Bethany Jantzi

Ngina Otiende, a marriage coach empowering women, teams up with Bethany Jantzi, a mental health expert specializing in coercive control, to dissect Willard Harley's book 'His Needs, Her Needs.' They spotlight its shortcomings, particularly its neglect of trauma in abusive relationships and its reinforcement of harmful gender roles. The duo advocates for a nuanced understanding of marriage, emphasizing women's autonomy, the importance of evidence-based advice, and tackling outdated myths about commitment. Their discussion reveals the need for more inclusive and supportive resources in relationship guidance.

Bethany Jantzi, an expert on coercive control, delves into the unsettling parallels between toxic marriage advice and manipulative tactics found in cults. She highlights how certain marriage books promote psychological dependency, suppress critical thinking, and encourage compliance—all warning signs of coercive control. Bethany critiques the dangers of rigid marital roles and emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional abuse, advocating for women's autonomy and the need for healthier marital dynamics within faith communities.