Ask Kati Anything

Ask Kati Anything ep. 136 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT This week Kati talks a lot about building up resilience, emotionally, physically, and in our relationships. She addresses how we can’t MAKE people feel or do anything, but they are still responsible for their actions. She also discusses suicidal ideation and why it can feel like it pops out of nowhere, and how someone with BPD can manage attachment in therapeutic settings. Kati explains the link between childhood trauma or CPTSD and being sensitive to stress as an adult, and why being a parentified child can make us immature in other ways. Finally, she offers advice on how to be more emotionally mature, and whether or not she thinks everyone can change. This and so much more in this week’s episode! Audience questions: I hear a lot about how people are not responsible for the feelings of others, or that you can’t “make” someone feel a certain way. As someone who has grown up in a home with domestic violence and has been emotionally abused and neglected my... As someone with bpd; could you give us some advice on how to find balance in opening up to a therapist/psychiatrist without becoming too attached? Also, is there such a thing as becoming too attached that it'll delay your process... A week or so ago, I experienced SI. No plan or intent, but it scared the shit out of me. Now, I can’t stop thinking about it. I spend most days constantly thinking “what if it happens again? What if next time it’s so bad that I... Can sensitivity to stress in adulthood be affected by repeated childhood trauma? In CPTSD, hypervigilance is part of the diagnosis, but can sensitivity to stress count as part of... How does one become an adult? Or grow up? I've been called mature my whole life, only to be told that I need to "grow up" as an adult. I feel like... How do I improve my resilience? Specifically physical resilience. When I am at my parent’s house I work very hard to use coping skills and step away from triggering situations, so that I can make it through emotionally... I was hoping you could talk about emotional maturity and suggestions for someone who feels emotionally immature. I grew up in a very neglectful house and have been working toward getting better at expressing... Do you think people can truly change? For good or bad? I’ve been with a partner for 5 years and they have changed (in a bad way- towards me and themselves) ... ---- KATI'S BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy ---- ONLINE THERAPY While Kati does not currently offer online therapy, her sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/kati PATREON: this podcast is made possible through the generous support of patrons like you. https://www.patreon.com/katimorton BUSINESS INQUIRIES: Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep. 135 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT This week Kati talks about dissociation from memories, emotions, and what structural dissociation is. She also discusses isolation as a result of trauma, why people with mental illness compete with one another, and how to figure out what traits are important to us. Kati also explains the difference between enjoying being busy and running from our problems, and why concentration is affected by mental illness. She talks about the different ways we talk to ourselves, why we can’t cry, and the reasons our body can be aroused when we aren’t actually aroused. This and much more in this week’s episode! Audience questions: 1. Can you talk more about dissociation from memories vs dissociation from emotions? Is that really a thing? I find I use a coping skill to put my trauma memories into these other... 2. My maladaptive response to developmental trauma (abandonment, emotional abuse and neglect) has been to completely isolate myself from everyone to the point where I only feel known by my therapist... 3. Why do people with mental illness sometimes compare their struggles to each other like a competition? I've had conversations in inpatient... 4. I am in counseling and something we have covered is getting a better handle on who I actually am, rather than being defined by my mental illness... 5. Can you elaborate on how one might understand if they are filling their schedule to run from what’s going on in their life vs keeping the calendar full as... 6. I have a question about negative self-talk. I have noticed that most people talk to themselves in the second person.. 7. Why does mental illness make concentration so hard? I’ve been working with a trauma therapist and attempting to be more present only makes me realize how hard it is to pay attention... 8. I'm afraid that I might be the weirdest person ever, I´ve tried to google this but I can't find anyone else experiencing the same thing and this is so shameful. 9. Why can’t I cry? I often tear up about things not closely related to me, like world events or historical events, but when it comes to the things... Kati's Books: Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Contact YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/OpinionsThatDontMatter TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Twitter https://twitter.com/KatiMorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1 Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Kati shares the best way to manage the anxiety that comes around before we begin a new week, why we can have bursts of emotions sometimes, and she also explains why some traumas are easier to acknowledge than others. She talks about the different types of therapy and why we have to find one that works, why it can be hard to focus on what our therapist is saying, and the stigma associated with bulimia nervosa. Finally, she explains why those with BPD can hate boundaries, and what the difference is between hypomania and just plain joy. That and so much more in this week’s episode! Ask Kati Anything ep. 134 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. How does someone actually deal with the “Sunday Scaries”? Every Sunday I get so overwhelmed with anxiety for the upcoming week I just freeze. Even though I have things I need to accomplish (i.e. meal prepping, laundry, etc.) I end up not being able to do any... 2. Why does it seem harder to acknowledge certain traumas versus others? I went to therapy to deal past csa but in doing so learned about emotional neglect. My family life seemed so normal and standard and to believe otherwise is hard to wrap my head around... 3. My question is about bursts of emotions. When something happens that seems to emotionally affect me, I only seem to feel that feeling for a very short time. For example, when I feel sad I cry for ten seconds max, after... 4. Do you think therapy works for everyone? I have alexithymia and I struggle so much with expressing emotions and knowing what I am feeling, I can tell my psychology gets frustrated with me and she said "therapy doesn't work for everyone" Which took... 5. I often lose focus on what my therapist is saying during my therapy sessions. Most often it is because of different thoughts about things that cause me a lot of anxiety. An example: during a session my therapist talked and explained that emotions can be evoked by thoughts... 6. I was wondering if you could talk a bit about bulimia & whether, in your experience, patients are more reluctant to share that they are struggling with it. I find there's a big stigma attached to it & people are disgusted by it - the recovery content online is largely people who struggled.... 7. I'm wondering if you can talk about why, as a borderline, I hate boundaries. I also tend to get overly attached to anyone who I open up to about my personal struggles and then end up obsessing about that person and violating the boundaries of that relationship. Obsessive / intrusive thoughts... 8. Can you tell me the difference between hypomania and plain old joy? I had a week or so where I didn’t sleep much and I had a ton of energy, but I’m 31 and I’ve never been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I had just... ---- KATI'S BOOKS • Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j • Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy ---- ONLINE THERAPY While Kati does not currently offer online therapy, her sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/kati PATREON: this podcast is made possible through the generous support of patrons like you. https://www.patreon.com/katimorton BUSINESS INQUIRIES: Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep. 133 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT This week Kati discusses why we may want to stay in therapy forever, and how to know if that’s unhealthy or not. She also explains some of the reasons we may be repulsed by ourselves, why we might hate hugs, and the effects diet culture has on those with EDs. She explains sandtray therapy, how DBT works, and how to grieve things lost in our lives. Finally, she describes the effects of medical trauma, what leads to CPTSD, how much support is okay to ask for, and how she decides what level of care her ED patients need. This and so much more on today’s episode! Audience questions: 1. I can't imagine ever feeling ready to leave my therapist. I like him so much, even though at times it's painful. The thought of never seeing him again is hugely upsetting and I know I'd be... 2. Could you talk a bit more about reasons why we might be repulsed by our own being? You mentioned in episode 128 that we can be so disgusted with ourselves and this can be a trauma response... 3. I've heard people talk about diet culture - specifically, how it's harmful and can lead to disordered eating/EDs - but I've also heard news about the increasing obesity crisis in the U.S. I'm curious... 4. Does there have to be a reason for hating hugs or can it just be related to who we are as a person? Ever since I can remember even as a young child I've hated hugs, this has continued into adulthood... 5. Can you talk more about sandtray therapy? Like when does a therapist decide to use it for adults? Is it suitable as a form of trauma therapy on its own, or is it... 6. My question is about DBT therapy for CPTSD due to sexual abuse. I am only about 6 weeks into therapy with my new therapist, so I know we are early on in the process. I had told her that I have not done well with therapy in... 7. I was wondering if you could talk about grief. You have mentioned that you don't have to have someone pass away to experience grief and I was wondering about if you can grieve the loss of an opportunity, or a future you thought... 8. I am wondering if you could have CPTSD due to multiple occurrences with Cancer throughout childhood. I have only heard of cptsd coming out of abuse or sexual trauma, but a lot of the symptoms are true for me. I’ve also had other things happen to me that could be considered trauma... 9. I know that mental illness can warp your perception into wrongly believing that you’re a burden if you reach out for support. But it can also legitimately cause strain for the people being reached out to. How do I tell which one is happening? How much support is... Kati's Books • Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j • Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While Kati does not currently offer online therapy, her sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. Visit https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon - this podcast is made possible through the generous support of patrons like you. https://www.patreon.com/katimorton BUSINESS INQUIRIES - Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep.132 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT This week Kati address' the effects of trauma on our self esteem, and how that can lead to us hating ourselves. She also talks about how trauma can change the brain, and how we can get better at opening up and accepting help. Kati explains how a trauma timeline works and shows us what one looks like, and offers other ways to get ourselves out of our freeze response. Finally, Kati differentiates between anxiety disorders and PTSD, explains how to deal with therapist abandonment, and how to cope when an abusive parent is sick or dying. This and much more in this week's episode. Audience questions: 1. Why do I think that I am a bad person, and how do I stop hating myself? Whenever anything remotely bad happens or I "inconvenience" someone the slightest bit (ex. "taking" a doctor's time during my appointment, telling my boss I can't come into work because I am sick, someone giving me a gift, someone holding a door open for me) my brain starts the mantra of... 2. Hi Kati, could you talk about how childhood trauma and ptsd can affect brain structure/function? (COMMENT: Can trauma also result in other mental health disorders like anxiety disorders or eating disorders instead of PTSD? // To add to this, can you talk about how childhood trauma can affect the parents of... 3. I have a really hard time opening up to other people and accepting help. I have worked through old memories and realized I didn't get proper emotional care as a child. I was mostly ignored and left alone with all emotional struggles i faced growing up. As a result I now don't feel worthy to be considered with my emotions. Today i am in a way better spot in life. I have two... 4. I was at your inner child workshop and it was very helpful. I want to create a trauma timeline like you suggested, but I am wondering if you happen to have any visuals for what a trauma timeline could look like? I’m a visual learner and I’m having trouble figuring out how to... 5. How to get out of a freeze response if grounding techniques don’t work? I’ve been sexually abused as a child & S. assaulted once as a teenager and that's when it started. I want to process what I’ve been through but it’s hard since I’m still stuck in that freeze response and don’t... 6. How can you tell the difference between an anxiety disorder, and something like CPTSD? What symptoms would you look out for to differentiate the two? I definitely have social anxiety and have had this since childhood, but I’ve also experienced childhood trauma... 7. I was abandoned by my therapist back in November. Everything had seemed good, I had been with her for a year and a half. I went into crisis and hospitalized myself, at which point she completely cut off contact. I have struggled ever since, I have tried working with 7 different therapists in the past 9 months or so... 8. How do you deal with a sick or dying abusive parent? I started grieving a few years ago when I realized my father won’t change, he said “he was always like this and he is too old to change”, but seeing him sick now make me sad and at the same time I feel relief... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep.131 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT This week Kati talks about how we can move forward if we were abusive to our siblings when we were younger. She also explains why we can fantasize about going missing or wanting to run away from our lives, and why it’s common to have pretend conversations with ourselves and feel like they are real. Kati also shares the best time to journal, how to deal with a push pull urge in therapy, and how to move past denial. She also explains why we can feel the urge to invalidate our little t traumas, how to finally get to the root of our issues, and finally what we can do if it feels like nothing is helping. Audience questions: 1. There are a lot of questions asked by people who were abused by their siblings when they were younger, but what if I was the abuser? It’s been over 15 years since but I was put in charge of watching my special needs little sister (only 16 months apart) a lot of the time and I used violence... 2. For years I’ve had this fantasy of “going missing,” or disappearing intentionally – just getting in my car, driving a thousand miles, leaving it in some parking lot and then just walking away. Over time I learned that this is not actually illegal, as long as you’re an adult and you’re not evading the... 3. This is kind of embarrassing to ask, but surely I’m not the only one who does this. Why do I pretend I’m having conversations with people who aren’t really there? It’s as if I’m actually having a back and forth conversation with another person, but in reality I guess I’m just talking to myself? 4. Why do I have such a strong push pull relationship with therapy? I have seen seven different therapists in the past two years and couldn’t connect with any of them. It’s like the first couple of sessions I want to tell them everything and then on the third and fourth sessions I don’t want to... 5. Regarding journaling, is it more used to just write things down in the moment or is there value in going back and re-reading it at some point? I’ve been journaling pretty regularly for the past year and want to go back through and read it but I’m finding that I’m very hesitant to do so… 6. Is it possible to know you're in denial and yet you still don't want to believe the truth? I am trying to come to terms with being emotionally neglected by my parents but the part I'm struggling with is the acceptance that it happened. I know it sounds like a contradiction because I can name the... 7. How do I stop invalidating my little T traumas as you call them? I had a lot of things happen to me over my lifetime that I would consider smaller traumas if anything. For example, my father was quite abusive, but he left when I was still very young and we didn't see him often. My mother was/is an addict, but she still took care of us quite well... 8. How do I get to the root of my issues? I feel like I'm so caught up in running away by using maladaptive coping strategies (anorexia, over-exercise, suicidality etc) that I don't even know what I'm trying to cope with. I do know that there‘s more emotional pain when I reduce my disordered behaviors... 