About Tina Swithin
Tina Swithin survived a “Category Five Divorce Hurricane” while acting as her own attorney in a high-conflict custody battle that turned her family’s life upside down for over a decade. While divorces are never easy, Tina quickly learned that divorcing a narcissist or other high-conflict individual escalates family law cases to levels that few can comprehend.
During her ten year journey through the family court system in pro per, Tina went through a two-day trial, over 40 court dates and two full child custody evaluations. During this time, minor’s counsel was appointed, over twelve police reports were generated and a total of three child welfare reports determined that her ex-husband was a “moderate risk” yet did nothing to protect her children.
In an effort to articulate what was happening, Tina took shelter from the storm by chronicling her journey in her (now) internationally recognized blog, “One Mom’s Battle.” Tina’s plight grew from just one mom to a village of tens of thousands who all share the same story. There were different variations and nuances, but the common denominator is toxic, high conflict individuals and post-separation abuse.
With all odds against her, Tina’s battle came to an end on August 30, 2019, when her ex-husband’s parental rights were terminated. Tina has chosen to assume the title of survivor versus victim and has become an advocate for change in the Family Court System after seeing the flaws first-hand. Tina believes that the courts have lost sight of their primary focus, which should be the best interest of the child and instead, are too focused on parental rights. Tina believes that children are suffering unnecessarily due to the lack of education on the front lines—and behind the judicial bench.
In 2020, Tina Swithin founded, “Family Court Awareness Month.” Tina is the author of Divorcing a Narcissist (series) and founder of the High Conflict Divorce Coach Certification Program. Tina Swithin has been awarded honors such as the “Top 20 Professionals Under 40” and the “Top 40 Professionals Under 40” in several regional California newspapers. Tina resides in San Luis Obispo, California with her husband and her two daughters.
Tina Swithin, Founder of One Mom’s Battle
“In 2008 while trying to understand her emotionally and psychologically abusive marriage, Tina heard three words from her therapist that would change the course of her life; narcissistic personality disorder. Less than a year later, Tina embarked on a category five divorce hurricane while acting as her own attorney.”
What People Are Saying
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After years of research as an advocate, Swithin knows enough about these disorders to put some clinicians to shame. If you need to start over, this is the woman you want holding your hand through the process.
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— Dr. Craig Malkin
Psychology instructor at Harvard Medical School and author of the critically acclaimed book, Rethinking Narcissism
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I received more helpful information from you in a one-hour consultation today, than I have an almost 2 years of working with the attorneys. I should have saved my money and just worked with you!!!
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— Karen
Client
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Tina Swithin’s books should be required reading for every mental health professional and their divorced clients. Too many therapists counsel clients to use communication and co-parenting strategies that are completely ineffective, and even damaging, for someone dealing with a personality-disordered ex.
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— Virginia Gilbert
MFT
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Tina’s books have become a lifeline during my custody battle. While reading her first book, Divorcing a Narcissist: One Mom’s Battle,” I felt like someone finally understood my battle and then wrote about it. It’s very difficult to explain what happens in the Family Court System and Tina does it beautifully and honestly.
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— Kelly Rutherford
Actress, Mom and Philanthropist
Tina has been awarded honors such as:
Top 20 Professionals Under 40
Top 40 Professionals Under 40
Tina’s work has been featured in outlets such as Glamour Magazine, SF Gate, Examiner, LA Parent Magazine, About.com, Yahoo, Huffington Post and the Washington Times. Tina's first book, Divorcing a Narcissist; One Mom's Battle was recognized by Book Authority as the 10th best divorce book of all time.
Tina has now dedicated her life to raising awareness on narcissistic personality disorder and its impact on victims and, on the family court system.
Chat with Tina
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