Professionals
Strategic Coercive Control Analysis for Family Law, Civil and Criminal Law Matters
Trish is a behavioral scientist specializing in the psychology of coercive control, family violence, and post-separation abuse. One of a small number of professionals in Canada to hold the Litigation and Evaluation Involving Abuse Allegations in Family Court Cases (LEFCC) specialty certification form the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT).
Pattern-Based Documentary Analysis
Trish provides independent evidence-based pattern analysis in matters involving allegations of coercive control and family violence.
Trish's work is based on a structured method of reviewing documentary evidence to identify behavioral patterns across time.This approach focuses on sequence, repetition, and context, rather than isolated incidents.It allows for a more complete understanding of how interactions unfold and how patterns may impact parenting and decision-making.
Structured behavioral reviews are conducted with the best interests of the child factors under the Divorce Act (Canada) in mind, and they support proportionate case management approaches, including Alberta Family Focused Protocol.
Why Early Pattern Clarification Matters
In matters involving allegations of coercive control, a key question is whether documented conduct reflects isolated conflict or an ongoing pattern of controlling behavior. Clear identification of that pattern helps ensure that case management, risk assessment, and parenting decisions are grounded in an accurate understanding of the dynamics.
Coercive control is typically cumulative and pattern based. Where matters move quickly through early engagement and triage stages, longitudinal behavior dynamics may be less apparent without structured review.
Clarifying behavioral patterns early may assist counsel in clarifying the context of the file before significant procedural positions are advanced.
Where This Fits Within Alberta’s Family Focused Protocol
The Family Focused Protocol incorporates structured early engagement and intake, proportional process selection and streamlined case management.
Structured behavioral analysis may assist counsel in clarifying coercive control dynamics prior to mandatory intake triage (MIT) discussions and in supporting proportionate expert engagement.
Litigation Support
Litigation Support is provided on a non-testimonial, advisory basis for family law counsel.
This service is advisory in nature and is not filed with the Court.
Counsel retains this service to:
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Review affidavits and documentary materials
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Identify longitudinal patterns of coercive and controlling behavior
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Distinguish episodic conflict from coercively controlling behavior
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Analyze behavioral evidence potentially relevant to Divorce Act s.16.4.
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Assess documented post-separation escalation.
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Review expert materials where coercive control dynamics require closer examination
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Identify behavioral themes and areas requiring further clarification
This service assists counsel in clarifying the behavioral framework of a file while maintaining proportional use of expert resources.
Expert Reports
Expert reports are distinct from litigation support.
Where formally retained, I prepare structured forensic reports grounded in documented materials, current social science research and professional standards.
Reports may be appropriate when:
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Longitudinal behavioral patterns require formal documentation
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The distinction between coercive control and other conflict dynamics is contested
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Continuity between pre- and post-separation conduct requires integrated analysis
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Escalation patterns and potential child impact require formal assessment
All conclusions are based on documented evidence and current social science research and are limited to the scope of the retainer.
Forensic Methodology
All analysis is conducted using a structured forensic methodology.
Conclusions are grounded in documented materials, informed by current social science research, applied consistently, and limited to the defined scope of review.
Services provide behavioral analysis only and do not constitute legal advice.
FCCS works with legal professionals and individuals in matters involving coercive control. Book an appointment to discuss service options and determine whether coaching, litigation support, or expert involvement is appropriate. Detailed case information is not required prior to booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is coercive control in family law?
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour used to control, intimidate, or dominate another person over time. It is not based on a single incident. Under the Canadian Divorce Act a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour can be considered family violence.
How is coercive control identified in court?
It is identified by analyzing patterns across time, not isolated events. This often involves reviewing text messages, emails, affidavits, and third-party records to identify repetition, escalation, and control dynamics.
What does a coercive control expert do?
A coercive control expert conducts a structured review of the documentary record to identify behavioural patterns, assess communication dynamics, and provide clear, evidence-based analysis to assist the trier of fact.
When should a coercive control expert be involved?
Involvement may be helpful when:
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There is a large volume of evidence that is difficult to interpret
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The case is framed as conflict, but the pattern does not fit
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There are concerns about controlling or manipulative behaviour
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Risk to a parent or child is not clearly understood
Early involvement can assist with case framing, risk identification, and strategic decision making
Who is your duty to when you act as an expert?
My duty is to the court, not to the party who retained me. I am retained through Forensic Coercive Control Solutions Inc., however the opinions provided are my independent professional opinions based on the evidence. I do not advocate for either party.
How do you maintain independence?
I maintain independence by:
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Relying only on the available evidence
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Using a structured and transparent methodology
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Clearly stating the limits of the information reviewed
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Avoiding any advocacy role
This ensures the opinion remains impartial and defensible.
Can you act as both a litigation consultant and an expert on the same file?
No. I do not take on dual roles. If I have provided litigation support or coaching, I cannot later act as an independent expert in that same matter.
What is the difference between litigation support and an expert report?
Litigation support is advisory. It helps counsel understand patterns, evidence, and strategy. It is not filed in court.
An expert report is a formal, independent opinion prepared for legal proceedings and may be relied on by the court.
If you are unsure which service is appropriate, you can contact me to discuss the scope.
What is the process for booking and retaining your services?
The process is structured to ensure clarity of role and scope from the outset.
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An initial appointment is booked to discuss the nature of the case and determine whether FCCS services are appropriate.
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If proceeding, an engagement letter is provided outlining the scope of services, role, and applicable terms.
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A retainer agreement is signed by the appropriate party or counsel.
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Work begins once the signed agreement and retainer is received.
In some litigation support matters, it may be more appropriate to proceed on a pay as you go basis rather than a retainer. This is determined at the discretion of Forensic Coercive Control Solutions Inc. based on the nature and scope of the work.
This process ensures that expectations, role boundaries, and independence requirements are clearly established before any substantive work is undertaken.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is general in nature and not legal advice. It should not be relied on as a substitute for legal advice. You should consult a lawyer regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Any information submitted through this website, email, or private message is not protected by attorney-client privilege. Please do not send confidential or detailed case information until a formal retainer is in place.
Services include coaching, litigation support, and expert services related to coercive control and family violence. These services do not constitute legal representation.
Where expert services may be requested, independence and objectivity are required. Providing detailed case-specific information in advance may limit or prevent the ability to later act as an independent expert in the same matter. Engagement in coaching or litigation support does not create an expert witness relationship and may preclude later expert involvement. To maintain independence, dual roles are not undertaken. Where coaching or litigation support services have been provided in a matter, independent expert services will not be offered in that same matter.
All outcomes depend on the specific facts of each matter. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. The content on this website is provided as is, without warranties of any kind. Reliance on any information is at your own risk