9. One of your answers prompted me to ask a question. I'm struggling with feeling like I've tried everything and feeling like I have no choice left but to end things. I have been inpatient multiple times, have done multiple IOPs/partials. I have tried so many meds... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Kati talks about binge eating disorder (BED). She discusses the link between BED and childhood trauma, why there’s a connection between a mother’s love and our relationship with food, and the difference between BED and appetite changes associated with other mental illnesses. She also explains why forgetting to eat is not the same as an eating disorder, how we can reduce cravings, and how to get over any guilt associated with a binge. She also shares why parentification can make it hard for us to want to be an adult, why binge eating, food addiction, and overeating are the same thing, and whether or not medications for BED are actually helpful. This and much more in this week’s podcast! Kati Morton is a licensed marriage and family therapist, each week she answers mental health questions from her audience. Ask Kati Anything ep. 130 | Your mental health podcast, with Licensed Therapist, Kati Morton Audience questions: 1. I would like to know more about the connection between (B)ED and childhood trauma, because it seems that that topic isn't talked about enough. Why do we choose to cope with food rather than anything else and is there really a connection between mother's love and our relationship with food throughout our lives? 2. Can you explain the difference(s) between a binge eating disorder and the appetite changes associated with anxiety and depression? Sometimes I skip meals due to my anxiety, either because I get stuck in my head and forget that I need food or I feel too nauseous to eat, but then it usually results in a binge eating session afterwards because I’ve essentially starved myself. I know... 3. I have a question about eating disorders, but not related to body image or calories or anything. It’s more just… disordered eating? I forget to eat a meal, and then my OCD says it’s too late for whatever meal, so then I have to wait for the next meal time. Except this happens every single day. I’m not sure if this counts as an eating disorder? It’s very confusing for me. I want to eat the right amounts per day, I just can’t for some reason... 4. How does one reduce cravings? Also, can one embark on their own treatment for binge eating, as opposed to seeking professional help? If so, where does one start? 5. What is the difference between binge eating and just over eating? I’m pretty sure I struggle with binge eating but my psychiatrist has asked me if I’m binging or just over eating and honestly I don't really know how to tell the difference. Thanks for everything you do. 6. This might not be related to this week's theme but I hope you consider answering it! I feel like I just woke up now and realized that I’ve wasted my childhood/ teenage years by not being a child or a teenager. Now, I’ve reached to the point where I don’t want to grow up and ‘time’ scares me... 7. Hi Kati, I struggle with binge eating. My psychiatrist has recommended a drug that is used for opioid addiction that should take away the pleasure I get from eating. What other options do I have? 8. What is the difference between a binge eating disorder and a food addiction? I feel like sugar is my kryptonite. Also I am picky, lactose intolerant and acidic foods aggravate an overactive bladder condition. So I feel like I can't easily avoid sugar. I suspect I have a binge eating disorder and that it... 9. How can I deal with the guilt that I experience after a binge? I used to purge, (I don’t anymore) and that was usually my unhealthy way of getting rid of the guilt I felt from eating too much. but now when I binge, I’m left feeling terrible and it makes me want to self-harm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Kati offers tips on how we can take care of our mental health if we have to move back in with our parents. She also dives into narcissistic personality disorder, what it is, how it starts, what it means to have narcissistic tendencies, whether she believes NPD is treatable or not, and if those with NPD or sociopaths are worthy of love. Kati also discusses how to process or overcome cutting off an abusive or toxic family member, and the difference between NPD and other mental illnesses. Kati Morton is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and each week she answers questions about all things mental health and life related. Ask Kati Anything ep. 129 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. What tips do you have for moving back in with your parents/family? I’m 21 and love living on my own. My therapist and I agree that my mental health (depression and anxiety) is a lot better when I am on my own, away from family. Now that my circumstances warrant me moving back in, what... 2. I just wanted to know how npd starts? Like does it start small as a child and build up or is it just who they are in general? Hope this makes sense just very curious, thank you for being so amazing... 3. Recently I've worried that I have narcissistic tendencies. This would be a nightmare for me because the last thing I want to do is hurt people the way I've been hurt. I talked to my therapist about it and she said narcissists don't worry that they're narcissists, so there's no way I have NPD. Is this true?? 4. I’m not sure if this is on topic but I often wonder if narcissists and sociopaths are worthy of love. And if they are, why? My therapist says EVERYONE is worthy of love regardless of how difficult they are. But if this is the case, then people who do terrible terrible things to others are also worthy... 5. What is the difference between someone with npd and someone with narcissistic traits? How can you differentiate between these two kinds of people? (COMMENT: I'm wondering this also. My parents have some traits but not sure it's actually NPD. I actually think it's... 6. I argue with a lot of people about if NPD is treatable or not. Since BPD was deemed untreatable for a long time I believe that every disorder is treatable to some degree at least and for the right people. What do you think about the treatment of NPD? Can it work or... 7. I was wondering how you suggest dealing with the pain of cutting off a close family member. About six months ago, I cut off my sister because since our dad died over 3 years ago, she's been increasingly abusive and controlling. The problem is she means the world to me. We went... 8. I’m hoping you can give us an overview of what NPD actually is. I notice that a lot of people say that someone in their life - usually a parent - is a narcissist. While I know the definition of the word, I don’t really understand NPD clinically. What’s the difference (if there is one) between being... Kati's books: Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy: While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Kati talks about the ripple effects of being a parentified child, and how that can leave us wanting to not become an adult. She also addresses recovery after a suicide attempt, major life decisions and our mental health, and whether or not we can trust repressed trauma memories. She also explains dissociation, processing trauma when therapy was what traumatized us, and touch aversion in autism and relationships. Finally, Kati discusses whether or not attachment and intimacy issues can be self inflicted, how to get out of a marital rut, and whether or not mental illness is a choice. Hopefully some of her insights and thoughts on these issues are helpful in your own life journey! Ask Kati Anything ep. 128 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. How do adults who suffered childhood emotional neglect, abuse and parentification deal with being an adult, taking responsibility and being self-reliant, things that are potentially triggering and throw you back into childhood patterns? It feels like taking responsibility and being self-reliant was... 2. Could you talk about recovery after a suicide attempt please? Even if you are glad you survived, all the factors in your life that caused you to get to that point still exist so how is it possible to get better? Especially since it seems impossible to tell anyone about what happened... 3. I am wondering how do you make major life decisions that impact your future while you’re struggling to take care of your mental health in the present? For my specific example, how do I know if staying in university is worth my rapidly declining mental health? I have been taking my... 4. I hope your day is going great. My question is about repressed trauma memories. How can we tell if they are real or not? For context, I have a very strong imagination and tend to imagine myself in bad situations, or make up scenarios where bad things happened to me as a... 5. I want to ask about dissociation during sexual assault! I was sexually assaulted by my brother years ago. He was 1 year younger than me.. I was sleeping and had a freeze response (I was 15) and didn’t do anything about it. He doesn’t even know that I know:), he didn’t do it again, but he... 6. I am autistic and sometimes worry about how my sensitivity to touch could potentially affect future intimate relationships. I have never dated anyone and question if it’s okay to engage in intimate acts despite not really desiring sex just to please your partner. Are there any damaging... 7. Can attachment/intimacy issues be unintentionally self-inflicted? Why or why not, and what would the healing process be? My parents are great and I feel genuinely blessed to have them, but I get angry when they offer any kind affection, attention or show concern for me in any way. This... 8. I feel like I’m in such a rut with my husband. I’m by no means a short tempered person, but lately my fuse is nonexistent. We’ve been financially secure until recently when the prices of everything skyrocketed. We no longer have funds to do things or go places... 9. How do I begin to heal from a trauma when it was therapy itself that was traumatizing? In January, after an involuntarily hospitalization that shouldn't have happened (was never suicidal, homicidal, or psychotic) I was given a BPD diagnosis (despite having no history of active suicidality, self harm, or anger issues, due to CPTSD not being in the DSM) and "dumped" by... 10. Where is the line between mental illness and choice? We can't choose what happens to us, but we are reminded over and over that we can choose how we respond to what happens to us, that we can choose our attitude and choose our behaviors. If this is true, then isn't my "mental illness"... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Kati talks about processing trauma in an unsafe environment, how she navigates therapy when a patient can’t talk or stay present in session, and how trauma can manifest in the body. She also discusses attachment issues, when a mental illness becomes a disability, and why some symptoms seem to lessen when others get worse. Finally, she talks about eating disorder development, relapses in ED recovery, who deserves therapy, and how to get over a breakup. Tangents and tools galore in this week’s episode! Ask Kati Anything ep. 127 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. I know it's impossible to process trauma while still in an unsafe environment (i.e. still living at home, bullying at work, people dying just to name a few) and my therapist decided to put a pause on any processing type work. She said she wants to stabilize me for the next couple of years... 2. Do you have any therapist strategies on how you would navigate a patient that struggles to speak in sessions? I struggle making eye contact and speaking with my T on triggering topics - generally I shut-down/dissociate. I tend to write in session, which has been... 3. Is it possible that trauma manifests in the body? I was physically and sexually attacked by a guy while i was running and since then my legs go numb when I go for a run (which is very unfortunate, as running is my preferred coping mechanism for depression). I've been to several... 4. I tend to attach to older females in my life, including my therapist, but I have a mom who is very supportive and loving. We have a good relationship, but I never really open up to her about anything that I’m going through. not because she doesn’t want me to- I just don’t feel... 5. When is ptsd/mental illness considered disabling? Is there a set of qualifications that therapists use to determine that or is it very case specific? (COMMENT: As an add on: Are there some mental illnesses that are considered disabilities and others that aren't? I have been told that my ptsd is... 6. I have noticed that as soon as I get one symptom under control, other symptoms get stronger. For example, one of my symptoms is that I generally have trouble keeping my apartment tidy because my depression tells me that I don't deserve a nice apartment. In the last week... 7. Is it possible to knowingly develop a restrictive eating disorder in a week? I have had body image issues off/on my whole life (I’m 27), but always told myself that I “don’t have enough willpower” to develop an ED. I recently told my therapist that I unintentionally hadn’t eaten very much that... 8. How do I recover for myself, instead of for others? I thought that I had realized that I cannot recover for anyone except myself, but when my therapist went on vacation for two weeks (during a time when I have been going through immense transitions, including a new job, an apartment move, mom being in the hospital, etc.) I found that my ED (which had been sort of 'in remission') came back full force... 9. Hi Kati! I really enjoy your podcasts and your approach to explaining issues. I'm a (relatively) healthy 62 yo divorced man, with dead parents and grown children. I still work full time, but personally my friend pool has diminished considerably, and I spend a lot of time alone... 10. How can I move on and stop obsessing over someone who dumped me? While we were dating everything felt so nice and mutual till slowly he became distant and then ended things. I loved his personality and our connection felt... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep.126 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Synopsis: In this week’s episode Kati discusses why we can feel emotions in our body but not recognize them in our mind. She also talks about how to be our real selves when in therapy, what unconditional positive regard is, and how much self-disclosure we should expect from our therapist. She digs into passive suicidality and how to tell our therapist about it, and whether or not she thinks it’s part of having an eating disorder. She explains why we may act childlike in therapy and why it may be hard to let ourselves be happy. Finally, she shares her biggest learning in her own therapy, and what we can do to stop our ED from turning into a different one. AUDIENCE QUESTIONS 1. Why is it that my body reacts in a way as if I am feeling a certain emotion, but my brain doesn’t necessarily “feel” the emotion? My body will physically react as if there is a certain emotion, but I don’t really “feel” the emotion... 2. How do I allow myself to “be real” in therapy? Whenever I walk in, I have a hard time sharing how I'm feeling and I immediately forget what has been on my mind / what has happened that week. I also constantly think I am making up my problems, am being too dramatic, or her other patients... 3. Just thought it would be a different experience to ask you a question about yourself as you always kindly offer so much help and advice to us. My question is I know you've mentioned before about you accessing therapy yourself in the past. I wondered what you have learnt most about yourself from therapy? 4. I have questions about passive suicidality. I believe that’s what this is called but not fully sure and what really do you do to deal with it? I was at a point a long time ago that I was done and ready to leave but ended up finding out I was pregnant and from that point forward it wasn’t an option... 5. Why can't I allow myself to be happy? I want to enjoy life, but enjoying it feels wrong? It's not necessarily that I feel like I don't deserve to be happy, but I just can't let myself live the life I want to live, and I constantly sabotage my happiness. 6. I hope you’re doing well and I hope that my question makes sense. I have been going to therapy for about 5 months now and have finally slowly managed to be able to get to a point where I can feel more relaxed and able to begin to process my traumas (CSA, emotional neglect, Physical abuse to name a few) without... 