and coercive control are frequently minimized when viewed one event at a timeThe importance of trauma-informed judges, evaluators, and court professionalsWhy passing new legislation is only the first step—and why implementation mattersThe role of court watchers in increasing accountability and transparencyHow Texas Advocacy Project helps survivors who must represent themselves in court (pro se)Why knowing your legal rights can be empowering after coercive controlThe importance of coordinated community responses rather than organizations working in silosWhy funding survivor services is essential to long-term systemic changeSurvivors shouldn't have to navigate complex legal systems alone. When professionals collaborate, communities invest in survivor-centered services, and systems understand coercive control as a pattern rather than isolated incidents, families have a far greater chance of finding both safety and justice. 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

  6. Jul 31

    Bonus Coaching Session: How Do I Trust Again After Isolation and Abuse?

    You left the relationship. You're rebuilding your life. You're even trying to reconnect with friends. So why does every interaction leave you questioning everything? In this Friday Coaching Corner, I answer a listener question from a survivor who wants connection but finds herself constantly analyzing whether people are genuine, worrying about how she showed up, and struggling to trust her own judgment. Questions We'll Explore How do I know the difference between discernment and hypervigilance?Why do I replay conversations and judge myself so harshly afterward?How do I rebuild trust without becoming naive?We'll talk about the impact of coercive control and isolation on trust, why your nervous system may still be scanning for danger, and how trust is rebuilt one safe relationship at a time. Want to have your questions featured on a Friday Coaching Corner? Send me a short summary of your situation and 2–3 questions at info@risingbeyondpc.com. 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.  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

    Bonus Coaching Session: How Do I Trust Again After Isolation and Abuse?

  7. Jul 29

    Ep 214: Hope When Family Court Breaks Your Heart: Holding On Through the Impossible

    What do you do when the outcome you feared actually happens? What happens when you've lost time with your children, the professionals who were supposed to protect them didn't listen, and you're wondering how you're supposed to keep going? This is one of the heaviest episodes I've ever recorded—but it's also one of the most important. Too often, survivors are told to "stay positive" or "everything happens for a reason." But that's not what hope looks like after coercive control, systemic betrayal, or devastating family court outcomes. In this episode, I talk honestly about the hopelessness many protective parents experience, including suicidal thoughts that can arise after prolonged trauma and loss. More importantly, we explore what research tells us about hope—and why hope is not passive optimism. Hope is something we build one small step at a time. If you've ever wondered whether you'll make it through this season, I hope this conversation helps you feel a little less alone. We discuss: The difference between optimism and hope—and why the distinction matters.Why toxic positivity can feel invalidating after trauma.The grief that many protective parents carry after family court and post-separation abuse.How focusing on what is within your control can restore a sense of agency.Why breaking overwhelming goals into smaller steps builds hope.The importance of community and allowing others to hold hope for you when you can't.Why purpose can exist alongside pain.Practical ways to nurture hope, even when circumstances haven't changed.If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with another protective parent who may need to hear that they are not alone. If this episode brought up thoughts of suicide or you feel like you may be in immediate emotional danger, please don't go through this alone. Here are some resources. United States & Canada Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.Chat online through the 988 Lifeline website.International Suicide Hotlines and Resources https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/suicide/suicide-prevention-hotlines-resources-worldwide 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

  8. Jul 22

    Ep 213: What Colorado's New Family Court Bill Actually Means for Survivors

    Colorado recently signed HB26-1309 into law, and many survivors and protective parents are asking what it actually means for families navigating family court. I break down what I am learning about HB26-1309, a bill focused on domestic violence, coercive control, and child safety in Colorado family courts. While some headlines make it sound like family court has been completely transformed overnight, the reality is more nuanced. Many of the protections addressed in this bill already existed in Colorado law. What HB26-1309 primarily does is clarify, reorganize, and strengthen how courts are expected to analyze evidence of domestic violence and coercive control. We discuss: What changes were actually made to Colorado lawWhy requiring courts to make findings on the record may matterHow coercive control is addressed within the statuteWhat attorneys are saying about how they may use these changes in practicePotential benefits for survivors and protective parentsRemaining concerns about implementation and court cultureI also share insights from attorneys who were closely involved with the bill and discuss how these changes could influence litigation strategy, evidence presentation, and judicial accountability moving forward. HB26-1309 does not automatically change custody orders or fix family court overnight. But it may create greater clarity, accountability, and recognition of abuse dynamics within the legal process. Whether you're navigating family court yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you understand both the promise and limitations of this new law. 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

See All (231)

5
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

If you're trying to protect your children while navigating an abusive ex, this podcast is for you. Because leaving the relationship didn't end the abuse, and no one prepared you for what came next. The Rising Beyond Podcast is for protective mothers navigating the overwhelming reality of sharing children with someone who continues patterns of manipulation, coercive control, or emotional abuse after separation. Join Sybil Cummin, licensed professional counselor, who has spent the last decade helping survivors and their children navigate this incredibly difficult chapter. Every week, we share trauma-informed education, nervous system insights, protective parenting strategies, and honest conversations about family court, post-separation abuse, and healing, so you can feel more confident, more grounded, and better equipped to protect both your children and yourself.  Whether you're in the middle of family court, struggling with parenting alongside someone who continues patterns of control, or simply trying to become the parent you want to be after everything you've survived, you'll find validation, practical guidance, and hope here.

Information

  • Creator
    Sybil Cummin, MA, LPC, ACS
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    231
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Rising Beyond Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Rising Beyond Podcast

You Might Also Like