Dr Torna Pitman
Social work practitioner, lecturer, and developer of Conversational Control Theory.
Author of Tangled Web of Words.
Making sense of the conversational and relational
patterns that shape difficult, unequal and coercively controlling relationships
Understanding
Conversational and Coercive Control
Many people arrive here trying to answer one urgent question: Is this Coercive Control, abuse or a difficult relationship?
These sections are designed to help you begin making sense of the patterns and dynamics underneath unequal and coercively controlling relationships.
Where to Begin
Begin here
Understanding
conversational control and how it works
Explore coercive control and
its dynamics
A breakthrough guide to conversational and coercive control
Interviews,
podcasts, articles
and educational
resources
Support if you are concerned about your relationship or well-being.
Dr Torna Pitman is an Australian social work practitioner, university lecturer, and author of Tangled Web of Words. She is the developer of Conversational Control Theory, a framework that explores how conversational patterns shape power, inequality, and coercive control in relationships.
For over two decades, she has researched, developed and taught the dynamics of Conversational Control and Coercive Control across academic, professional and public education settings.
Her work aims to help people make sense of difficult relational experiences that are often confusing, minimised or poorly understood.
See below for selected research, writing, educational resources, and public materials in different formats, including videos, books, manuals, and guides.
Across these materials, the focus remains the same: helping people better understand the relational and conversational patterns that shape confusion, inequality and coercive control.
About Dr Torna Pitman
Research and Educational Resources
Foundational academic and theoretical work exploring Conversational and Coercive Control developed by Dr Torna Pitman
Journal Article Living with Coercive Control 2016
"Trapped within a complex Web of Double Standards, Double Binds and Boundary Violations". Examines the lived experience and relational dynamics of coercive control
Dr Torna Pitman: 10-part Video Series on Conversational and Coercive Control 2020
Watch a comprehensive set of videos on all aspects of Coercive Control
Guide: Is it Coercive Control or a difficult relationship? 2026
A concise educational guide for recognising conversational control patterns and making sense of difficult or unequal relationship dynamics. Available as an instant digital download - Aus $9.99
Manual: Breaking the Trap: Working with Clients Experiencing Coercive Control 2023
A practitioner resource exploring the drivers, tactics and impacts of coercive control, including conversational control, post-separation abuse and recovery. Available as an instant digital format-Aus $49.95
Media and Interviews
Select Interviews, podcasts, and media engagement
Professional Presentations
Select public education
Australian Association of Social Workers
What we need to know about Conversational Control and its role in Coercive Control.
Many people arrive here trying to answer one urgent question: Is this Coercive Control, abuse or a difficult relationship?
These sections are designed to help you begin making sense of the patterns and dynamics underneath unequal and coercively controlling relationships.
Where to Begin
of Words
and Talks