7. Is it normal to feel more child-like in therapy? And do therapists encourage this? I don't see my therapist as a caregiver (I'm still not 100% comfortable with my therapist yet) but each time I'm in therapy, I feel myself kind of "switch". And I stop functioning as an adult. Instead I watch myself do... 8. My question is how much self-disclosure from a therapist is normal? My therapist talks sometimes in detail sometimes not about her own life in just about every session, she's talked about her trauma's, abusive people in her life she cut out and about stuff that's stressing her out like... 9. How can one best ensure that while recovering from one ED, one doesn’t slip into another? (Example from Anorexia to BED or bulimia) (COMMENT: And could you talk about being at a higher normal weight or being overweight in the context of EDs? I feel like it is not often talked about and getting the diagnosis kind of triggered me because I thought that I was not ill enough to... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Kati talks about addiction and why it’s a coping skill for past trauma, as well as how we can stop laughing off or minimizing our traumatic experiences. She also offers healthy coping skills we can use when we are dysregulated and exhausted, and explains the differences between emotional incest and being a parentified child. She discusses why it could be hard for us to disagree with our therapist, why our emotions are important, how to figure out our next steps in life, and why physical punishment from a parent is considered abuse. ***** My LIVE Inner Child Workshop: https://katimorton.com/the-shop/p/live-innerchild-workshop Join me for a 2-part, livestreaming event that includes worksheets and audience Q&A sessions. Aug 12th and 19th 2-4pm EST / 11-1pm PST See you there! ***** Audience questions: Could you talk about addiction as a coping skill for trauma please? I was abused as a kid and teenager and have struggled with addictions since I was 14 years old. Alcohol, drugs, gambling, social media, exercise and eating disorders (I know, they aren't addictions but for me they are similar coping skills).... I’m wondering what is the best thing to do when you are dysregulated but too tired to use healthy coping skills. I find that in order to use them I have to have a lot of mental energy and sometimes I’m just too worn out to do the “right” thing. Lots of love from Italy I hope you’re doing well. How do I teach myself to stop laughing off my traumas in therapy? I have a habit of smiling, laughing, and joking about difficult things I’ve experienced, and I feel like sometimes I don’t let my therapist know how much I’m really struggling and falling apart... I notice that it’s super hard for me to disagree with my therapist. Often when he says stuff I disagree with, I only notice it after the session. I always feel the need to agree to whatever he says, as he’s older and more experienced because of his age and profession. I don’t usually... Could you explain what the difference is between emotional incest and parentification? (there is a lot of overlap.. But emotional incest has to do with them sharing things with you about themselves or what they are going through. And parentification is when... I was wondering if you could talk about the reasons why emotions are important? I started therapy last year and my therapist talked about distress tolerance and we were working on building up coping skills but one thing we did was try and realize why the emotions we have... I was just wondering how you figure out what next step in your life is right for you? I find it difficult to decide where I want to go, what I should be doing, what is right for me alongside the guilt of what if I make the wrong decision. For context if it's relevant I'm currently ... Do you think physical punishment can be traumatic? I‘m wondering because it seems to affect me in my fear of men, hypervigilance and always walking on eggshells. The “punishment“ wasn't always related to what we had done, but rather to his stress/ anger levels. He‘d get out of control, scream, threaten, spank and sometimes kick us.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep.124 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT In this week’s episode Kati discusses whether our eating disorder voice ever goes away completely, the different levels of ED treatment, and how intuitive eating works. She also addresses child on child sexual abuse and how to heal when the perpetrator was the same age as the victim, and talks about accepting a new diagnosis. Kati also explains how trauma treatment works if we can’t remember much (or any) of our trauma, and if you can do EMDR incorrectly, and what an appointment with a psychiatrist looks like. Hope it’s helpful! Audience questions: In your experience, do your clients’ “eating disorder voice” ever completely go away? For context, I used to have anorexia but am now weight restored. Although I consider myself much happier in a healthy body (more energy, better sleep, etc.), I still find myself occupied with disordered thoughts... Can you talk about child sexual abuse when both the victim and abuser are the same age? I just started therapy after being diagnosed with a number of issues - OCD (since early childhood), depression, chronic anxiety (that gets worse around people), fearful avoidant attachment and fear... My therapist diagnosed me with depression but I'm struggling to accept it. I know I probably have an anxiety disorder, and possibly a personality disorder or even something like ADHD, but when all she ever lands on is "depression" it offends me. My pain is valid; situations in my past led up to me... What are possible therapy options for those of us who can't remember our trauma? Are there ways to support the recovery of memories? I can't remember my first twenty years of life and to be honest and truthful I can't imagine being able to heal completely if I don't know what happened in... I am curious about the treatment and levels of care with EDs. What are the different levels of care, and at what point is each level necessary? What does treatment look like for each one? Thank you! I feel like I am doing EMDR wrong. I have been in therapy for over two years, ever since discovering that my husband was having a year-long affair with my best friend. (He’s now my ex-husband, by the way, and I realize that my friend was never actually a friend). I’ve been working on... You’ve talked about eating when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re full. But how do you really know when you’re hungry and when you’re full? I’ve tried this, and I think when I’m in a restrictive mindset I’ll lie to myself and say I’m not hungry when I actually am, and when I’m in a binging mindset... I've been referred to a psychiatrist and I don't really know what to expect. I'm quite nervous as the assessor who referred me said they think maybe autism, which I just didn't see coming. Now I feel conscious about acting a certain way to confirm or reject this. I've been struggling more since... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep.123 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions Does anyone else feel more comfortable talking about their mental health struggles in their non-native language? I’m relatively comfortable talking about my struggles with anxiety in English. However, in my native language (German) I’m so uncomfortable, I often shut down and just don’t... Can you please talk about how to treat anxiety when you are prone to making everything worse due to your anxiety? E.g. when you are worried about performing badly, but then your anxiety makes you so dizzy that you perform badly. Or when you are worried about not getting a point... Why do I miss my depressive and/or suicidal thoughts when I don't feel them for a bit? When I do feel these feelings, all I want is for them to pass, but when they do actually pass, I feel nostalgic and want them to come back.... I honestly don't understand why I could want to feel that way. What can we do when we have trauma symptoms but the living situation we are in doesn't actually feel safe and escaping it seems pretty much impossible? Among poverty, being part of a minority, and having health issues, life just doesn't feel safe. I constantly worry that I might need money for... I was wondering why isn’t there more info specifically on sibling sexual abuse. The little I find they even say that the info available is limited because it is such a taboo topic but yet more common than many know. I was abused by my older brother, we are only a few years apart, but it went on... My question is about the whys of self harm I suppose. I remember coming across self harm (in a book and then in an older school girls scars) and I can still feel the click into place that happened for me. It would be years before I ever used self harm. But what made it attractive before it was... Could you talk more about healthy boundaries? I’ve always struggled with establishing them and I’m working on it now. However, I feel like my new boundaries are too strict and I am now living by some set of rules that controls my life instead of me controlling the boundaries. I’ve heard that... How can I let go of my perfectionist attitude and still feel like who I am and what I do is enough? In today’s world this is even harder as there are so many opportunities for comparisons and expectations seem to just increase. I find myself constantly measuring myself against something... Kati's books: Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Contact YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/OpinionsThatDontMatter TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Twitter https://twitter.com/KatiMorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1 Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep.122 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions I'm so scared of being a bad patient that I overanalyze everything and anything about my therapy sessions and even things I do outside of therapy. I always think about what my therapist would say about what I'm doing... I was wondering if you had any advice on how to enter into intimacy as a sexual abuse survivor? I find myself terrified at the idea of ever having sex. However, I also find myself having a difficult time holding my partner's hand. I thought... Are some people just too damaged by trauma to heal? My therapist told me that might be the case for me, and that I need to learn to live with it. This was after telling her that I was having a rough patch and was feeling suicidal, and was quite frankly devastating to hear. I thought the problem was that I... How do you get yourself to a place where you are able to talk about certain topics in therapy? I have been in and out of therapy my whole life and I’m now seeing a therapist that I really like and trust. I’ve been able to open up about many difficult topics, but I can’t get myself to bring up my long history of medical trauma... How do you cope between therapists? My old therapist left, but because of wait lists it will be awhile before I can see someone new. I am struggling, including with suicidal ideation, and don't have much social support so I... I’m on a waiting list for a new therapist. I’m really struggling at the minute. I'm not sure how long I can keep waiting but I also don’t feel like it’s bad enough for crisis support. Do you have any advice for someone who’s in limbo waiting for treatment but isn’t able to cope whilst they’re... Can help explain the concept of nonverbal sexual consent. I always thought consent had to be explicit and verbal and that it had to be done in that way prior to progressing to the next step (and of course that the other person couldn't be coerced or otherwise unable to consent). While I still think this is the very best way to handle consent, I was... Is there such a thing as too many diagnoses? I deal with PTSD, DID, OCD, Bipolar 1, Body dysmorphia, and potentially even atypical anorexia, but I feel this sense of guilt with having been diagnosed with so many things as I feel as though it may make me less likely to be believed and... Kati's Books: Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Contact YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/OpinionsThatDontMatter TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Twitter https://twitter.com/KatiMorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1 Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep. 121 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: How do you calm yourself down when you're anxious? I have done therapy in the past and was given some tools to try, but they never worked and often just made things worse. For example, I... I was wondering why my therapist never tries to find the root of my problems in therapy. I have anorexia, bpd traits (all of the criteria but I'm a teen), depression, anxiety, and severe dissociation that has impeded... Can you please talk about microaggressions and how to deal with them? Especially when you're already a quiet, shy or socially anxious person? How do you manage to be confident in social settings when. I have been going to therapy for about 3 months and it's been an emotional rollercoaster. I've been uncovering past trauma, physical and emotional abuse. Also, I've always been the parentified child who only cares for others and not for myself. I've been bottling my emotions... My question is how do you know what to work on in therapy when it seems like there are just too many big things you need to work through? I’ve been focusing on certain issues lately because they are more recent or time sensitive, but I also have a lifetime of trauma... How do you find the balance between pushing through the anxiety to do new things without getting too overwhelmed? I used to be the type of person who would let my anxiety get in the way of exciting things and... How do you take care of yourself when you're dissociated/depersonalized? When the body is separate from me and I don't feel hunger or pain, when it feels like a stranger and I can't bring myself to... Hi Kati! I love your channel and have been watching since the beginning. You’re a distant part of my healing journey, so thank you for all that you do. I was wondering what is a good reason for your therapist to terminate care? I had a therapist when I was in rehab who still saw me in between stays, as she also works outpatient. I was hospitalized and discharged from rehab due to... Kati's Books: Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Contact YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/OpinionsThatDontMatter TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Twitter https://twitter.com/KatiMorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1 Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep. 120 | Your mental health podcast, with Licensed Therapist Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: Hey Kati, Thank you so much for everything you do. I have been watching your channel for years! I’ve been wondering why I can’t stand intimacy at all? Not even being touched in a non sexual way such as being hugged or even just lightly touched on the arm. It makes me feel super uncomfortable! I’ve never had... I have a question about conversations about sexual preference. I've never been in a relationship myself (I’m 26) because I’m scared if someone gets too close to me. I feel like I have to be more into “relationships'' and there's something wrong with me. When I get into a conversation, there have been a few times that someone was asking if I'm attracted to women... Can you talk about how building trust with your therapist is supposed to work? I struggle to trust my therapist, and to know whether not trusting them is warranted or not. In the past, I felt pressured to talk about my problems with my therapist (a different one), and I... What are some ways to find closure with your trauma after sexual assault if you decide not to press charges? I have decided that pressing charges would be harmful, but the fact that I haven't done it still weighs heavily on my heart, mind, body and spirit. I think I see pressing charges as a form of closure but in a lot of ways, I really think it would do more harm to... I would love your opinion on causes of dissociation during sex. I am a gay woman but dealt with a lot of shame growing up and used to sleep with men where i experienced dissociation . However now that i am actually being myself and being intimate with women which is more true to myself, i am still... Why is it so triggering when others show concern or try to be nurtured after childhood trauma and emotional neglect? If my therapist asks if I’m doing ok during a difficult week I freak out because she has picked up on it. I don’t like to share information or emotions and am terrified of being easy to read.... Could you talk about why it might be that I am repulsed by / uninterested in sex but my (older) sister isn't, even though she experienced sexual assault when we were children and I only experienced it indirectly through the effect it had on her? She... I am an adult child of two parents with narcissistic personality disorder. Due to massive emotional abuse, emotional neglect and a lot of gaslighting in childhood, I never learned to confide in other people and even less to talk about my problems... Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/OpinionsThatDontMatter TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Twitter https://twitter.com/KatiMorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1 Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep. 119 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience Questions: 1. Do you have any advice for someone who doesn't have friends or a relationship, but both wants and doesn't want any/it? I have social anxiety, so making friends tends to be hard to begin with, but I often feel bored and lonely and want... 2. I'm curious about why we would imagine bad things happening to us. Often, I imagine I'm being hurt, not identical scenarios to past traumas but similar themes. I've been curious about this for a while and have noticed I tend to lean into it when my SH & ED aren't really helping enough, almost as a punishment... 3. I recently listened to an episode where you described looking into the past too long as a form of self harm by impeding healing. Is there ever a point where you can look back at a life forming event that was in some way traumatic without it impeding healing? If so, is it all about... 4. Ever since I was a child I used to 'go' to a fantasy world I created in my mind when I'm not feeling safe. Well, I'm still doing this at 25 and I feel very ashamed because of it. My therapist asked whether I could tell her what happens there... 5. My question pertains to inner child work and emotion regulation. I record my virtual therapy sessions to help myself remember and process what we work on each week (my therapist’s suggestion), but when I get stuck in a depressive spiral, I rewatch (and rewatch and rewatch) the portions of my sessions when... 6. How can we stay in the 'healthy eating habits' path? I feel like I have too emotional attachments to food. I love different cuisines, I love desserts, love eating out and I love trying out new flavors, so I adore eating overall! I try to recognize patterns, for example when I reward myself with food after a long and hard day.... 7. Why do some people gravitate towards healthy coping mechanisms and some people don’t? I’ve been struggling and I just keep trading one bad coping skill for another. First several Ed’s then SH then drinking. Once I realize what I’m doing is bad I’ll stop but then a new one pops up... 8. Happy Thursday! I think I may have experienced some religious trauma. My question is: How do I figure out what I believe in and what my own beliefs are and unlearn what I have been taught through church and my upbringing? I hope this makes sense. ------ Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep. 118 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT 1. I was wondering if you have any tips on telling the difference between an intrusive thought and a real memory? And, is it possible to create false memories from intrusive thoughts? (COMMENT: Also, can intrusive thoughts be a whole scene that plays out in your head? Like a horror movie on repeat that I have no control over. Does this make me a horrible person? // In addition, how can you tell the difference between having intrusive thoughts and something actually being wrong with you (like SI/antisocial stuff etc.) and does everyone have intrusive thoughts? (ego dystonic is intrusive - ego syntonic is antisocial) // Also is there a difference between automatic thoughts and intrusive thoughts? I feel like my therapist uses them interchangeably?) 2. My question is about therapy for my 7 year old daughter. I took her to a therapist (one that was recommended by my therapist) and prior to my daughter’s first appointment I had a phone conversation with the child therapist and asked permission to stay present in the room because of my own past trauma and to ensure her safety.... 3. Am I a horrible person to fantasize about being sexually assaulted/ raped and then fantasize about someone(a father figure) coming and saving me? I was sexually abused by a family friend for 6 years(nobody knows about this except a few friends) and I... 4. What can I do to get better at being comfortable when things are actually okay? I have struggled with anxiety as well as depression on and off throughout my... 5. i found your podcast a couple weeks ago during a maybe depressive episode, and your great advice has provided me with a lot of comfort! anyway, here's my question: why does it feel as though i've "gotten over" my eating disorder? 6. I hope you are well. I am wondering at what point it is considered an ED? I know you've mentioned in the past about spending most of your day thinking about food, but I don't think I really do that, I just avoid it. Part of the problem is... 7. What is your advice for highly sensitive people who would like to become a therapist? It seems like we might be more affected by hearing traumatic stories. How can we avoid this? 8. I have a question about attachment in the therapeutic relationship. Since I've had therapy, I've noticed that my mood becomes more and more dependent on how my therapist responds to... 9. How do we stay strong when we’re unsafe? While I’m not physically unsafe in my current situation, my boundaries are consistently violated and I have to listen to the verbal abuse my dad endures... 10. Why is it that I am so stressed out by uncertainty and new things? I get really stressed out when I meet new people. And I get really stressed out when I am asked questions I didn't expect. Or when someone unexpectedly... ------ Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep. 117 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT I'm wondering if it's important to go into the details of self injurious acts when discussing it with your therapist. My therapist always wants to know exactly how I self injured (what I used, where, etc) but it makes me super uncomfortable to go into such detail. I know I should probably ask her why, but that makes me uncomfortable as well.. Depression often robs us of all joy. Is there an effective way to combat anhedonia? How can we motivate ourselves to do things we used to enjoy, when our brain feels no pleasure from it whatsoever? Do we just force ourselves to do it and go through the motions in hopes that... Should your therapist be similar or have similar values to you? I know that usually patients don’t know much about their therapists and their personal beliefs, and I agree that they shouldn’t. On the other hand, I sometimes wonder if therapy is more beneficial if certain values are the... Sometimes I'm wondering what a 'normal' amount of stress or fear is. Everyone is experiencing stress sometimes. (Asking a colleague something, giving a presentation before a group of people, driving your car to a new location, walking in the dark...) At what point is stress or fear 'too much' for... How do you approach patients that don’t feel anything? My last therapist said I was her most difficult client as I never knew how I was feeling I just knew I didn’t like it. I’m worried about seeing someone new as after a year and a half in therapy we came to a place of no progress and... Can you explain how exposure therapy is supposed to work? I get nervous easily, but still manage to do the stuff that makes me nervous (when I can't avoid it or procrastinate). For example, I get sick to my stomach, heart starts beating faster and find it a little harder to breathe whenever... Why can’t I get myself to share things with my therapist? I am 6 sessions in and I want to start talking about things that matter and that I need help with but I can’t get myself to share. I do like her and trust her but I still can’t seem to do it. I find myself full of anxiety while there to the point where... Can you explain the differences between dissociation and a flashback? Also both happen at the same time? My recent experience was triggered through a topic and I felt really anxious. During this I shivered, my muscles were tense and I couldn't react to the words of another person but still hear her. ------ Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep. 116 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Why is it that I've always felt like there's something "wrong" with me? i've never sustained any big trauma, but from as young as twelve i've felt misunderstood and looked for a diagnosis that might fit my experiences (social anxiety, GAD, adhd, and autism to name some)— i've always been oversensitive, had a low tolerance for stress, a low self esteem and... Hi Kati, there have been questions in the past about things like wanting to be sicker for a therapist to not lose them and I think you’ve said it’s attachment based. I always relate to the action in these scenarios but not the reason.... Have you ever been subpoenaed to testify about a patient? If not, can you tell us what that experience might be like for a therapist? What could cause a therapist to be subpoenaed? Do the rules of confidentiality change in the courtroom (if the patient is over 18)? Are you allowed to still be working with the patient when this happens? How do you begin to get over anxiety and hypervigilance after living in an abusive home for pretty much your whole life? I am now living alone (in the same apartment I spent a large part of my life in) and don't know how to exist in the space after everyone moved out. I spent most of my life stuck alone in... I've been lying to my therapist and I don't know what to do. background info: i lied when i brought up the possibility of me having bpd, i said it was a new thought in my mind but in reality i've been self diagnosing for years and have always noticed these patterns. We decided that I have symptoms but I don't seem borderline enough... I have been diagnosed with CPTSD because of childhood sexual abuse by my Father that happened between 3 -9 years old. My question is I have little to no memory of the abuse. Sometimes I wonder if my brain is playing tricks on me and the abuse never happened and I am just making things up and blaming my dead father for... I know you talked about something similar already, but I am unsure why I am jealous of people who got raped. I feel like that would be the only way that I have the right to feel as bad as I do. Or I wish that my father broke a bone when he hit me, so that it is not just me being dramatic. I am super scared of him, and people don’t understand that... Do therapists only validate experiences when they think it's an issue or do they sometimes just validate to make you feel better about it? My therapist told me that I'd experienced trauma during a medical procedure (painful and felt I didn't have control, plus some issues with consent). I get flashbacks and now experience a lot of anxiety around... Can you choose radical acceptance, and yet, still be mad? I was recently diagnosed with ADHD. I have a lot of mixed emotions after learning about my diagnosis.. ------ Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything - your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: What are some healthy things to do immediately after a traumatic event occurs (hours after, days after) to process the memory and prevent symptoms of PTSD? Do you have any advice on how to deal with anger and doubting your own emotions as a result of childhood abuse and gaslighting? I grew up walking on eggshells around my sister, who was very impulsive and mean and I also was emotionally abused by my grandmother. I held deep in myself all anger and hurt as my emotions were... Is it normal to feel very anxious about sexual intimacy if nothing bad happened to you? Ever since I was a child (5 years old) I was very sexual, my earliest memory of sexuality/masturbation is me being alone in my room and role-playing that someone would tie me down and hold me in place while 'tickling me down there'. I always had such weird fantasies/daydreams of someone 'torturing' me, even in a non-sexual way... Is it normal for me to hate my inner child who prevents me from doing inner child work? If yes, how can we proceed with the inner child work if that is the case? I have a trauma anniversary coming up soon, and I’m starting to feel myself slide into a dark place of PTSD. I feel like my stomach is constantly turning, and everything reminds me of what happened. It’s been ten years, and I’m frustrated with myself for still feeling... Is it possible to help yourself remember the details of a traumatic event that has been blocked from your memory? My dad died when I was 5, and I have spent my whole life trying to piece together my memories from that night. I grew up being told he died in a car accident, but recently learned that he actually killed... I have been diagnosed with cptsd and ptsd (alongside other mental health illnesses). When I have been in therapy it's like my mind goes blank and it's hard to connect to my emotions and even to memories. Is this considered dissociation? My question is can someone accidentally (or purposely I guess) fake PTSD? I have been consistently diagnosed with PTSD for over 10 years, despite constantly denying that I have trauma. I think people are assuming I just forget the “event” or something because I do have a terrible memory, but are there other things that can make it look like I have PTSD... How does one go about sorting through C-PTSD? I’ve tried talk therapy, but I struggle to, we’ll, talk. I just always say “I’m fine,” get super flooded with internal anxiety, and go completely blank. Not super helpful. I’ve looked at alternative therapies, but they make me even MORE nervous (EMDR, Sand Tray, etc). I don’t know where to start... ------ Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything - your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT This episode focuses on Attachment & BPD Audience questions: I hear you talk about reparenting in order to deal with attachment issues a lot. My therapist wants to try this with me but somehow I feel very repulsed and almost angry when I think about this idea. I know, it's childish, but I don't want to do this myself. I want so bad for some other person to fill this parenting-hole and just having to care for myself, which is pretty much what I had to do all my life, just seems so unsatisfying. Are there other ways to deal with attachment issues from childhood abuse/neglect? Is it possible to "fake" mental health problems and trauma responses? I was neglected as a child and now I find myself wanting to feel bad and making myself feel bad (or look bad) just so that my therapist sees it. I am also overly attached to him. Maybe I am just devalidating my traumas, but I sometimes feel like I am exaggerating my reactions to it because I don't think they were that... Can you talk more about quiet BPD? Most videos I see online are about the outward expressions of BPD rather than those who turn those actions inward towards themself. What are some examples of quiet BPD and how could someone share what they’re experiencing with their therapist when most characterize BPD by those stereotypical outward actions/responses? I was diagnosed with CPTSD a year and a half ago. I have been told by my primary and secondary therapist, along with 2 other MH professionals that it’s not BPD. I have been self diagnosing because I have fear of abandonment, which my therapists know. I experienced emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and have memories of physical abandonment. Is it possible to have fear of abandonment... When I was in therapy I would go through phases of feeling like pushing my therapist away and then feeling secure with her. I would tell her when I felt like pushing her away and she would reassure me that she would be there. I would then feel secure in the therapeutic relationship for a period of time... Would LOVE to hear your thoughts on the heard and Depp trial in relation to the bpd / personality disorder diagnosis (only that - everyone can sit with their own thoughts on the trial as it plays out in public opinion but no hate or blame here please, it has the potential to do damage). I am shocked a professional can diagnose like that, considering how long many spend trying to get a diagnosis, and saddened to see a professional run with 'bpd stigmas / stereotypes in such a public trial... Would a therapist or psychiatrist ever hide a bpd diagnosis from a client/ patient? What would be the reasoning if so? When I had a case manager she said I had bpd (it was in my records not her diagnosis), but my psychiatrist never told me about it. I was wondering if you had tips for a long distance relationship with someone with BPD. Thank you! (Others in the community, if you have tips too I’d love to hear them!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything | podcast episode 113 centers around Anxiety (panic attacks, social anxiety, hypervigilance, etc) QUESTIONS 1. What is a healthy or “normal” amount of anxiety to have around losing your job? I get great reviews at work and I even recently got promoted, but whenever I make even a small insignificant mistake or I didn’t do my absolute best, I get really hard on myself and I start to... 2. How do I stop using avoidance as a coping skill for my anxiety?? It’s gotten SO bad. It’s a terrible cycle because when I get behind in school work and housework I get anxious and cannot make myself do the work (especially when it’s something I really don’t want to do) and I get further behind and the anxiety grows... 