REPLAY: Navigating Narcissism - June 16, 2026

Jude led a discussion about new coercive control laws being implemented in family courts, particularly highlighting Colorado's law going into effect on August 12th. He explained how these laws expand the definition of domestic violence from physical abuse to include subjective categories like financial control, isolation, and emotional abuse, creating new opportunities for false allegations against fathers in custody disputes. The group discussed how these laws, while intended to protect victims of domestic violence, could be easily abused by individuals with personality disorders, particularly narcissistic or borderline personality traits, who are skilled at manipulation and impression management. Ken shared his experience with coercive control allegations being frivolously thrown out in court, while John and Daniel discussed the challenges of navigating these subjective legal standards with untrained judges. The conversation emphasized that these laws make it easier for unqualified professionals like CPS workers to make determinations, and that fathers must now go into "preservation mode" whenever divorce is mentioned to protect themselves from potential false allegations. The group agreed that the key strategies for dealing with these laws are thorough documentation of all interactions, maintaining emotional regulation, and disengaging from reactive communication patterns to avoid providing evidence that could be twisted against them.