3. I know you've talked about something similar not too long ago, but I'm still wondering about anxiety surrounding therapy. I have so much of it. outside of session, all i can do is think about the few moments i embarrassed myself or said something in a stupid way, and wondering what my therapist... 4. Kati, you always say that the root of all anxiety is a lack of self-confidence. Can you elaborate what you mean by this? 5. When I was really struggling with anxiety 3 years ago, I had a really bad panic attack in front of my therapist, because she was asking me questions about the scary situation I was in and it was too much for me. I was shaking on the couch and she rubbed my back and helped me through it. I eventually got out of the... 6. Can you talk about the link between anxiety and dissociation? You’ve talked about “pulling the ripcord” but I still find it peculiar that I can go from being very anxious to dissociated in a short period of time since these feel like very different reactions. I also feel as if my anxiety only became an issue when I stopped dissociating... 7. How do you deal with negative or unwanted reactions from others when you show symptoms of anxiety? E.g. with social anxiety when you get feedback at work/school and people say "you should have practiced your talk better because you were too nervous". Or when you meet someone new and struggle to... 8. What about the anxiety before falling asleep. I do need to take sleeping pills because my mind won’t stop racing and thinking about stuff not always sad and bad but still unable to just fall asleep. I do have quiet bpd but... 9. I end up getting physically ill if I experience too much anxiety. It hasn't happened in a while because I have started seeing a therapist and have been working on CBT. But if I reach that point, I can't help but throw up. I've thrown up all over myself by accident. I've thrown up on my dashboard. It just happens... ------ Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode focus: EATING DISORDERS Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything - Kati Morton's mental health podcast | episode 112 Is it possible to form an eating disorder on purpose? Recently I started tracking calories and am really focused on losing weight. When I eat too much I feel really bad and sometimes try to purge (even though I usually don't manage and feel even more useless afterwards). I think I still have it all under control but... What’s the difference between emotional eating and binge eating? I feel like I use food as motivation and as a reward. At the end of my days when I get home from work or on weekends I will crave/eat all the sweets and snacks and food that I know isn’t the healthiest and I guess will I'm wondering how to make yourself feel better on bad body image days? Also, is it possible to ever really like your recovery body? I often find myself really struggling with body image, and although I can avoid acting on behaviors at this point it is really exhausting to constantly hate my body... I was wondering why I want to get sicker for my therapist. I opened up to her (sort of) about my eating disorder, but told her I wasn't too keen on recovering at the moment and she said she understood and wouldn’t force me. I know talking about it is inevitable, but I try not to think about it. I’d like to know where the line is between just being an extremely picky eater and actually having an eating disorder? I was wondering if you could talk more about memory loss & eating disorders. My therapist has brought up that my memory issues could be because of anorexia. what does she mean?? how does this happen?? i feel so stupid because i forgot the slightest things constantly, is this really because of my ed? I'm only fifteen, could this put permanent memory issues on my brain?? Why is it so hard to let go of the romanticized image in my head of the 'perfect anorexic'? And how can I learn to let go? I'm choosing for recovery at the moment, but only with the thought in mind that I never want to let go fully and am always able to go back to my ED habits. It's hard to let... As a medically obese/overweight person who struggles with disordered eating (restriction/bp cycles), what are some healthy and effective ways to manage weight loss while not slipping back into dangerous habits? I want to lose weight, and I think it would improve my body image.... I am overweight and having health problems due to my weight and have started exercising and changing my diet. I have been struggling because I am becoming very hyper aware of calories and my weight and fixating on people's praises for my weight loss. How do I... ------ Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode focus: THE THERAPY PROCESS Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything - Kati Morton's mental health podcast | episode 111 Can you ask your therapist to still see them every once in a while after therapy has ended? I'm 22 and have been seeing my psychologist off and on since I was 17, but since I've known my therapist for so long, I would miss... You've been an absolute lifesaver, and I mean that literally. So, thank you. I'm not sure how to bring this up with my therapist, but I go through phases of extreme attachment. Like googling her name and finding out as much... You’ve talked about the therapist not working harder than you as the patient but how do you know when you are reaching that point? I struggle really hard with opening up and do a lot better when my therapist asks... How do I talk to my therapist about attachment? I get really easily attached and especially with my therapist because she is the first person who ever listened to me and seemed to care about me. But I tend to make myself worse (ed, self harm) whenever... I hope you’re having a great weekend. My question about the therapy process is this: I’m always afraid that my therapist is going to refer me out to someone else. I read into everything that she says and does, waiting for her to tell me... So I just recently started therapy. When I say recently I mean like tomorrow is my 4th appointment. I was anxious before my first appointment, but I have been even more anxious for the appointments since... Do you have any recommendations for how we should decide and prioritize which topics to discuss in therapy? My therapist uses a psychodynamic approach and although I find it helpful it does mean that I have to guide which topics we... Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPISODE FOCUS: Trauma, PTSD, and recovery. Ask Kati Anything - Kati Morton's mental health podcast Episode 110 audience questions: Why do I feel so much shame and guilt about my trauma? It’s not just a necessary shame that it happened. It’s also guilt for upsetting others with it, and worrying that they’ll think less of me. Fear that they are judging. I almost want to downplay it to show that I’m still “normal” and it’s “no... My question is can sexual abuse happen through people on the Internet. I’ve never heard anyone with a degree talk about it. But I’ve heard other people had the same experience as me through them talking about it on tik tok. My generation was the first generation who could have talked... Is it possible to heal from trauma (child sexual abuse, incest) while still seeing your family? The abuse was disclosed and denied by the abuser and not believed by other family members. They go on like nothing has ever happened- the thing is, I don’t want to completely separate from them as I risk... I would love for you to talk about growing up with parents who are hoarders. While they were loving parents, the home environment was traumatic. My parents struggle to see the damage that their behavior has on their children. Would love your thoughts on this and how to heal as an adult! Sorry I know this isn’t really on psychology, but How to talk/support someone who has been through sexual abuse? I know you did a video on: how to talk to/ support someone who is struggling with suicide, a while ago... I was wondering if you can say something about the family dynamics when it comes to past abuse and trauma. I was abused by my parents and a sibling in my childhood. The abuse stopped and the relationship changed. I have spent much time in therapy to deal with the trauma it caused... Can childhood trauma make adult working life too much for some people? I really struggle with being needed and having responsibilities such as working certain days a week. I struggle with nightmares and some days I don't leave my bed when it's too bad which makes holding down a job just... If you experience sexual abuse before you get to the age when you start to experience sexual attraction to others, how is it possible to know if the abuse has altered your sexuality or not? I was abused at the age of 14, and at the time I hadn't started to feel sexual attraction yet, only romantic attraction... How can I know if I’m really an introvert or if I just avoid and distance myself from people because I’m afraid they could hurt me/let me down? And, if I find being around people draining - is it because I’m an introvert or because I’m managing anxiety and triggers? ------ Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast - Episode 109 Your Questions: Is it normal to have constant thoughts of suicide? Whenever anything goes mildly wrong, or even when nothing is wrong but I feel overwhelmed, self-harm and suicide are always where my mind goes to, even though I've never attempted it. How can I cope with this? Also, does it indicate that... Can you talk a little bit about the effect of depression on the ability to concentrate? How does the lack of concentration in depression feel, and is it different from the lack of concentration in (for example) ADHD? (COMMENT: As a follow up question, could you talk about mental fog and how it might be... Do you have any input on dealing with a single parent that has depression as a teenager that still lives at home? I feel like no one talks about this and it is really hard to live day by day because I am just worried all of the time, not about their physical safety but just the thought of them never being happy again... How can I finally defeat depression once and for all? I´ve been struggling with depression for almost as long as I can remember. I´ve had my lowest lows and I can say I'm lucky enough right now not to be completely surrounded by that dark fog that feels like it's taking every part of myself... I know suicidal thoughts and depression are different, and that you can have depression without suicidal thoughts, but is it possible to have suicidal thoughts but not depression? I have almost constant thoughts of suicide, and am very anxious but I don’t think I’m depressed and I don’t understand... Could you talk about chronic depression and SI? I have struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts for as long as I can remember and even when things are a little better, those thoughts are still there. Will they ever go away or is this something I just have to learn to manage? I have been in therapy... How do you validate yourself when you have high functioning depression? Being able to do things makes me feel as though I'm crazy, I feel bad internally but externally I am still able to do things and do them well even. I'm in counseling and I find it difficult to portray my depressive symptoms... I am glad to see you are trying new things for the podcast. This time seems like it would work better for me. I know you strongly discourage it but is it possible to work through mild suicidal thoughts on your own? If you do not feel comfortable telling anyone or your therapist about it? I went to a mental health training and we learned what to do if someone is suicidal. We ask 3 questions. 1. Do you have a specific way of doing it? 2. Do you have a specific date? 3. Do you have the means prepared to do it? This hit me hard because I can answer yes to... ------ Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor Betterhelp will connect you with a licensed, online counselor. VISIT https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.patreon.com/katimorton Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast - Episode 108 Your Questions: Hope you are doing well. I know that a lot of therapists see a therapist themselves. What I talk about with my therapist is supposed to be between us. Would the therapist be allowed to discuss any of our... What's the most challenging thing for you about being a therapist? (COMMENT: As an addon. What do you think of patients that ask many questions? I’m a naturally curious person. For as long as I can remember, I... I find it difficult to go back to therapy after my old therapist left giving a 2 week notice. The thought of going back to therapy gets me feeling angry and I'm worried I might get a bit passive aggressive and push my... My question involves sexuality. Is there a way to differentiate between being asexual and having experiences/trauma in your past that have negatively impacted your sexual outlook and behavior? This is a follow up question on an ep where you talked about using masturbation as a way to cope. I was wondering, does it have to be born out of sexual abuse? And what if it's a very young child? I teach a... Why does it feel like I’m always walking on eggshells? When I was growing up in my house I always felt like I was walking on eggshells because my parents were always mentally abusive, but now that I’ve moved... When dealing with past trauma you have mentioned that talk therapy isn’t always enough, especially if someone finds it hard to talk about. With other therapies like emdr or somatic therapy when you remove the trauma from the body does that... Is there an opposite of dissociation? Can you be too self-aware? Dissociation comes up quite frequently in AKA questions and after listening to your videos and reading about it I’m not sure that I ever experienced it... ----- Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Online Therapy | While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon | Do you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Business Contact | Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep.107 audience questions 1. Can you please explain the difference between when it is important to "feel your feelings"/sit with your feelings versus when you should use distraction based coping skills? I feel like I get stuck doing too... 2. I am wondering what you would constitute an “emergency” that would be acceptable for your client to reach out to you between sessions. I am constantly worried about crossing boundaries and not bothering my therapist, especially... 3. Could you go deeper into what a flashback actually is? What is the difference between a flashback and an emotional flashback, or body memories. How do triggers come into play also? You have mentioned that with a flashback you go back to another time, a place, do you physically... 4. Can you talk a bit about the importance and healing power of the therapeutic relationship (specifically for trauma) and corrective emotional experiences with a therapist? I’ve been seeing my therapist for almost 2... 5. Do you know what causes such a hollow, empty feeling inside, and how to fix it? I have C-PTSD, depression and anxiety from childhood emotional neglect and am in therapy working on self-worth. I've made a lot... 6. As a therapist, what would you think if a client told you that masturbation is often accompanied by self-injurious behavior? What is meant by this is that the body performs certain autodestructive actions... 7. I keep hearing that therapy is supposed to be hard work and people have "therapy hangovers" and all this stuff but I don't and I feel like I must be doing something wrong. Is it cause for concern that it hasn’t been... 8. I'd like to hear Kati's thoughts on what to do about passive suicidal thoughts. I feel like because I don't have active thoughts of suicide then I shouldn't make a big deal out of it in therapy, even though it's a big deal to... 9. How do YouTubers set healthy boundaries with their viewers and listeners who often emotionally depend on them? I read a lot of comments about YouTube videos helping with anxiety and depression, but does it ever feel like a responsibility to keep up the work? ----- Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Online Therapy | While I do not currently offer online therapy, my sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon | Do you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Business Contact | Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"How do I convince myself that my assault wasn’t my fault?" | AKA ep. 106 AUDIENCE QUESTIONS 1/ How do you know if a patient is ready to move on from stabilization to processing traumas? Is there a certain amount of time that needs to go by with abstinence from target behaviors? Does frequency of dissociation play into the decision? I know it will be different... 2/ Lots of people ask questions about not being able to identify their feelings, and you always mention feelings charts, and describe how you think certain emotions should feel like, which is great advice! But as someone who was emotionally numb for years, what really helped me was... 3/ My therapist died this week. It was not completely unexpected because she had terminal cancer. I had an inkling things were progressing for the worse as she had canceled several sessions. I’m heartbroken that we will never have the last session I imagined in my mind and that I... 4/ How do I convince myself fully that my assault wasn’t AT ALL my fault? Technically speaking, I absolutely could have just stayed home, but I didn’t. And I can’t let that go. I also could have done more afterwards but again, didn’t. How do I let this go so I can move on with my life?? I've done lots of therapy, but I can’t get past the “technicalities” of it.... 5/ Hi Kati, please can you explain when it’s ok for therapists to break confidentiality regarding adult patients being a threat to themselves? I thought this only referred to active suicidal thoughts/plans, but my therapist told me last session she might have to think about breaking... 6/ Can therapists read minds? 😂😂 but for real though. My last session I walked in the room and before I even sat down on the chair, or said a word my therapist said “your anxiety is way too high” which she was right of course. The last couple months my anxiety is so high where I’m throwing... 7/ an you talk about the use of EMDR for anxiety disorders or other disorders other than PTSD? (COMMENT: can it be useful for overcoming alcohol addiction as well? // Just an add on, is it possible that EMDR can make your PTSD symptoms more intense before getting better? My... 8/ I have a question about obsessive compulsive behaviors… idk if i actually have it - I’m trying to decide what is going on in my head here… I feel as though things have to go, feel, and be “right” or else I cannot feel calm. I have a lot of anxiety, and I use this sort of scale to calm myself. For... ----- Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Online Therapy | I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon | Do you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Business Contact | Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything podcast episode #105 Licensed therapist, Kati Morton is answering your questions Audience questions: 1. Do you ever find yourself anxious or nervous around certain patients, particularly when they’re being self-destructive or suicidal? My therapist seemed legitimately nervous our last few sessions... 2. Why do I almost always feel fine on the day of therapy? It's like the week can be really horrible and then as soon as I step into the room with my therapist I am completely fine. It's like my brain is back to normal and I don't have any mental illness at all. I then also don't see any of my problems or thoughts I had in the week as "that" bad and tend to look at them very differently then I am when... 3. What is high functioning depression and how is it different from major depression or persistent depression? How do you overcome high functioning depression? And when do you know it’s over? Also is it harder to heal from high functioning depression because you’re going to work/school... 4. How do you help a partner to more fully/better understand where you are at in your mental health journey when it feels like they just don’t get it? I’ve been in therapy working through anxiety/phobias/depression that I have been keeping bottled up and hidden basically since I was a teen... 5. Have you ever had a patient or person in general tell you a trauma and you couldn't help but think that it shouldn't really have traumatized them? Especially if you yourself had a similar experience. I know therapists don't judge but there must be some traumas you hear about where... 6. How do we go about ending relationships with narcissistic parents? I’m due to be moving away for university in September and I have absolutely no intention of coming back or seeing her ever again. But how do you even begin to have that conversation? I don’t just want to move away, block... 7. I have a therapist, but I feel more drawn to ask you questions instead of going to her with my questions. I love the community and knowing I’m not alone in my struggles. And I love the way you answer these questions and make us feel so seen and validated. You’re so passionate and... 8. You recently became a dog owner and it makes me happy for you because it's so rewarding to have a dog in our lives to love and to take care of. I also enjoyed that connection of being a dog owner until recently. Last year, within 8 months, I lost my 3 dogs due to old age and disease. 2 lived to be... 9. If someone doesn't experience something as traumatic, is it still trauma. So if someone experiences something that's terrible (for example, sexual assault) and they are not traumatized by it, is it still considered trauma? ----- Kati's Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Online Therapy | I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon | Do you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Business Contact | Linnea Toney [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I wasn't traumatized, why do I have PTSD symptoms?" | Ask Kati Anything 104 Books Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j - 0rder Yours Today Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy - In Stores Now Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Online Therapy - I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon Do you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast) https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Mail 1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B Box #353 Austin, TX 78728 If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything! Your mental health podcast with Kati Morton, LMFT episode 1031. What advice do you have for those of us who can’t tolerate intimacy? Too much eye contact, love, and attention often seems to overwhelm me. I find it so much easier to connect with people I barely know, but when people get too familiar and close I panic...2. When working with trauma how do you build that window of tolerance? I feel at times like I’m stuck and can’t stop myself from dissociating. We have built several safety measures, worked on body awareness but yet the second the past comes into play I can feel my anxiety climb...3. I’ve been seeing a lot of people on TikTok talking about how they sort of habitualized a certain food (like the same bedtime snack every night or same breakfast every morning), not out of an eating disorder...4. If someone has had an ED for a long time (say 5/10+ years) how likely are they to recover in your experience? If it is a 'stuck' ED, at what point would you suspect something underlying (another mental health condition for example) hasn't been addressed...5. I hope you are well. I was seeing a psychotherapist for help to address my childhood emotional neglect and also other traumatic things that happened. I saw him for about 2 years and unfortunately I wasn't able to continue to see him because it was provided by the NHS. I felt ...6. How do you know if you have truly forgiven someone? I had my trust broken in my marriage recently and trying to find the balance between giving permission to feel hurt, but also not holding a grudge. But I feel like this could apply to plenty of other...7. I'm just wondering how to deal with being highly empathic, while struggling myself. Emotionally abusive father (sometimes questioned if narcissistic) and I can tell how he is by how he coughs, breathes, or walks. He is prone to very low moods, to the point where it’s scary but won’t get help. He will never...8. How does one differ between urges that are biologically driven and aren’t really choices and ones that are self induced habits? I’m in recovery from a restrictive ED and am honoring mental hunger. However, sometimes I get confused if it’s mental hunger or my binging...9. My depression keeps going up and down. Sometimes I just feel like crying, and I have been having more bad days than good, manageable days. I’ve been stuck at home for weeks, unable to go anywhere, or even walk around my house properly because of...BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j - 0rder Yours TodayAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy - In Stores NowAmazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimortonOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonDo you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Mail1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B Box #353 Austin, TX 78728If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything! Your mental health podcast with Kati Morton, LMFT Episode 101 Audience Questions1. Hi Kati, what happens in the brain when you dissociate? Does it reduce blood flow to certain areas of the brain? What happens in the brain when you do coping techniques? I am really interested to hear what happens with neurotransmitters and blood flow and brain activation when dissociating and when trying to get out of this state. Also is there any research on the long term effects of regular dissociation for the brain? Thanks for creating these podcasts, they are interesting and eye-opening. (COMMENT: Also, does derealisation and depersonalisation impact the brain differently? Lastly, what does it look like in an MRI scan? Is it diagnosable just by looking at brain waves?)2. Epilepsy patient dissociation aura. posteromedial cortex PMC 3Hz firing (PMC part of DMN, involved in internally focused cognition like autobiographical memory). Ketamine causes dissociation - when they gave it to mice, the mice wouldnt withdraw paw from hot plate (dissociation). When they stimulated PMC 3 Hz it recapitulated this effect without ketamine 3. Hello Kati and Dr. Ben Rein, I’m curious to know more about neuroplasticity and what someone with C-PTSD can do to strengthen memory and learning skills? I’m a survivor of CSA and I find it’s difficult for me to memorize and retain what I’m studying in school. Any advice? 4. How does developing a mental illness in childhood affect your brain long term? I had severe OCD when I was around 10 years old and I still deal with it as an adult. I know you can be symptom-free from certain disorders like OCD that may develop at any time in your life, but I...+++++Ben Rein, Ph.D. is a neuroscientist & postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University. Ben is currently studying how psychedelic drugs alter the way the brain processes social information. Ben ultimately intends to supervise his own research lab and serve as a professor at an academic institution.​Outside of the lab, Ben shares educational science videos on social media to a collective audience of more than 800,000 subscribers. In his videos, Ben shares breaking scientific discoveries, debunks "viral" videos containing misinformation, teaches fundamental neuroscience principles, and educates on the importance of scientific research. He also provides guidance to students through a video series called "Scientips"You can find more from Ben onTikTok @ dr.breinInstagram @ doctor.breinTwitter @ dr_brein+++++BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j - 0rder Yours TodayAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy - In Stores NowAmazon Suggestionshttps://www.amazon.com/shop/katimortonOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonDo you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Mail1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B Box #353 Austin, TX 78728If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything! Your mental health podcast with Kati Morton, LMFT episode 1021. Can you talk about the fear of abandonment vs fear of rejection and how they differ? As a kid, I was left out a lot, felt excluded, and like I didn’t belong. I still feel the effects of those social rejections to the point that...2. My friend and I both were suicidal in the past, but we were suicidal in completely opposite ways. I thought it was interesting. For her, suicide was a last resort, an escape from painful feelings. Feeling hopeless, like...3. Why do I feel so empty when sharing traumatic stories with my therapist? I just can’t access those emotions and it makes me wonder if they are even there. It also makes me question the validity of the stories...4. Are therapists supposed to hide their emotions in response to a story shared? As in, remain calm, soothing or neutral. Recently, I shared with my sister how my therapist shows her anger in session as a response to...5. How do you deal with a traumatic sexual experience that wasn't rape or abuse? Years ago my last relationship ended after my at the time boyfriend sleeping with me and breaking up right afterwards...6. What changes do you think could be made to adult psych wards for treatment to be more effective, and for a better experience? I know that sometimes I need the extra support but my times at the psych ward in the...7. I recently expressed suicidal ideation in therapy and my therapist said to me she isn’t worried about me because i haven’t tried to kill myself to date. I am feeling so hurt and invalidated by this. also, since i am very attached...8. Thanks for all that you do for us all! My question is: Do some therapists/psychiatrists use proper medical words and lingos? My therapist has told her a few times that I don't know the logical definitions...9. Can you please talk a little about bpd. I have suffered for many years. I think it is the most misunderstood mental illness. I have therapy weekly and work hard, I have also been in and out of hospital over the years. I’m 53, is there an optimistic future ahead or...+++++BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j - 0rder Yours TodayAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy - In Stores NowAmazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimortonOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonDo you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Mail1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B Box #353 Austin, TX 78728If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything! Your mental health podcast with Kati Morton, LMFT episode 1001. What exactly are body memories? How do I know I have them, what do they feel like and what options are there to treat them? In your last podcast you were talking a lot about body memories and wondered whether you would share some more information about them. 2. I find I tend to wallow in negative thoughts when I am in bed, before I fall asleep. I go over old arguments, think about past events that upset me, and despair over things I dislike about myself. It can spiral into thoughts of suicide or self-harm fantasies. While I’m improving in many areas...3. Sometimes it seems like you answer the same kind of questions each week so here is a different question. Do you have any ideas why I feel the need to masturbate whenever I feel stressed or sad? I have noticed that I do this often but I never thought much of it until watching...4. Why do we invalidate ourselves? When talking with my therapist at my last appt she had made the comment when dealing with past trauma and I found my mind instantly putting up a block and wanting to say I don’t have trauma even though I know that’s what it is (CSA). Even with c-ptsd I...5. Can you talk about ‘Splitting’ in Borderline Personality Disorder vs Trauma Bonds? Is it harder for people with BPD to tell they’re in a trauma bond because they think it’s just their borderline acting up and making them view their partner badly? (Splitting). Are people with BPD...6. I am curious if having s*x that you don’t want but said yes to can be traumatizing. I have social phobia and was at that point not able to say “no” cause I was so scared. I think I dissociated a little while it happened. I couldn’t move, talk or feel my body while at the same time being in quite bad pain....7. My question is related to trauma. Is it possible that my therapist is not having me process being raped because I am in the middle of an ongoing trauma with my daughter? Is it a bad idea to process things while they are still happening? 8. I’m in my late 20’s and I am just about to start studying in a course on mental health. I’m excited because I love learning and I am passionate about all things involving mental health, but I’m also terrified at the same time and I’m wondering if this is the right fit for me...9. In what way do you think mental illness affects a marriage most? More specifically, what is the best way to manage depression in a healthy marriage?BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j - 0rder Yours TodayAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy - In Stores NowAmazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimortonOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonDo you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Mail1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B Box #353 Austin, TX 78728If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Why do narcissistic people believe their past trauma means..." | AKA ep. 99Guest: Lana Seiler, MSW, LCSW - Primary Therapist at APN LodgeLana is a licensed clinical social worker and primary therapist at APN Lodge. Lana places a high value on “holding space” for guests to process their experiences and begin to heal. She is a champion of holistic and scientific mental health and addiction treatment, helping clients fight for their development of a healthier view of themselves, others, and the world. Those hard-won results are her greatest reward.Addiction & Mental Health Treatment: If you are looking for an in-person treatment center that provides expert help with addiction recovery and mental health, All Points North Lodge is a great option. All Points North Lodge offers evidence-based and holistic treatment in the Colorado mountains. Chat with a member of their team at www.apnlodge.com/kati or call (218) 306-82141. Do therapists really not judge their clients? You guys are human too so I can’t see a reality where my therapist wouldn’t judge me in some way (she’s very kind btw, I’m not saying this based on any experience)...2. Why do narcissistic people believe their past trauma means their abusive patterns/behaviors towards others should be excused? Where do we draw the line between ending stigma and and allowing people to abuse, regardless of trauma/mental illness?3. What is the difference between empathy and codependency? I’ve been told I have both and was actually diagnosed with codependent personality traits. I know that I have a hard time separating my own emotions from others. I become extremely unsettled if I...4. How do you get yourself to believe it’s not your fault? I was sexually abused as a child, starting around age 7, and I know I am suppose to say it’s not my fault, my therapist tells me it’s not my fault and so do others but when it comes down to it I still have a hard time believing...5. Could you please explain the difference between borderline pd and dependent pd? I know both involve a fear of abandonment and attachment issues, but I am having trouble figuring out which disorder resonates with me more. I had an emotionally neglectful mum and...6. I'm struggling with the reparenting process. I was neglected or emotionally abused when I was a child and I understand that I have to give myself what my child version would have wanted and needed, but I don't feel like that's enough. Doing it myself helps, but I still feel like I want...#podcast #psychology #katimortonJournalingEvery Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j - 0rder Yours TodayAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy - In Stores NowAmazon Suggestionshttps://www.amazon.com/shop/katimortonOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonDo you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Mail1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B Box #353 Austin, TX 78728If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On ep. 98 of Ask Kati Anything, Dr. Baland Jalal is our guest. He is a neuroscientist at Cambridge University and previously at Harvard University and considered one of the world's leading experts on sleep paralysis. Can you have sleep paralysis in places other than your bed? A member of our community recently felt like she had this happen in a car. What percentage of sleep disturbance is chemical or naturally formed and what percentage is trauma induced? What causes sleep paralysis? How can we get it to stop? Is sleep paralysis more common when you’re young? Why do many experience sleep paralysis most often right as they are falling asleep? How much sleep should someone get every night? 7 or 8 hours? Can SSRI’s or SNRI’s cause sleep paralysis? --------------BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0jAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULyOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonHelp support the creation of mental health content? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business ContactLinnea Toney [email protected] Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything mental health podcast episode 97 Is it ok if I never want to stop going to therapy? It’s not an attachment thing, I just truly enjoy having a safe, neutral place to drop my baggage off every week… I think I’m a lifer… But is that a bad thing? My therapist recently told me for the first time that most of my relaxation methods have a self-injurious character. However, I don't intentionally self-injure, it tends to happen unconsciously (e.g., bath water too hot, etc.) and because of my issues with... How can those of us who can’t remember our trauma feel validated? I feel like there are no communities for people like me who are scared and experience trauma responses but don’t have memories to talk about the trauma. I’ve been doing trauma work for years and my... I’m hoping I can keep this short… I was raised by verbally/emotionally abusive parents who raised me to fully believe that no one could possibly like me. They don’t even like me, and made that clear. I now struggle to believe in unconditional love, and therefore cannot give 100% of... You’ve talked about repressed memories but can you be traumatized from a situation you wouldn’t usually remember? Like for example if someone did something to you when you were sleeping? Or when you were a baby? Also, can you be traumatized from something that you thought was completely normal? Why do I dislike being 'healthy' so much? I've had to keep eating enough, instead of heavily restricting like I normally would, because of the physical demands of my jobs and staff shortages mean extra pressure to stay healthy. I'm frustrated I'm not as small as I normally am, and feel... How do I stop thinking about and missing my therapist? Ever since I terminated (she moved elsewhere), I still keep thinking about her. The therapeutic relationship was one of the closest and most consistent I've had. I'm an introvert, so it's hard to turn to friends and family... What do you do when thought stopping doesn’t seem to work anymore? What do you do when you know what you’re supposed to tell yourself but can’t get yourself to believe it? I’ve worked with a cbt therapist back many years ago to help with social anxiety and for the most part... How do you learn to feel safe expressing feelings? Because of abuse I feel it’s not safe to express emotions or needs. I also don’t feel worth someone caring about me. How do I get through this? --------------BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0jAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULyOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonHelp support the creation of mental health content? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business ContactLinnea Toney [email protected] Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything mental health podcast episode 961. Hey Kati! How can I start to feel more comfortable sharing things with my therapist? I have been in therapy for a few months now and I still feel like I am holding back. I do trust her and want to be able to open up, but I...2. During session there are times when my therapist acknowledges and validates my emotions which I love but I have a hard time tolerating them. I either become very emotional because she has put words to them or...3. Any tips for nighttime anxiety? During the day, when I'm at work, I am fine. Virtually no anxiety. I don't know whether the anxiety is truly less or, since I have a fast paced job, I simply don't notice it as much, but...4. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how aspects of our identity are impacted by therapy! I feel like a completely different person to the one who started therapy, and wondered if there’s any pattern to how...5. Is it normal to feel stressed around people who're fighting? When I hear someone arguing I suddenly start feeling uncomfortable and scared, as if I'm in danger. But in reality I know there's nothing that can happen to me...6. How do I deal with suicide as one of my intrusive thoughts? I’ve dealt with depression, but I’m not suicidal. One of my greatest fears in life is becoming suicidal, so naturally, I have intrusive thoughts about being...7. Why do so many people want to find reasons for why you are the way you are instead of just accepting you as you are? I was raped as a teenager, and I hate telling people this because they automatically think...8. I don’t know how to tell my new therapist about everything I’m struggling with, because it seems so overwhelming that I don’t know where to start. We did the initial appointment & although I didn’t have a problem opening up...9. HAPPY 2022 Kati, Sean and Roxy. I've been relapsing back into ED over Christmas. More purging, restricting etc. How can I break back out of the cycle before I get back in deep again? 10. I have a question about rational and irrational fear. In Summer I started my first year at uni and while I was very aware of the potentially unhealthy stress I’d get into, (unfortunately I think nowadays that’s almost a given when you start studying), it doesn’t make stress, anxiety and worry any easier to deal with.--------------BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0jAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULyOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonHelp support the creation of mental health content? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business ContactLinnea Toney [email protected] Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything mental health podcast episode 951. I’ve got a question about boundaries. Why am I testing the boundaries of my therapist? I don’t want to do it but it’s just happening and I get irritated at myself for doing it. Do you have any tips and do you get annoyed as a therapist when your client is testing your boundaries?2. I hope you’re doing well! How do I appreciate the happy moments where my depression disappears when all I can think in the back of my mind is ‘when will it get bad again’3. How can I stop idealizing my therapist? I really idealize my therapist and keep telling my t how much I love her and how I never want her to leave me. Maybe it doesn't have anything to do with it but my therapist seems so perfect to me even if I know on a rational level she isn´t but I´m so focused...4. I am in counseling for depression and anxiety. However, I find I have a strong reluctance around getting better. I think there are a variety of reasons - depression defines me, so without it I’m not sure who I am, and it gives me a lot of excuses as to why I’m not successful or more active. When I am...5. I am curious as to how you would prepare your clients/patients for when you were out of the office for a vacation or such? I mean, for those going in weekly, are there any tips that you provide for coping if a session cannot be held weekly? I have weekly sessions and the idea of not going in...6. I was wondering how to stop being sick on the day of therapy? It can be hours after and I’ll be sick every time without fail. I don’t think things are going too fast but I’m now getting nauseous when very anxious too. I don’t know why this keeps happening? I’m in the process of getting a diagnosis for ptsd by the way. Thank you for all that you do7. How do we move past our trauma when we have to return to it? I had a very traumatizing experience at college over a year ago, and I had to withdraw from school this year after trying to return because it was too overwhelming. I feel like I can’t return to my dream school because of...8. I have BPD (borderline personality disorder) and I'm wondering how does one not get so dependent on their FP (favorite person). I'm very dependent on this person. Whenever they are in a bad mood or upset it makes me in a bad mood or upset.9. Could you talk more about the less common symptoms of OCD? I will re-do things if it doesn’t “feel right” or have to touch the surface of everything before I place anything down. I find myself not being able to NOT do it. Sometimes I don’t even know what the “obsession” would...10. I was wondering about thoughts of self harm. I got really focused on an object. I wanted to buy it. I didn’t hurt myself but I really wanted to. Now I feel shitty. Like I fell and can not get back up. How can I feel better when situations like this keep happening to me...BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0jAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULyOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonHelp support the creation of mental health content? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business ContactLinnea Toney [email protected] Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything ep 93Audience questions:1. Why do I feel like a child even though I am an adult? I am 32, I have a career, a partner and I am living a responsible adult life. But I feel like a child. Whenever I am subjected to ‘adult’ topics, like alcohol, sex etc. I catch myself thinking that those things are for adults only and I am still too...2. How do I get over the feeling of not deserving to be in therapy and to get help/better? Part of me knows that I do need the help because inside I feel like a mess but outwardly I appear fine and fully functional, so every time I go, I start to feel like don't deserve to be there, and that I am just...3. I’ve noticed that lots of times after a therapy session, my brain turns to mush. I keep having those ‘uhhhh….’ moments where you know what the answer is but it’s just not coming to you. Like, it’s on the tip of your tongue but just out of reach. I keep blanking on really simple things. Should I...4. I was wondering if therapists change their body positions for a reason/purpose, like to help the patient/client feel more at ease. Recently, my therapist has started sitting and moving in ways that are "less professional" like resting her head on her hand or turning to one side and leaning against...5. Is closure a necessary part of healing a childhood trauma or is it better to not pursue it since it might backfire on the person? For example, I was bullied when I was a child and I still live close to that bully. That bully’s not tormenting me physically anymore, but from time to time, I still...6. May you please talk about how and why such small or short term things can have a deep, lasting impact on us? Why is it that little things like the way a parent spoke to/about me can hurt more than the physical aspect of things? Further I was at a highly competitive school for a year...7. How would you tell if you're being manipulated? Every time I have arguments with my mum, I find that she mixes in truths with her own emotions, and I end up really confused. Was I truly selfish for not understanding her better and seeing things from her perspective?8. Greetings from Finland! My question is about why my voice turns into a little child in therapy. It’s barely audible and I want to sit in the corner during therapy and I sometimes do because it feels safe. I can’t look at my therapist and I feel so young and little. I don’t want to act this way...9. I have had symptoms of OCD since I was like 5 years old. How come OCD symptoms (intrusive thoughts, compulsions) get worse over time? --------------BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0jAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULyOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonHelp support the creation of mental health content? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business ContactLinnea Toney [email protected] Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything episode 94Audience questions:1. Hey Kati, why is accepting any sort of praise or compliments so hard for me to do? I genuinely do appreciate them, but I don't know if it's that I don't believe they are true and don't deserve it, or if I just don't like the attention...2. Is there a way to tell the difference between real memories and things imagined in your dreams? Sometimes I need to imagine bad things happening to me to fall asleep. I don't want these things to actually...3. Can you talk about passive suicidal ideation? Also, how is it that I encourage/support the fight to live for others but I can’t seem to provide that same thought for me? I just recently lost an immediate family member back in August due to...4. I’ve always wanted to be a therapist or a counselor, but I have one big issue with that: I get frustrated when people don’t see what’s right in front of them! Which is basically what therapy is all about: Gently nudging...5. Have you had any clients explore their sexuality with you? If so, what did the process look like? I know I’m maybe interested in doing more work with that, but I’m also hesitant. What if I find out it’s not something I want ? 6. Recently we've started inner child work in therapy. I don't know if there's a universal way of doing this, but my therapist likes to work with an empty chair that represents my younger self. Sometimes he asks me to talk to my inner child who is...7. I was wondering how do you push past the therapy hangover? I find that after sessions I tend to stay in my head a little too much lately to the point that it usually wastes the day. Sometimes it’s replaying parts of the...8. I loved your last conversation about shame. I was wondering if you could talk more about what I think could be called “chronic shame” and how to break through it with your therapist? Much love from Scandinavia.9. Why does treatment sometimes make us worse? I’ve been in PHP and inpatient. Both of them made my mental health so much worse. I know other’s who constantly cycle through. They get discharged and end up back in the hospital....--------------BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0jAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULyOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonHelp support the creation of mental health content? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business ContactLinnea Toney [email protected] Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything podcast episode 92 Hi, Kati! Is it possible to not be traumatized by something that is clearly traumatic to other people or are you just denying that you are? My parents were kidnapped and held at gunpoint when... Hi Kati, can you go into emotional trauma a little more? I experience all of the symptoms of emotional trauma but my parents were always there if I needed them, including if I ever asked they would support me emotionally and give advice. They ... Hey Kati, How do I handle not taking people "worrying" about me seriously? For example, in my last therapy session, towards the end, my therapist told me I can always call or email him if I need someone to talk to. He probably offered that because Hi Kati, could you please tell us more about how you experienced each of your different roles as a psychologist throughout your career? When you were at the ED clinic, private psychotherapist, and now a youtuber? And how do you look at those ... Hi Kati! Where's the line between normal amounts of anxiety and too much/unhealthy anxiety? I recently graduated from grad school and am now moving to a new state across the country to start my new job in a few weeks. I feel like I’ve always been a ... Hi Kati! I’ve been seeing my therapist for over two years now and she is truly great, however ever since our first session I’m behaving extremely shy as If I only met her recently. I’m for sure not the most confident person to exist (I’ve been struggling with .... I have BPD and suffered years of narcissistic abuse at the hands of family, ex friends and partners. Some people believe that I have no right to talk about my experiences with narcissistic abuse because of the BPD. What are your thoughts on this, as well as ... Hi Kati, lately I've been freaking out going to Dr appts. I'm a chronic illness pt and have had 4 surgeries in less than 2yrs. I've always been uncomfortable going to Drs but now it's really bad, like panic attack scary. I'm seeing a therapist for anxiety, depression, ... Is it possible to not remember a trauma correctly or even all the details like any of your senses? I was a teen when I was forced to talk about a trauma and was trying to piece together what it all meant with what I was remembering but mostly the .... --------------BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0jAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULyOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonHelp support the creation of mental health content? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business ContactLinnea Toney [email protected] Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything podcast episode 91Today's guest is Jason Thompson a a certified EMT-P and trained in TMS for Brainsway and Nuerostar. Since 2004, he has working in a variety of healthcare settings such as an EMT and Director of Neuromodulation in Texas Jason Thompson brings his passion for healing and educating to his role as Director of Deep TMS and Hyperbaric Services at All Points North Lodge. He loves educating and treating clients with newer technologies and guiding them through the healing process with a holistic approach.Addiction & Mental Health Treatment: If you are looking for an in-person treatment center that provides expert help with addiction recovery and mental health, All Points North Lodge is a great option. All Points North Lodge offers evidence-based and holistic treatment in the Colorado mountains. Chat with a member of their team at www.apnlodge.com/kati or call (218) 306-8214Audience questions:1) Hi Kati, my therapist recommended that I try a brainwave treatment for my depression/ anxiety. She said in most cases it really helps. I would love to hear more about it and the pros and cons :) Thank you!2) Can you talk more about TMS? Is it meant to complement traditional talk therapy or can it be done on its own? Where I live, only 1 private clinic provides this treatment option so it feels risky (since it's not used by many) and I'm not sure if the price is justified. When should I consider this alternative (trauma/dissociation)? Thank you so much3) I am very interested in understanding more about the benefits of trauma yoga. I have also heard that singing can have similar benefits. Why is this? I have C-PTSD and I'll do anything to improve my situation (which is very very very bad at the moment). Could you discuss this more? 4) Hi Kati! How do you know if you still need therapy or if you’re just overly attached to your therapist? I know you’ve talked about this before but I’m still confused! I love my therapist and we’ve done amazing ...5) How do I get over the fear of opening up to my therapist about things I’m not sure are actually traumatic? I feel like I’ve built up this anticipation to my therapist about things I’m “not ready to talk about yet” and the longer the wait, the more anxious I...6) Hey Kati and guest! When do I know if something that happened really was a "trauma" ? When I grew up I was (and still am) around this guy who trains horses and he is alot older than me (I was 14 at the time and he was 60). He was a real...--------------BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0jAre u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULyOnline TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreonHelp support the creation of mental health content? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything podcast episode 90Today's guest is Jessica Harp, LPC, MS! She joins All Points North Lodge in her role as Clinical Operations Manager. She is passionate about employing empirically proven treatment and innovation to aid patients in identifying core belief systems that are affecting the ability to function in relationships, professions and being a meaningful member of society.Since 2013, Jessica has been serving clients in a few different clinical settings such as Partial hospitalization, inpatient and outpatient. Some of her roles have consisted of ensuring all programs were compliant with current laws, rules and regulations of federal and state licensing agencies, supervising individual and group counseling and overall providing high quality care to all clients. The most rewarding moment of her career has been providing awareness and education on Moral Injury. She is confident that she is able to provide support and guidance in clinical operations while aiding in the cultivation of an environment that clients and clinicians thrive in and reach their optimum wellness. Thank you to APN Lodge for sponsoring this podcast! All Points North Lodge is a behavioral health company that offers addiction treatment, mental health, and trauma therapy at a stunning Colorado mountain campus and online.Addiction & Mental Health Treatment If you are looking for an in-person treatment center that provides expert help with addiction recovery and mental health, All Points North Lodge is a great option. All Points North Lodge offers evidence-based and holistic treatment in the Colorado mountains. Chat with a member of their team at www.apnlodge.com/kati or call (218) 306-8214Audience questions1. What should be the goal, either short term or long term, when trying to address shame, guilt and disgust in areas of trauma? The battle I face between showing self-compassion and keeping self-hatred...2. I am really struggling to bring up my trauma in therapy. I only tend to talk about it when certain major triggers occur in my day to day life. Whenever I do talk about it, I feel awful for...3. Can you discuss the taboo side effects of abuse victims because it is never discussed at all and only discusses favorable therapy for victims but never abusers? Half the time we see abused victims get better...4. How can I break the shame spiral that I am in? I endured both verbal/emotional abuse as well as SA from someone close to me. But many times instead of being angry at them I am angry at myself...5. A few years ago, I hit a rock bottom with my depression that I’d never felt before. I was constantly suicidal and it was terrifying to me. I had absolutely no support and was alone in ... BooksTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online TherapyI do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/katiPatreon Help support the creation of mental health content? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (my afterhours podcast)https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/Business Contact Linnea Toney [email protected] Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 88 audience questions:1. If you are taught growing up that your feelings were not valid, how do you start to feel okay feeling feelings? Throughout my childhood and as I grew up, I was consistently told I was just being too sensitive or overreacting or whatever happened was not worth getting upset over... 2. I just started therapy to work through physical and sexual abuse and was diagnosed with PTSD. My therapist has pointed out (with compassion) that I’m very ambivalent. I didn’t think this was necessarily bad until I looked it up and saw that it can be a predictor of failed...3. Can you talk about intellectualizing rather than processing trauma? My therapist says I seem to be able to talk about details of my trauma with a "clinical" viewpoint, as if I'm talking about someone else, with no difficulty at all. (I have a degree in social work).4. Hope you’re doing well. Can you talk a little bit about building intrinsic motivation? I find it easy to fight my depressive symptoms in order to do things for others, like keeping spaces clean that my roommates use, or cooking for my family, but since moving out on my own, I can’t seem to...5. What qualifies as “treatment resistant depression”? I’ve tried multiple medications, been in therapy for several years, and I’m still not feeling consistent improvement, no matter how hard I work at it. I’ve been depressed for half my life and all I want is to feel better- I just...6. Are eating disorders ever misdiagnosed? If so, what is it most often misdiagnosed as? (COMMENT: Another question off of diagnosis of EDs, if a person is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa binge/purge subtype, then gains weight through treatment but continues to binge/purge, would they now have bulimia? Can you explain the difference exactly between AN binge /purge subtype and BN? // can you be diagnosed with something like "disordered eating"? 7. How do you go from knowing something to wholeheartedly believing in it? Like I know and can probably recite what my therapist says about how its okay to have needs, that I need to care for myself first, its okay to take up space etc but emotionally, I am not there. It's still so hard and it...8. Could you talk more about the fawn-response? And especially how to get rid of it? Because I feel like I do that all the time, and occasions when I am actually authentic are really rare. And I hate that about me. I feel like I am lying to everyone around me, and I feel a lot of guilt and shame...9. How do your client's/patients feel about you doing YouTube videos? Are there ever any issues that come up about it? My therapist has a YouTube channel and it's creating quite a few issues for me. I try to talk about it but it does not change my reaction to it. My therapist shares a lot of personal information about himself...Kati's books in stores now!TRAUMATIZED - https://geni.us/Bfak0jARE U OK? - http://bit.ly/2s0mULyAmazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimortonONLINE THERAPY I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimortonI receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.PATREON https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (2nd podcast)video https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8us Support th Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything episode 89Audience questions: How do I get over the feeling of being hyper aware about myself in therapy? When I'm in session I always feel like I'm a little girl who's in trouble. Which makes me super aware of every single part of my body. The way I move or talk, even the way my ... I’m wondering how to deal with anger and hurt over being emotionally neglected as a child. I have been burying my trauma down for years so I wouldn’t have to deal with it, but have recently uncovered it all in therapy. Now that I’m aware of the abuse in my past, and understand why I act in certain ways (like my avoidant attachment style or clinging... Are there ever times when anxiety legitimately has no cause? I have recently started therapy and have been exploring the causes of my anxiety and in some cases I can identify what is causing it, but other times it feels like there is no cause. I will be fine one minute then all of the sudden feel anxious and nothing has changed and oftentimes the... How long can you keep bringing up the same issue till a therapist would decide to change things up or change the form of therapy altogether? Does it mean you 'failed' as a.. How do I learn to let myself be cared for? I can be very loving and caring to others but as soon as other people do anything for me I get super anxious and want to run away. I don’t feel worthy of care and worry that if I accept support I will relax too much and they will let me down. This results in me holding people at a distance, being super independent and never really feeling like I can lean on other people. I want to have more... This is a heavy one. I work front desk at a hotel and unfortunately, we had a guest commit suicide in house this week. I was the person to check them in, and I was the last person to see them alive. I was one of the people who assessed the condition of the room after the body had been removed. As you can imagine, this has been difficult to... Is there a point in time when it's been long enough of dealing with childhood trauma that you won't ever get over it? I feel like I've talked about it with a therapist and a Dr and even my husband but I don't feel any better. I'm still upset and angry about it all and it ... Is it normal to want a relationship but then also not want one at the same time, as I don't want to be responsible for anyone else. I am a carer and often feel selfish having time to myself and feel responsible for others a ... Kati's books in stores now!TRAUMATIZED - https://geni.us/Bfak0jARE U OK? - http://bit.ly/2s0mULyAmazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimortonONLINE THERAPY I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimortonI receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.PATREON https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (2nd podcast)video https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8us Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ask Kati Anything podcast 87Audience questions: You’ve mentioned several times that a therapist shouldn’t be working harder than the client, but what if they are? How do you address a client who has run out of motivation to get better? I struggle a lot with comparing myself to other people who seem more happy, successful, talented, and so on, than me. I know that ‘comparison is the thief of joy’ but doing this is automatic to me, like a reflex. Being told not to compare myself to other people is like being I was recently diagnosed with Psychological Non Epileptic Seizures, can you explain what exactly this is and how something psychological can turn into the physical. Thanks Kati, have a great day! (video link: https://youtu.be/l9ZVJC6adAg ) I was wondering (and I hope this isn’t too insensitive). It seems that everyone is struggling with their mental health to an extent. But if it’s so common, why does my therapist tell me that it’s okay that I can’t just push mental health aside, when everyone else has to just get on too? Hey Kati! I have a question about therapists showing emotion in session. Last week I was talking to my therapist about my suicidal ideation and some rituals around attempting. Her response after I explained what was going on was that it makes her sad and she teared up and I feel like I don’t know who I am. I’m so used to mirroring people and reflecting their emotions rather than actually feeling it that I no longer feel like me and at times I don’t really feel like I’m real. I don’t know what my values in life are, my desires, hopes or just in general Does attachment to your therapist always have to stem from childhood wounds? I am really attached to my therapist, but I don't have any history of emotional abuse or neglect in my childhood. My mom was present and there for me my whole life up until my twenties (a few years ago) when she left and wasn't there for me, and that's when my therapist came into my Hi Kati! Happy belated birthday 🥳 Can we get some pupdates? No questions from me, really. Just want some Roxy news. Now go take a vacation please Kati's books in stores now!TRAUMATIZED - https://geni.us/Bfak0jARE U OK? - http://bit.ly/2s0mULyAmazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimortonONLINE THERAPY I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimortonI receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.PATREON https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/Opinions That Don't Matter! (2nd podcast)video https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfwaudio https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/BUSINESS EMAIL [email protected] Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices