Ask Kati Anything

Latest Episodes:

How to Open Up in Therapy: Finding Courage to Share & Heal Oct 31, 2024

This week licensed therapist, Kati Morton talks about therapy and how to get comfortable sharing with our therapist. She also discusses honesty in therapy, its importance, and how we can find the courage to share what we are going through. She then explains how to know when we need to see a therapist versus talking to our friends and family, and finally she digs into therapy ending, why it would happen and how we can cope with it. Ask Kati Anything ep. 240 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. Hi Kati, what can therapists do to try to help their patients get comfortable enough to share about traumas they have never verbalized before to anyone (even themselves)? What tips do you have for therapists and what tips do you have for patients in that situation? 01:01 2. Do you have any advice for someone who is trying to open up/be honest in therapy but genuinely doesn’t know how to say it? 10:45 3. I hope all is well with you. When should we seek support from a friend or family member as opposed to a therapist? I've had a couple of relevant diagnoses. First, I'm autistic, so understanding relationships can already be difficult. Second, I've been treated for borderline PD in the past. I mention this because when I'm in distress, it's often due to feeling abandoned because I haven't heard from my friends in a few days (or even a few hours). It feels inappropriate to reach out when the reason I'm feeling bad is that they've chosen not to reply yet... 12:26 4. How do I find the courage to talk about my OCD intrusive thoughts? The ones that make you question if you’re really a good person or not. I’m really struggling and I want to talk about them but I’m so worried that once she learns about them she’ll see me differently whether she shows it or not. 18:14 5. Hello! I’m currently in Appalachia which is an area most impacted by hurricane Helene. While I and my family are safe with minimal damage, so many people I love have lost so much or even everything. I’ve been in therapy for two years and have made significant progress, but with the recent tragedy, I feel as though I’m back at the beginning of processing trauma. I fear my therapist is going to decide I’m no longer worth the trouble because I’ve backtracked, and I’m afraid sharing that fear will only open the door for her to decide to share that she doesn’t think she’s helping me and we need to stop. For context, I have CPTSD and suffered some pretty significant emotional abuse and neglect as a child. I have a lot of fear of people leaving and often feel as though I’m... 20:40 6. How do I cope with my therapist eventually having to leave me when therapy ends? I feel like there is no way for it to happen without me being retraumatized. It makes me think there is literally no point to any of therapy. I’d rather have not gotten close to my therapist at all and I feel even more skeptical about getting close to other people now. I know there really isn’t a good answer. Living just means constant loss. My mother died when I was a baby My dad didn’t want me. I was taken in by family members and sexually abused throughout my whole childhood by their son. My single best friend of years moved away without a word. My sister moved away. Being born was a joke. Maybe this isn’t really a question. 25:50

#podcast #psychology #katimorton PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimortonInstagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Why Do I Feel Disconnected From Reality? | depersonalization, derealization, dissociation & DID Oct 24, 2024

This week we are talking about depersonalization, derealization, otherwise known as dissociation. We will also discuss DID or dissociative identity disorder, how we can build our sense of self, if we can love therapy too much, and why we can feel awkward after disclosing our self injury. Finally, we will talk about whether or not we can be so damaged that no amount of therapy can help us.

Ask Kati Anything ep.239 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. I struggle with persistent depersonalisation and derealisation. I tried a lot of things over the years (therapy, different mindfulness practices, temperature play, full body shakes, yoga, meditation, being aware of my body etc.) and nothing is working. I know it gets worse when I am overwhelmed or tired or hungry, but it’s nearly happening 24/7 even if I am happy and relaxed and on holidays for example. It doesn’t make sense to me. Sometimes it gets really bad, I think when I also start panicking. Then I feel like I can’t see properly and feel so far gone, that it feels super scary. I know dissociation is not scary and it’s my body’s way to protect me, but when it is so severe, it feels absolutely horrible. Do you have any tips for me? 01:14

2. I am a survivor of CSA and have CPTSD. I don’t think I have DID however, why do I have different “voices” that come out at different times in ways I cannot control? My friends say I have 2 different “voices” one is higher pitched and small, and the other is deeper and more grown-up. Some things can for sure trigger it like feeling afraid or ashamed but it doesn’t always trigger it. Sometimes I am... 17:26

3. How to build a sense of self when no sense (or only a weak sense) of self has ever existed. In this scenario there is no "rebuilding" of the self, because it never existed as a whole in the past. There's nothing to be rebuilt because it hasn't been built yet. Is there any relevant research that looks at outcomes for individuals who developed a sense of self for the very first time in adulthood... 21:57

4. I love therapy. I know it’s supposed to be difficult and a lot of people are “scared” to work on themselves in therapy but I absolutely love it. My therapist told me I am very analytical and symptom focused, I constantly analyze every small behavior about myself and I can’t seem to stop. I constantly need to make sense of everything. I also love the attention that she gives me and I love that she cares about me. I wish I could see her all day every day. Is it normal to love therapy this much? 25:41

5. I just recently told a friend about my self-harming and now I feel really awkward. I wanted to know, why do I feel so embarrassed when near this friend now? 30:59

6. I hope this makes sense to you. It is something I've been wondering about. Is it possible to be so severely damaged by your past that no matter how much therapy you got that you never really heal? Because after all the therapy I got I still have so many trigger points. Is it because I've been traumatized over and over? Is it because of all sorts of abuse over and over? Am I not supposed to get over it by now? 33:30 #podcast #psychology #katimorton PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/katimorton X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimortonInstagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/

PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Beyond Hallucinations: Kody Green Shares Realities of Schizophrenia Oct 17, 2024

In this insightful interview, licensed therapist Kati Morton sits down with mental health advocate Kody Green (aka @schizophrenichippie) to discuss living with schizophrenia and the importance of breaking the stigma around mental illness. Kody shares his personal journey, from his diagnosis to becoming an influential voice in the mental health community. Together, they dive into the challenges and misconceptions surrounding schizophrenia, offering practical insights and ways to better understand and support those affected by this condition.Whether you're curious about mental health or want to develop more empathy, this conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of schizophrenia and the power of advocacy.

Key topics covered:

Kody’s schizophrenia diagnosis and journey
Common myths and misconceptions about schizophrenia
Coping strategies and daily challenges
The role of advocacy in mental health
How to support someone with schizophrenia

Watch now to learn how to foster empathy and understanding for those living with schizophrenia.

#Schizophrenia #MentalHealth #KatiMorton #KodyGreen #SchizophreniaAwareness #MentalHealthAdvocacy #BreakingStigma #SchizophrenicStorytime

Ask Kati Anything ep. 238 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Connect with Kody

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@schizophrenichippie
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/schizophrenichippie
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/ @SchizophrenicHippie

PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIALSX https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

How to Properly Deal with Attachment & Emotion Regulation Oct 10, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses attachment and how that can show up in therapy, she also digs into emotion regulation and finding healthier ways to do it, and finally she talks about attachment in our romantic relationships and how to better manage it.

Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything ep. 237 | Your mental health podcast

1. Hi Kati! I hope you are well, I absolutely love your videos and you are helping me so much. My question is attachment related. I was in therapy for a year and now ended a few months ago and I am really struggling to cope now. I have an anxious attachment style and severe abandonment issues. Since the beginning of therapy I've been super attached to my therapist and feared therapy ending. I told her about everything I was feeling and we worked on therapy ending quite a lot, but we didn't really do any attachment work... 01:38

2. Hey Kati, could you talk about emotional regulation please? I have been talking to a friend about self and co-regulation. Could you possibly explain a bit about how they relate to each other and how to learn how to self regulate? I think it is coming from an anxious attachment style for me and I’m really struggling to self regulate but it’s so difficult to reach out. It’s something I am coming to realize I struggle with and I feel like it will strain my relationship with my best friend because she is dealing with me a lot at the moment. She is amazing and is so understanding but I don’t want to put this on her. We have already talked a bit about it. 14:42

3. I second the idea of emotional regulation. I never learned that skill. All I learned from observation was to not show anyone how I feel. That’s problematic for those of us on the spectrum. I just realized I’ve had meltdowns in the past. I thought that’s what “crying” or “being mad” was. So I want to process and regulate better going forward. 21:07

4. Hi Kati!! Could you talk about why self harm helps relieve our intense emotions in the moment of self harming? Could you also talk about why someone touching where we self harm can be so triggering? My friend grabbed my wrist the other day and I freaked out. 24:48

5. Hi Kati! Whenever I can‘t see my partner for longer periods of time (due to travel for work or holidays), I miss him but simultaneously get a strong urge to pick a fight and break up. I really spiral, feel worthless and unloved and am disgusted with myself. Similarly, as soon as my therapist is away on holiday and I wish I had a session, I freak out and want to quit therapy for good. This seems to be a weird pattern throughout my relationships I can‘t quite get a handle on. Where can this come from and how do I address it? I really struggle to not impulsively act on my feelings. In case that’s important: I have ADHD and suffer from CPTSD due to emotional and physical abuse during childhood. Thanks for everything you do! 28:17

6. Hi. I recently broke up with my long term partner. It was very hard but not dramatic, I just fell out of love, but it triggered many feelings of fear about aging and loneliness. I feel sometimes like I'm a bad person that is not deserving of love and I feel guilt about the breakup. 35:41

#podcast #psychology #katimorton PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Partnerships: Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

The Truth About Your Fear of Change Oct 03, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about change and why it can be so difficult. She digs into ways we can stop judging ourselves for overeating, how to put ourselves out there and start living, and ways we can start to feel ready for something. She also explains how to balance prioritizing ourselves without feeling selfish, and what behavioral activation really is and why it’s the best way to combat our depression. Questions for Ask Kati Anything ep. 236 | Your mental health podcast 1. Why do I hate change so much? Change tends to worsen my depression and stress longer than anyone else seems to be affected by it at all. Is that just a personality characteristic, or is it possible that there is a reason? 02:07 2. Hi Kati, how can I stop judging myself for “overreacting” and having trauma responses to things that aren’t “big T”traumas? Other people reasonably might not have a trauma response to those same situations, so that makes me feel like I’m weak and overreacting because it shouldn’t be a big deal. I realize the judgment isn’t helping me, but I don’t know how to stop. It’s keeping me from sharing about those things with my therapist because I’m ashamed and judging myself. What should I do? 14:49 3. I’m often told that I don’t have a life. How do I put myself out there and start living? 24:07 4. Hey Kati, can you please talk about "how to get/feel ready" for something? I read that feeling not ready or simply not being able to do things can be connected to not wanting to feel ready or change. The thing is, I know that I want to have a romantic relationship, but still feel not ready. What can I do here? Thanks for your positive impact that you make 32:32 5. Hi Kati, I have been told multiple times by my therapist that I’m allowed to prioritize myself and stop trying to appease everyone else in my life. However, every time I try my inner voice tells me I’m being selfish and egotistical and shames me for thinking like this. How can I challenge these thoughts and show them they’re wrong? 37:02 6. Hey Kati! Can you talk about behavioral activation? The idea behind behavioral activation is that by deliberately practicing certain behaviors, you can “activate” a positive emotional state. 40:40

#podcast #psychology #katimorton

PUBLISHED BOOKS

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY

ONLINE THERAPY

While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month)

SOCIAL

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton

X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton

Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/

PARTNERSHIPS

Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How do I know what's really me versus what's my mental illness?" Sep 26, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about distinguishing between our core personality and trauma response, how to figure out what our identity is without our mental illness, and dealing with SA online. She then explains how we can know if we are being lazy, how to ask questions in therapy, and if there are any reasons a therapist would lie to a patient. Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT ep. 235 Audience questions: 1. How do you help clients distinguish between behaviors or reactions that are a direct result of their trauma versus those that are part of their core personality? 01:39 2. What do you tell clients who have been depressed/anxious for so long that they don't really have an identity that excludes their illness? If your illness is part of who you are, how do you grow away from it? Edit for clarification: I'm specifically referring to childhood mental illness that lasts into adulthood 17:18 3. Hi Kati, I hope you are well, I'm feeling really confused,scared and Frankly just sh!t. I've started college this year and we have just had an online safety class as an introduction. This led to me having a panic attack and with pressure from my tutor continuing to ask what's wrong I ended up telling her something now I wish I hadn't. For context earlier this year just before leaving high school I started chatting to a boy online (stupid I know.) I was under the impression that he was just 2 years older than me... 22:52 4. How to know when you're lazy . After therapy, depression might be gone but one is used to doing nothing and getting back on track. 27:48 5. Why am I worried about asking questions in therapy? I have an incredible relationship with my long term therapist, but I cannot bring myself to ask questions. It's not just about her, but about what she thinks about why I do things, her thoughts on my current diagnosis, her advice on what to do etc. I don't have this issue with any other relationship. I suspect I am worried about rejection or maybe her answer not being what I want to hear. I have BPD, OCD, ED and CPTSD - all of which are very well managed and I am high functioning again. 29:48 6. Could you explain if there are any reasons a therapist would lie to a client? Are there any situations that would be acceptable/unacceptable? I recently found out that mine has and its shattered my trust on an emotional level but on a logical level I can understand why they may have lied (would like to think they had my best interest at the forefront and not intentionally want to upset me) - for context we planned a break from therapy for a period of time and the lie meant we ended earlier than expected, very abruptly when I was going through THE worst few months of my life. I now feel so let down and unsupported, and find myself questioning other things. I would love to know your thoughts! 34:16 #podcast #therapist #katimorton #healthy #therapy #therapy My Books (in stores now) Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Affiliates (commissions earned help us create new episodes) Amazon https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Partnerships Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please Read 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.

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How do I stop comparing myself to others? Sep 20, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton offers some ways that we can stop comparing ourselves to others, what our dreams are telling us, and how to overcome perfectionism. She then discusses brainwashing and overcoming emotional abuse, why we can get emotional when we think of talking to our therapist, and the reasons we can be attracted to older people.Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 234 | Audience questions: 1. How can I stop comparing myself to others? Whenever I socialize with others, I'm reminded of how weak I am for not being able to endure the difficulties of life while others are constantly faced with problems from all aspects of their lives. For context, I'm unemployed but fortunately I still live with my parents and they are still able to provide for me. I know I should be grateful that everything around me seems to be good but I just can't. I feel like I don't deserve this and I should be miserable for being "lazy". I know I'm being hard on myself but that is what's going on in my mind. Any insight would be very helpful. 2. Hi Kati, I have multiple dreams over the night these days. Some are very vivid, which makes me wonder if there are important meanings to those dreams. When would it be appropriate to consider a dream as it is telling you something/giving meaning to your subconscious mind and belief?? 3. I would love a video about overcoming perfectionism. My therapist said it’s pretty common with those of us who have CPTSD. 4. Hi Kati, growing up, I was told by my adoptive parents that I was always so susceptible to brainwashing whenever I had an opinion that didn't align with theirs (meaning others had brainwashed me to think differently from them). I'm now in therapy to try and work through the CPTSD I have due to my abusive upbringing (severe emotional neglect as well as physical and psychological abuse). The problem now is that I can not bring myself to trust what my therapist is telling me because all I hear at the back of my mind is how susceptible I am to brainwashing. It doesn't matter how my therapist words things, it still feels like he is trying to brainwash me. I realize my brain needs rewiring, but how can we go about it when every fiber of my being is resisting it due to what I was told growing up? 5. Why do I get so emotional when I think of talking to my therapist…before I’ve even spoken to her? Just thinking about talking freaks me out. Also, why is it when someone then validates that I’m stressed about talking, do I suddenly feel fine and like I’m being dramatic? Every time I try to talk this happens and I’m not sure what to do because I don’t want to mention it to my counselor because it feels silly. Thanks again6. Hi Kati! This is a really weird one and tbh I feel really embarrassed about it. What is the psychology behind being attracted to older people? I am a girl and am attracted to much older women (even though I don't think I am gay). I mean like in their 30s and I'm under 20. I could see how this sounds attachment related but I have had the best childhood and my relationship with my mom is great. I don't like any girls my own age in that way, only boys. Is this just a kink or something else?

ARTICLE CITED Disturbed Dreaming in Medical Conditions

PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

What is a Dismissive Avoidant Attachment Style? Sep 12, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about having a dismissive avoidant attachment style and how that can affect our relationship with our therapist. She also discusses how we can tell if we are doing something because of our depression or not, and if being on antidepressants long term can change our brain function. She then talks about alternative treatments for PTSD like magic mushrooms, ketamine, and others. Finally, she explains whether or not our body can recognize our stress before we do, and she digs into how post traumatic growth works. Ask Kati Anything, episode 233 audience questions: 1. Hi Kati! I have a dismissive avoidant attachment style, likely due to childhood emotional neglect, which makes me highly independent and even counter-dependent. I am wondering, what can I do to foster a healthy attachment to my therapist? I have been seeing my therapist for years and she’s great, but I still get nervous to share things with her. I don’t want to get “too” attached, but I think I need my therapist’s help with processing trauma. What should I do? 01:55 2. My psychiatrist tells me I have a strong internal focus of control and that I tend to attribute everything to my own doing. My question is, I'm trying to let myself off the hook sometimes but I have trouble differentiating when I'm NOT doing something because of my depression and when I'm not doing something because I'm just lazy and letting myself off the hook as an excuse. I feel like I may just go to the complete opposite and... 28:35 3. I’ve been on antidepressants since I was 19. I am now 47 and my entire life is completely different as it once was growing up, obviously…Is it possible that staying on antidepressants too long may change your entire brain function? Will I have to depend on them for the rest of my life? I am afraid that I’ve been on them so long that I may not know who I really am and this bothers me! 32:47 4. I recently had a breakthrough with magic mushrooms. It completely stripped away any thoughts I had about myself and I was able to forgive and have self compassion towards myself. It’s been helping me work through my traumas in therapy. I have major depression, CPTSD, and anxiety. Can you please talk about the benefits of ketamine and mushrooms and can you talk about your thoughts on the integration of therapy and psychedelics? 39:57 5. I was wondering if your body could know that you are stressed or anxious before you realized it yourself? These questions come from the last few weeks because I have been having a lot of physical symptoms of stress and anxiety but I don’t usually feel more stressed than usual. I have been picking at my skin, especially on my face which sucks, I have had acid reflux which I should have because I take medication for, my stomach has been upset, I’ve been clenching my jaw, and... 49:30 6. Hi Kati I was wondering if you could talk about post traumatic growth?!? How do I recover from PTSD after years of trauma abuse and neglect?!? 57:07 PUBLISHED BOOKSTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIALX https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How do I decrease the amount of TRAUMA /PTSD dreams?" Sep 05, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses trauma, PTSD and our dreams. She also explains how we can best support our children when we know they are struggling, how to know how much something we experienced affects us today, and why we can overshare with our therapist right away. She then offers some basic anger management tips, and how having a TBI can affect our mental health.

Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast, episode 232 audience questions:

1. I would be grateful if you would discuss trauma/ptsd dreams... particularly how to decrease them and how to recover after having them. 02:32

2. Hi Kati! I have a teenage daughter who is the light of my life and a great kid - she's incredibly empathetic, kind, creative, and doesn't get up to any real trouble (other than a little attitude with me here and there), but I worry about her mental health. Her dad and I had a difficult separation some years ago, and he drops in and out of her life - also she has struggled with anxiety since childhood, and is very hard on herself. When she was smaller I had her in play, art, and animal therapy to help manage her anxiety, but she'd always be positive for the first month or so then grow to hate going. Now she is... 09:25

3. How do we know if something that we experienced actually affected us and if so, the severity of which it impacted us to make us who we are today? My therapist will be going on maternity leave again for the second time within the last few years and it is expected that she will be away for an extended period of time (potentially up to two years). I'm going through an interesting period... 14:19

4. I was just wondering if this is something that is common or whether I'm weird. When I first met my therapist I had complete verbal diarrhea about a few things that happened as a teen. I apologized and she said it was ok and was very reassuring that I didn’t need to apologize. This was a few months back and we have talked about them in more detail since, I haven’t brought it up with her yet but I think I may have had a light bulb moment as to... 25:24

5. Can you talk about some basic anger management/frustration tolerance tips? I feel like I lose my temper wayyyy too easily, and it's NOT the type of person I want to be. I know you've talked about anger not being a "bad" thing, and that it can teach us something, etc. But I'm talking about the times when I am losing my cool for trivial things, or when I know I'm overreacting (cursing because I caught a red light, being snippy and defensive with people when they don't deserve it). I am getting better at calming myself down after being triggered, which is... 30:55

6. How does a brain injury impact someone who also has CPTSD? I was in 4th grade when I had an accident and received some brain damage on the front of my brain. I also grew up with emotional neglect/abuse, physical abuse, witnessing domestic abuse, bullying, and sexual abuse…I know that is a lot and I know CPTSD takes some rewiring of your brain to overcome. I just wonder if I struggle more than most because I also have that TBI to work with? Are there any tools/tricks to make it easier? I am in talk therapy and EMDR. 38:43

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8849136/

PUBLISHED BOOKS

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIALX https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton PARTNERSHIPSLinnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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How far back does my body remember? Aug 29, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about emotional pain in therapy sessions, how we can stop our hypersexuality, and how far back our body remembers traumatic experiences. She also explains other mental illnesses that could be helped through DBT, and what we can do to stop our doctors from blaming our physical ailments on our mental health. Finally, she discusses memory and trauma processing, and why we can sometimes struggle to recall simple things.

Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast, episode 231 audience questions:

1. How would you react if a client tried to leave session due to being in emotional pain. And you suspected they would try to harm themselves or even commit suicide? Would you stop them, or is that not your responsibility? Would you ever get in the way of the door and not let them leave? How would you react differently if It was a friend and outside the therapy space? 00:58

2. How can I put an end to my hyper sexuality? I’ve been struggling with it since like, forever. I was SA’d as a kid (COCSA) at the age of 5-6 and I’ve been hypersexual since, I’ve been physically abused by a parent because I was caught touching myself in public, now I more so use it as a coping mechanism, it’s what I’d turn to when I was even ever so slightly irritated... 05:14

3. Do you know how far in the past can the body "remember" potentially traumatic experiences? I was born a preemie at 32w (not too bad for a triplet, but still required weeks of care in NICU). From what I learned and saw in photos, I was the tiniest of the 3 and spent the longest time in hospital. I've been tube fed and covered with IV's. I also went into respiratory arrest at a few months old. Besides that, I haven't grown a sick child at all. We were lucky. I have been struggling with MH since my early teenage years (I am 22 ) Having an ED (among other co-related issues), gaining weight is really hard to cope with. In my case, it is not so much that I... 14:28

4. Hi Kati, is DBT a good fit for illnesses other than BPD? I have anxiety and bipolar II depression and, in the past, have had CBT/ACT therapy. They were pretty successful for anxiety but never touched the depression. Over time, I have developed chronic suicidal thoughts. When I'm well, they scare me. When I'm depressed they are almost like a warm blanket. I can’t stop thinking about it. It's always in the back of my mind. I know I have a way out. Could DBT help with this? 22:01

5. How did you get doctors to stop dismissing physical health issues and blaming it on mental health? I understand they can go hand in hand, but it's not always the case. It feels discriminatory. What's the best way to address this with a doctor? 30:45

6. What is going on with my memory???? I’ve been doing trauma work with my therapist for awhile now and all of the sudden I cannot remember what I have shared with her and what I haven’t. Why is it so hard for me to share new memories of the trauma with my therapist?? I fully trust her and know she is safe. Why do I go into a shame spiral and then push her away after I share something new? Will this go away with time? 35:27

PUBLISHED BOOKSTraumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIALX https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton

PARTNERSHIPSLinnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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Overcoming the Unspoken: Sexual Assault, COVID Grief, Bullying, and Suicidal Thoughts Aug 22, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about why it can be hard to tell our therapist about a sexual assault, and why the R-word can be so difficult to talk about. She then discusses why it seems to be harder to maintain our mental health post-COVID, how to work through perpetual grief, and how to overcome intense bullying. Finally, she explains how EMDR works, and why we can hold onto our suicidal thoughts and plans. Audience questions from Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 230:1. I was wondering why I can’t seem to talk to my therapist about being raped?? Backstory: I was raped twice by a family friend and both times were more than 10+ years ago so I should just be over it by now. I’ve been seeing a therapist for over a year now. I really do like her and I feel comfortable and really connected to her. I can count on one hand the few people who know about both assaults, but I’ve never been able to share with anyone intimate details of it besides the few details that my therapist knows about. However, every time the conversation...2. Is it just me, or is it so much harder to maintain good mental health as compared to pre-COVID times. So much changed during that time and so many of us lost important social connections. I hope this doesn’t sound lame, but… what is your advice for starting over?3. How do we work through perpetual grief? I feel a lot of grief over things that I didn't get to do or experience due to mental health issues over the years. Recognizing that I can't turn back time, and some of the things I missed I will never be able to do or that it will not be the same experience had it happened at the appropriate time. This caused me to have even more grief as I'm going through life knowing I'm not...4. I don’t have any hopes in life because I keep getting bullied and bullied and bullied ever since I was 10 and now I’m 13 I’m in seventh grade now and I’m scared to actually go to school because I keep getting bullied. I don’t tell my parents...5. Can you possibly explain the science behind EMDR in human terms? ;). It is completely fascinating to me how it works, because it does! My mind has started one place and ended up where I never would have expected to. I have had flashes of odd images come into my mind as well that I haven’t mentioned because they are just weird or embarrassing. 6. Even when I was doing a little bit better and wasn’t having too many suicidal thoughts, I’ve always had a plan in place in my head. This seems really messed up to me and now this method isn’t possible to me it feels stressful; like I need an answer again. I don’t understand why it feels necessary to have a definite answer to this again. Or why it was a constant presence in the first place. I’ve had rather complicated mental health issues for years and had lots of treatments and felt pretty hopeless for a long time. I’m guessing this has something to do with it but it just doesn’t sit right with me that it always feels needed in the background.

YouTube: https://youtube.com/katimorton X: https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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Can I get my therapist to take me back? Aug 15, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses whether or not we can get a past therapist to see us again, if we can move on without having a sense of self, and how often we have to be purging to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. She also gives us some ways we can work up the courage to share something difficult with our therapist, and what to do if we have been the abusive one in our relationship. Finally, she explains the symptoms we can have due to having a mom who is a narcissist. Ask Kati Anything | episode 229 1. Wondering if my therapist will take me back. I'm 21 and have suffered all my life with obsessions with authority figures, usually teachers or bosses. It's gotten very intense in the past and usually I think about them 24/7, though I'm not a stalker or creepy or dangerous. My suspicion is that my complicated relationship with my mom, whom I adore but who has unfortunately admitted to not really ever bonding with me, might be the problem...2. How can I move on without having a sense of self? I had depression for years and I’m working on perfectionism and over-controlling, which are caused by CPTSD, in therapy. I’m now accepting myself more and I want to make good choices for my future, but I can’t make decisions because I have been out of touch with myself for so long. I have a sense of what I like and don’t like in daily life but I don’t know what choices would align with the essence of who I am.3. I had a question about certain ED behavior. I’m wondering how often you have to purge for it to be considered an Eating Disorder. I’m sure you’ve answered this before but I thought I would ask specifically about purging.4. How do I work up the courage to talk to my therapist about something I’ve never talked about before, ever? The thing itself is more of a little t trauma, but it has a weird hold over me and makes me so anxious and has made me avoid things for a decade. I think because I’ve never talked about it and I’ve been avoiding it, it’s made it worse, so I wonder if finally talking about it will help. My therapist is great and I’ve been meeting with her for 5 years, but I get nervous about being vulnerable, especially since I think I’m having a disproportionate reaction. What should I do?5. What do we do if we've been abusive? I feel that I was abusive in a relationship, though my ex and every mental health professional I've met have said that I wasn't. The professionals have said it's just OCD. In any event, people have been trying to convince me I wasn't abusive for eleven years, ever since that relationship...6. I want to know my mom is a narcissist but when I was growing up my mom would wake up at night yells and run away I remember my dad always go after her and brings her back I don't know why she did it but it scared the hell out of me I didn't understand it because I was only a kid. Can it be why I am a light sleeper? And making my anxiety worse? I know it is not the only case I have been through a lot. I never did sleep deep because I was too scared. I felt I always had to protect myself in some way. Can it be why my anxiety is so highly present? I love your podcasts!PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY Join this channel & access more perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw/join ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati SOCIAL X: https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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Why do you care so much about what other people think? Aug 08, 2024

This week, licensed therapist Kati Morton offers ways that we can care a little less about what other people think of us, how to stop emotional eating, and the ways we can use somatic responses to release anxiety and stress. She then helps motivate us to keep going when it feels like nothing is working, how we can better deal with having an invisible illness, and how to get unstuck in our life.

Ask Kati Anything - episode 228 audience questions:

1. How can I learn to care a little less about what others think of me - specifically, about being liked by *everyone*. It's exhausting. I'm obsessed with making sure that everyone thinks I'm a "nice" person, a "good" person, and the thought of someone being mad at me is really distressing. Worse, I notice that if I even think someone doesn't like me (which might not even be true!), I double stress and try extra hard to win them over...

2. How is it possible to stop emotional eating? I often see myself eating when stressed, for example. And for some reason, if I buy chocolate, I eat the whole thing in a day. Which wouldn't mind me so much if it didn't mean that I have nothing for the next day, additionally to me feeling absolutely sick after.

3. Hi Kati, can you talk about somatic responses to stress/anxiety? How does one manage this?

4. I’ve been made homeless because my relationship has broken down so I’m currently on the streets and charging my phone in McDonald’s. The reason my relationship has broken down is because of my trauma, I’ve had it all. Childhood SA, physical abuse, neglect, a narcissistic parent and a drug addicted parent, emotional abuse, gained an ED as a child from my mom. I can’t be around so many things without being triggered into flashbacks, I can’t have sex because of trauma, I’m too scared of men, I still struggle with eating and I self harm. I have been trying so hard working with my therapist, but recovery seems impossible and I’m wondering if it will ever get better? Will I ever recover?

5. How to deal with an invisible illness? Especially when I'm the invisible child in my family (I'm 40). I have dysautonomia after covid and pneumonia.... tachycardia, POTS, extreme fatigue, heat intolerance, shortness of breath, muscle deterioration, brain fog, costochondritis, among other things. It's been 2.5 years of absolute hell. My family sees me breathing and standing and "I'm not dead", so I must be making it up or exaggerating. Or I'm told constantly to "just calm down" and "it's just anxiety." I've been invisible and unheard in my family my whole life, as the youngest child. I'm never taken seriously, silenced if I offer an opinion, shut down if I offer to help. My family has no compassion for others, always victim blaming. And unfortunately these have been my caretakers, which I am grateful for, but their lack of empathy comes off as cruel.

6. I’m divorced 4 years after a 30 year marriage and now that I’m past the anger and resentment of betrayal we get along, which feels better in my body and is easier on our grown kids and few mutual friends. It was a confusing relationship and even more confusing breakup...

PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY Join Kati's PATREON community to access more perks: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL X: https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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The Dark Side of People-Pleasing Aug 01, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses why we can feel overly responsible in life, whether or not dreams can traumatize us, and dealing with constantly thoughts of suicide. She also explains why someone else’s trauma can affect us, what constitutes sexual abuse, and how to overcome nostalgic depression.

Audience Questions | Ask Kati Anything episode 227

1. How do we figure out what we're responsible for? Childhood experiences have left me with an over inflated sense of responsibility (or so I'm told). This hyper-responsibility is working with some other beliefs in hindering my ability to process a more recent trauma... 00:55

2. This question has got nothing to do with me, it’s just something that I’m just wondering. People dream horrible things fearing for their own life and safety. As dreams feel absolutely real while you’re dreaming them, I’m just wondering, could you get traumatized by dreams? 05:20

3. This year I have become really suicidal and am struggling with it every single day. My depression is so strong right now I can’t find joy in anything. I also have this feeling like I should be able to do something to make these terrible thoughts go away but there’s nothing. My therapist isn’t super helpful so I was wondering if you had any advice or could just talk about suicidality. 14:10

4. How do you get over trauma that isn’t even yours?! I wasn’t the one abused so why do I feel so bad???? Recently the church/school I grew up in has had a series of sexual abuse cases come out; a good friend of mine being one of them. The school/church was always legalistic and used corporal punishment but these new things are just coming out and being prosecuted. I found out my parents knew about it and blamed my friend/ didn’t believe her and continued to attend and keep us in the school/church for 7 more years. I’m so angry and upset and it didn’t even happen to me! This trauma isn’t mine and I feel like I am overreacting. I want to help my friend and not make it about me, how can I do that when I feel so triggered?? 22:27

5. As a child, I was held down and touched in inappropriate places by an older man (I was in elementary school, and he was about 10 years older). I was not raped and no clothes were removed, but I wonder if that is still sexual abuse? I only recall it happening once. Also, would remembering that experience cause a lot of anxiety and pain behind certain annual female appointments? 25:56

6. Can you talk about Nostalgic Depression? I already have severe depression but this mirrors my current emotions. I know it is perceiving the past as happier than the present, and unhappiness with current circumstances. I have intense grief over losing my dad in recent years. I also cry often over people I will never see again (death and lost friendships). I feel the same for places I will never see again. Songs, movies from when I was little, lost homes I will never be able to spend time in again, and most good memories cause me intense emotions such as regret, anger and loneliness. Those memories were better than anything I have been feeling for years. I feel like I’m constantly in mourning. 30:23

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Breaking the Cycle of Narcissistic Abuse Jul 25, 2024

On episode 226 of Ask Kati Anything, Kati addresses a range of complex mental health topics, including:

The morality of suicide and assisted death for chronic illnesses
Coping with anxiety around receiving compliments and kindness
Moral responsibility for actions by individuals with severe mental illnesses
Understanding and processing trauma and emotions
Developing a sense of self after childhood trauma
Breaking the cycle of narcissistic abuse and the importance of speaking up

Kati is a licensed therapist & provides insights and guidance on these challenging issues, offering a professional perspective while acknowledging the nuances and complexities involved in each situation.

Audience Question

1. Do you think suicide is selfish? And any thought on feeling like you're living not for yourself, but so that the people who love you won't be sad? I want to add this: Is it ever okay if you live with an illness like fibromyalgia or any other chronic condition where the symptoms are so unbearable? And is it different with terminal illnesses like cancer? 01:36

2. Sometimes I feel very anxious? Uncomfortable? like not sure what to do with myself when others say something nice to me or do something nice for me, especially for no particular reasons. I feel like I'm not deserving of it or like I have not earned it or that I can reciprocate it. So then I spend a lot of time thinking how... 17:21

3. Can people with severe mental illnesses be held morally responsible for things they did or ways they behave? There's a man on youtube named Daniel Larson, some may heard of him, he was a tik toker/youtube video vlogger who, according to documentation, has schizophrenia, autism, PTSD, and Bipolar. There could be more but I'm not sure. This man has seen a lot of online hate and harassment due to his behavior, which include: apparent attraction to underage people, delusions of fame and grandeur, a large sense of entitlement, and his physical violence towards his mentor when he had some kind of mental breakdown... 23:58

4. This may be an obvious question but what does it mean to 'process' an emotion or a trauma? I feel like this is a term we use a lot but no one really defines what it means. Are there prescribed steps that we need to follow? 30:54

5. Hi Kati I hope this question resonates with others but how do you know ‘who you are’ or have a sense of self if your childhood and adolescence was filled with multiple traumas and as a result the only constant in your adulthood is the side effects of the trauma. How do you become a person once you are already an adult? 40:40

6. My therapist said” By keeping quiet, you are allowing it to continue hurting you.” My mom is a narcissist. What the heck? I’m the “victim”! I don’t control her. I don’t choose anything she does to me. What is he saying? Sounds like he’s blaming me? 44:19

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How do I stop intellectualizing my feelings - and FEEL THEM? Jul 18, 2024

This week on Ask Kati Anything (ep. 225) licensed therapist Kati Morton explains how to stop intellectualizing and actually feel our feelings, and she digs into grief and how we can process it. Then she talks about why we can feel like our mental illnesses are made up or exaggerated because we haven’t had a trauma or big event, ways we can healthily express our anger, and how she defines an eating disorder relapse. Finally, she walks us through the ways she decides what’s the human condition and what’s a symptom of a mental illness. 1. How do I stop intellectualizing my feelings and feel them? 01:23 2. Hey Kati! I was curious if you could talk about grief as an emotion, and how to cope with it and ways to help process it. Before therapy, I could not name any emotions, and I’ve gotten so much better at it. In fact, unbeknownst to me, I’ve actually always been quite the adept feeler of emotions— in the sense that I can find them in my body, I can talk about how they feel and the directions they move within me and through me... 08:27 3. Hello Kati, I often feel my MDD and GAD diagnosis is not warranted and it's 'all in my head' because I have not experienced any major negative life events or traumas. This has prevented me from discussing the things that I believe could be contributing to my symptoms because they don't feel important enough... 25:16 4. Hi Kati, I was wondering if you could talk about healthy ways to express anger. I come from a culture where expressing anger is shameful, especially for women. So my anger is as scary as fire flames for me. However, I have noticed my binge eating is fuelled by my unexpressed anger. So, can you please teach me some techniques about handling anger. Thanks for all your amazing work. 34:13 5. Hi Kati! Hope you’re doing well. I am wondering how a relapse in an eating disorder is defined. Is there a clinical-based definition or is it more of a gray area? Does it mean meeting the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder diagnosis once again... 40:47 6. How do you figure out what's just 'the human condition' or a personality trait and what's an actual symptom? 55:08 PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY Join this channel & access more perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw/join ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL X: https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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Why do I always feel so hopeless? Jul 11, 2024

This week on Ask Kati Anything (ep. 224) licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about how therapists react when clients have breakthroughs, how we can fight hopelessness, and ways that we can more easily talk to a therapist of the opposite sex about sensitive topics. She then dives into why it can be hard for so many of us to feel and process emotions, how to deal with attachment in therapy, and why our attachment styles can vary so much. 1. Hi Kati, I'm interested to know when a client (who struggles to show emotions) starts to get upset, angry, emotional etc.. Do you internally but not visibly celebrate? A lot of people including myself hate seeing someone upset, although I'd never try to stop them expressing what they are feeling. 00:46 2. Hi Kati, How do you fight hopelessness when it feels like mental health has consumed your life. Even though I am not at the very bottom anymore, my psychiatrist told me there's a good chance I'll experience severe depression again and again (have had severe depression on a non-functional level in 2023 and 2014, but I'm improving with medication and back to work at my warehouse job). How do I feel like I am not doomed due to mental illness? 08:03 3. I see a therapist of the opposite gender and some topics are a little sensitive to talk about, any tips on getting started? 13:20 4. Hi Kati! After therapy sessions, I often struggle for days, unable to fully feel or let go of emotions. I intellectualize a lot, but I also have a constant feeling that there is something I’ve missed sharing. Why is it so hard for some of us to just feel and process emotions? Also, do therapists get frustrated when clients reach out outside of sessions but struggle to express themselves during sessions? 18:30 5. My question is about attachment problems starting from early life. I have this problem with my therapist that when he posts about his other clients who are similar age to me (he is a lot older than me) and how proud he is with them, I withdraw and leave. I think I'm so used to people leaving me for the “other” in any condition I have been in. Since I was a child my siblings preferred my cousins visiting us and my coping way was to live my life independently as they were ignoring me. 28:51 6. Hi Kati! I completed your attachment workshop, and it was extremely helpful! I have some relationships with people where I lean towards anxious attachment and others where I lean towards avoidant. More specifically, anyone who I feel is like a motherly figure, I get more anxiously attached, but with my family and friends I am avoidant. Would this still be considered disorganized attachment even though there isn’t necessarily “push and pull” within each relationship, and it’s more just operating in one extreme or the other depending on who it is? What would cause someone to have such different attachment tendencies in different relationships? 34:49 PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL X: https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why don't I believe in myself?" Jul 04, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about whether or not we can be in therapy for too long, ways we can start seeing ourselves as survivors rather than victims, and when we should use coping skills versus sitting with the uncomfortable feeling. Finally, she discusses the ways we can open up more in therapy, finally share our trauma, and how to become more social and outgoing.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

1. Hi Kati! I have been in counseling/therapy on and off for the last 7 years. I have always been an advocate of therapy and I encourage other people to do it. However, lately I am feeling an aversion. I think that I am seeing it as a futile exercise. Which is probably due to shame about not breaking some of my self-sabotaging patterns. I have not lost the trust in the process, however, I have probably lost the faith in myself to do the work. How do I overcome that? 01:05

2. Hi Kati, recently I’ve been struggling to cope with having been sexually assaulted and groomed in the past. How do I go from seeing myself as a survivor, rather than a victim? 07:00

3. I’m obsessing over the thought that I’ve been in therapy too long. I started in 2019, and since then many life calamities have happened that greatly complicated the work I was trying to do. Big disruptions such as Covid, and more normal life issues - a spouse retiring, stressful personal health issues, a parent’s health scare, a big move, kids starting a new school, financial instability, essential home renovations while financially struggling, and now living in very close proximity to the family members responsible for the childhood abuse and neglect... 11:54

4. I was wondering when you should use coping skills versus sitting with the uncomfortable feeling. My therapist is using exposure therapy and says part of exposure therapy is not using things to calm my anxiety but rather sit with the feeling. By doing this, my body will learn that I am actually not under threat and the anxiety will decrease on its own. I don't want to be rude and question my therapist but it just doesn't make sense to me. I have been an inpatient, gone through a partial hospitalization program, and seen a few different therapists who have all stressed the importance of knowing and using coping skills. So now I am just confused. Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated. 21:36

5. I have been diagnosed with DID and have been seeing my therapist whom I love the past 2.5 years. Recently, I realized that he still doesn't know a lot of my trauma. My parts are really wanting to come out and tell him their story, but I keep blocking them and intellectualizing the details of the trauma. My parts just want to cry, but I am scared to let them. What can I do? This is really bothering me. 28:41

6. How do I become more social and outgoing? My entire life I’ve been shy and everyone around me has seen it as a huge flaw. Even my mom said to me when I was a kid that she wishes I was more like [insert extroverted friend’s name here]. I just find that my social battery drains so fast and I’m scared my friends are gonna get to the point where they don’t want me around anymore. That’s been happening to me my whole life and it makes me so sad. No matter how lonely I am, I can't seem to change myself. Any help would be so appreciated 36:46

PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Can you self-diagnose mental illness accurately? Jun 27, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about whether or not we can know so much about mental illnesses that we start acting like we have one. She will explore whether or not we can make up our mental illnesses or fake symptoms. Then she will discuss how our past therapeutic experiences affect our current ones, why our depression can get worse in the summer, and the difference between shame, guilt and embarrassment. Finally, she digs into what we can do if we find ourselves being a difficult patient, and what inner child work can really look like.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

1. As a kid, I read all the mental health books at the library and as an adult, all the websites/research papers I can find to try to understand what is 'wrong' with me. I never really sought professional help until a few years ago after a longer than usual depressive episode. My question is this, is it possible that I may have read so much into it that by the time I had my assessment with the psychiatrist... 01:17

2. Can past therapeutic experiences have an effect on current therapy? A few years ago My college referred me for counseling (at college) after I disclosed something to them (I completely freaked out after hearing that someone from my past was possibly at the campus, I told my... 11:05

3. You mentioned in a few podcasts that depressive symptoms tend to get worse in the summer, I would like to hear your thoughts about what is the reason for it. In my experience it's a mix of sensitivity to the sunlight and heat, dissonance between my internal feelings and outside world and social pressure to be active and happy. 16:51

4. Hi Kati, can you discuss the difference between shame, guilt, & embarrassment? I had a traumatic childhood, and I do know & believe things weren't my fault. I don't have shame in the sense of the belief that something is/was wrong with me, however, the idea of someone knowing about my history makes me feel ashamed or embarrassed. I'd love to hear your thoughts... 21:53

5. Hi Kati, I've been in treatment for multiple diagnoses since I was 14 and now I'm 28. These days I'm totally disabled and cannot work or go to school; trust me, I tried, many times over and with all the accommodations. After 8 or 9 years of therapy I was labeled resistant, severe, complex, and later when I did some DBT, willful. I've tried many methods, therapists, medications, and even TMS. I'm not trying to be like this. There are feelings... 26:31

6. Hi Kati, you talk about inner child work a lot on your show. I can't say I always understand it, but recently I have been wondering if rather than giving support to your inner child can it be therapeutic in the opposite direction? Can I receive love, kindness and support from my inner child to help me find love, healing and respect for myself? Some of the last times I remember being happy and at peace were as a toddler and I wonder if toddler me can help adult me to find that emotional space again where I can feel safe and held. Thank you for all of the care you show us all... 33:42

X https://twitter.com/KatiMortonTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimortonFacebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimortonPinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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How do I know what support I need? | ep.221 Jun 26, 2024

In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast, licensed therapist Kati Morton explains what support a therapist can offer and how to know what we need from them. She also talks about chronic suicidality, dealing with frustration and anger, and why we can feel we are too late for everything we want to do in life. She also discusses how we can come to terms with a new diagnosis.

Audience Questions: 1. Not sure if you’ve ever answered this question, but what does it mean exactly when my therapist asks “what do you need, how can I support you right now?” Especially during a difficult session. This happened recently when I was struggling during trauma work and I had no idea what to say when she asked, or what my options were exactly...

2. Could you talk a bit about chronic suicidality? I know it’s a heavy subject but I have found there is very little information out there about starting to address or manage it. Thoughts of ending my life are comforting to me and I find I automatically go there in response to any uncomfortable or upsetting thoughts. As a result these thoughts can be almost constant. As much as they help me, I know they are unhealthy to rely on so much....

3. I have a question about frustration or rather anger. I’ve recently started therapy and in my last session I brought up the fact I was abused as a teenager… I had never told anyone about it until then. At the end of the session she told me that I may find I have a mix of emotions and possibly questions before our next session. She asked me to write them down and we could look at it when I see her again. I did have a lot of feelings, thoughts and questions so as she suggested I grabbed a pen and paper. I went to write stuff down but just felt this sudden anger, like really angry and I just gripped my pen and scribbled- like a toddler would only with a lot more frustration. It felt so childish. but after...

4. I would like to ask how can one cope with the feeling of "being too late in life", of having wasted all your life and now being too late to start over. I have failed in all aspects of life (no work, no family, no friends, nothing...) and I do not know where to start, how to find the strength and most important how to restore my "faith", how to stop thinking that the game is over. I was in therapy for many years but with no great results. Currently I need it so much but I do not have the money to support it. Ageism and society's standards do not help either...

5. I find myself thinking a lot about my therapist in between my sessions, not in a romantic obsessive kind of way, but rather constantly thinking how I can do better and communicate better with her. In my culture, growing up we were never taught about emotions, that they exist, how to pay attention to them, describe them, or deal with them. Parents are authoritative figures who provide all the necessities, have strong influence over all aspects of our lives such as schooling, romance, and career, but may not ever think to ask what we want or what we need...

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X: https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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Passive Self-Injury Explained: Why It’s So Confusing Jun 13, 2024

On Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 220, licensed therapist Kati Morton delves into the complexities of suicidal thoughts, the impact of a therapist's age on therapy, and the appropriateness of requesting more physical touch from a therapist. She also clarifies the differences between Patreon and YouTube memberships, offers strategies for overcoming depressive symptoms, and discusses how experiencing sexual abuse at a young age can lead to abusive behaviors in the future. Audience questions: 1. I have no plan or intent but SI consumes a lot of my thoughts. I have struggled with passive SI for a while but not usually as often and I started doing things like cleaning my room just in case I die even though I have no plan. I don’t know why these thoughts keep entering my brain and I feel confused because the thought of dying both calms me and makes me terrified at the same time. I’m too afraid to talk about it in therapy and then I convince myself it’s not that big of a deal so I don’t say anything. I hope this makes sense because I’m confused with my own thoughts. 01:10 2. My past therapists have all been much older than me, but my current therapist is a few years younger, not by much, but enough for me to feel uneasy. It's been a few years and I am much more comfortable with her now. However, I still find myself screening what I say and I am reluctant to share my struggles. In the last few years, she has gotten married, had a kid, and lost a parent. I already feel like I've fallen behind in life because of my depression and GAD.... 11:33 3. How do you go about asking your therapist for more physical touch? I don’t want to cross any boundaries I don’t know about, and at the same time I worry that I will feel awful if she says no… so I’m really afraid to ask. She has used touch in the past with me (held my hand, placed her hand on my knee to remind me that she was still there when I was disassociating), but I’m scared to ask for it. How do I get over the fear of rejection from her even when I know it would just be a professional boundary? Thank you for these amazing videos! They have helped me so much! 18:55 4. I wonder if you can explain how you view your relationship with your patreons/ community members? I have been thinking of joining but l'm a bit confused about what the relationship is? Thanks. Hope you don't mind me asking again. 30:10 5. I have been suffering from depression and anxiety for the last few years, now I am constantly struggling with a very low mood. I feel like I'm trying to climb out of a dark hole. As it is affecting the normal everyday aspects of my life. What can I do to try and turn these around on a personal level? I have little to no energy or motivation every day... 32:37 6. Hey Kati not really sure if you would want to even talk to someone like me but here we go I guess.. Me and my younger sister were both SA by our dad from a very young age. My sister has started therapy recently and has been encouraging me to go too. I have thought about it but now don't feel like anyone would want to have me as a patient. Our abuser recently passed away and as I was going through boxes I came across some pics... 35:47 PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL X: https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/katimorton PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Too much trauma for therapy?" | ep.219 Jun 06, 2024

On Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 219, Licensed therapist Kati Morton talks a lot about trauma therapy this week. She dives into how to start our trauma work, if there is ever a thing as too much trauma for therapy, and why it can be so hard for us to change our minds. She then explains ways we can show our bodies compassion, whether or not we can actually erase memories from our mind, and what we can do when our eating disorder changes.

Audience questions:

1. Can you please talk about opening up to your therapist when you have a nervous laugh, dark humor and even darker trauma? I’ve only just started diving into my trauma in therapy but I don’t know how to properly articulate how everything is affecting me. I just laugh and make jokes because... 00:37

2. I've sought out two "Trauma based therapists" who have both told me they aren't equipped to handle my level of trauma. For reference, SA from ages 8-16ish with + preg & subsequent loss as a young teen, and Dissociation during that time. No DPDR, DID, etc. So what do you do when... 09:29

3. Why is it so hard for me to change my mind? I feel once I agree to do something for/with with someone I don’t feel like I can change my mind, I feel like sometimes this is due to not wanting to disappoint others.... 16:29

4. How can I show my body compassion…? I was approved to go to PHP at Center for Discovery in Southern CA. While I am grateful beyond belief that Medi/Medi is covering it, I have SO MANY mixed emotions…I’ve said before that I was born with Spina Bifida. From day 1 my body has not fully functioned, but I’m at the point where I’m probably on no less than 15 medications... 21:56

5. What are the chances I could [completely] erase some traumatic episodes from my memory? I do EMDR and it seems like we are searching for something with my therapist but at times I just feel like there isn’t anything there and I don’t have any specific memories of those traumatic events. I do remember facts of consistent systematic physical and emotional abuse, but not too many specific episodes that we could process in our sessions. My therapist also suspects... 26:19

6. How do I stop overeating sweets?! I was anorexic for a couple years and have physically “recovered” but now it seems that my eating disorder has gone in the opposite direction. I have meals, although sometimes minimal ones, and find that I eat / overeat foods that I'm ashamed of (usually sweets or junk food) when I'm alone and/or at night... 34:38

PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY A great way to support my channel is to check out our sponsors by using these links: Amazon: https://geni.us/4J8wb Instacart: https://instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL X: https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Support on Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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How does people pleasing affect our lives? | ep.218 May 30, 2024

On Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 218, licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about negative self talk, the different ways people pleasing can show up in our lives, and how to connect what we rationally know with how we feel. She then discusses whether or not it’s okay to cuss in therapy, how to healthily lose weight when we have an eating disorder, and whether or not a therapist can be biased due to their speciality.

Audience Questions: 1. I’m someone who sh!t talks myself a lot and my therapist calls me on it. I noticed in some of your videos your will refer to yourself as “the crazy therapist” or “this weird therapist” I wanted to check is this you just poking a bit of fun at yourself for example when I refer to myself as “the crazy lady” in a fun way (not sh!t talking myself) rather than you talking bad about yourself.

2. Can you explain people pleasing and the different ways it can show up? Is it always a pacifying coping mechanism? I find I get dysregulated when my husband is upset so I tend to do things to make him feel better so I feel okay again, any idea what that behavior could be and why?

3. How do I connect what I rationally know to what I feel? I know the "whys" behind my anxiety and know on a rational level that I shouldn't be anxious about it and know how to argue back and how to decrease the anxiety in the short term but nothing helps in the long term because no amount of "thinking" or fighting back against what my anxiety is...

4. I was wondering if it’s ever ok to swear in therapy? I was brought up to be polite and respectful so I watch my mouth in most situations of course this doesn’t mean I don’t swear I just know the company I can swear in vs The ones I can’t. In therapy we were talking about a past trauma and I have described the person before as someone I hate, not a nice person blah blah blah. I think my therapist noticed that I felt more strongly about this as she asked me if “you could describe him in a few words what would it be?”

5. I need to lose weight. It's not just my opinion, I do have excess weight. My health would benefit from losing weight. I'm pre-diabetic, my heart is not doing its best, also the more I weigh, the more my joints hurt. However, I've had every ED under the sun, including anorexia, and in the past I've managed to have a relapse while having a dietitian and therapist. And it turned into anorexia for a year, binge/purge for another year and now binging for the last half year. Every "diet" I've ever had turns into 2-3 years of suffering.

6. Can a mental health professional be biased by their specialization when making a diagnosis? I was diagnosed with BPD, but when I got a new therapist she said that BPD was a misdiagnosis and I got diagnosed with ASD. The first therapist was more familiar with BPD and the latter was specialized in ASD, and I’m wondering if they could have been biased due to their expertise. Is it difficult to tell apart BPD and ASD?

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How do I keep going when I feel like giving up? | ep.217 May 23, 2024

Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 217 | This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about getting past inner resistance in therapy, how to keep going when we feel like giving up, and what a therapist would do if their client is intellectualizing everything. She then explains what a body memory is and why our trauma memories can be so spotty. Finally, she discusses anxiety about making phone calls, and why we can be so worried about every little thing we do, and believe that people are going to think we are weird.

Audience questions:

1. Could you possibly talk about getting past inner resistance in therapy? I’ve been in therapy for about 8 months and feel like we’ve done some amazing work, but have noticed I’m hitting some type of wall within myself that I’m not sure how to get past. It’s like I’ve kind of traveled through all the issues I’ve been conscious of, but now that we’re deeper in I’m realizing there’s a lot going on that I was not aware of... 01:14

2. Hi Kati. How do I keep going? I feel like giving up. I have Major Depressive Disorder. Suicidal thoughts and self injury consume me. I’ve done talk therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, TMS, and ECT. Nothing has helped. I’ve been hospitalized twice. I’ve been on so many medications I can’t keep track anymore. I feel so alone in this. I do have a psychiatrist, therapist and loving family but they don’t understand... 09:54

3. I was wondering how a therapist would approach working with a client who intellectualizes everything? I find CBT and DBT unhelpful because everything my therapist is saying, while totally true, I've already known about and pieced together myself. I think that's also where I get so stuck with therapy- I KNOW there are these pieces out of place that aren't serving me. I KNOW why I am the way I am, but I don't know what to do about it? 24:54

4. I saw one of your older videos about people not remembering their trauma or remembering it in patches but I’m the opposite, I remember what happened to me in great detail even down to what I was wearing, what they were wearing the day and time everything. The only problem I do have is deciding if what actually happened to me was SA... 33:17

5. I noticed recently that I'm really scared to call people I haven't spoken to in a long time. I know they'd love to hear from me and vice versa if they called me. So what's the hang-up (pun intended)? How do I reduce my anxiety around it? It's just literally a fear of pressing call and waiting while the phone rings. I'm not actually scared to talk to these people. What's that about? How do I make pressing the button or the waiting time while the phone rings before they pick up easier? How do I select who to call? Are there steps I can take to get to that point? 42:46

6. Hey Kati what is it called when you are so concerned with the way you walk, blink , eat, move your mouth when you talk, ect. I feel like I walk weird, and I talk weird. I feel like I’m insecure about my voice being too deep or my laugh being too loud. Just little everyday things. I never hear about this. 46:26

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"Why do I always feel unimportant?" | ep. 216 May 16, 2024

Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 216 | This week Kati talks about what to do when a therapist forgets our appointment or has to reschedule us last minute, and why that can be so upsetting. She then explains why our self-harm behaviors can change over time, whether or not validation in trauma therapy is good or bad, and the connection between religious trauma and OCD or perfectionism. Then she talks about perfectionism, where it comes from, and why it can permeate our entire life. Finally, she talks about being a highly sensitive person (HSP) and managing our sensory sensitivities.

Audience questions: 1. My therapist who I have been seeing for 2+ years double-scheduled me and another family “in crisis” on the same day recently and I had to go home. She was going to meet me the next day (on Saturday morning) but I felt the need to push away and delayed it to next week. I am really attached to her in this push/pull way and I felt really hurt even though I know intellectually she just made a scheduling error. I also felt upset because it triggered my beliefs from childhood that I'm not as important and that I am always second because the other family had worse things going on. Also, what does family in crisis mean? I have had several times where she has forgotten my appointments. I can't tell whether it is my disorganized attachment or truly an unstable therapy relationship? 01:23

2. Can you talk about why self harm behavior changes? I’ve changed places and how I do it a lot since starting and I’m curious as to why that is? I still have my ‘go to’ spot for when there’s nothing more I need than to do it after flashbacks but it’s changed so much and I’m not sure why... 15:41

3. Lately I've seen several references from other therapists talking about trauma therapy, and that validation can sometimes be harmful in trauma therapy. I had a therapist (who had postdoc training specifically in trauma) who I asked for validation, or correction if I was not correct, because I was perceiving him as incongruent. Turns out he was being incongruent (which came out at the end of a 10 months rupture he would acknowledge existed but refused to talk about directly and openly). I spent months in limbo, operating from the perspective that it was my perception that was the issue, which really impacted my perception of reality and trust in myself... 23:29

4. Can you talk more about religious trauma? What effects does the fear of hell have on a child? I developed some OCD tendencies and extreme perfectionism. Is this common? 31:32

5. I seem to be a perfectionist not only when it comes to work but also in regards to every human interaction I have: Whenever I meet with friends or family, I try my absolute best at making them feel validated and comfortable in my present. I strive to be the perfect listener and friend, although I know that that's an unattainable goal. And I'm not very good at it, either. I get so anxious about making "mistakes" and upsetting someone or even... 37:03

6. I have a follow-up to your HSP video. How do I sort out sensory issues? I know I have some sensory sensitivities being an introvert and having social anxiety. But I also have migraines and don't know if sensory issues are because of the migraines or a cause of the migraines, or could I be an HSP, or could I even be on the spectrum. I've tested... 41:42

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ A great way to support my channel is to visit our sponsors by using these links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instacart⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ONLINE THERAPY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (enjoy 10% off your first month)

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PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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“Am I an Introvert or is it Social Anxiety?” | ep.215 May 09, 2024

This week licensed therapist, Kati Morton shares some ways we can be more honest with our therapist about our depression, the difference between understanding something intellectually versus feeling it emotionally, and introversion versus social anxiety. She then offers some insight into the ways we can appreciate our bodies, how to get in touch with our emotions, and how to tell where you are feeling them in your body.

Audience questions: 1. I find it hard to tell my therapist I feel like I am slipping into another depressive episode. We have done so much work and she has been so proud of me that I feel bad having to say I am slipping. I feel like she will be disappointed in me - even though she'd never admit to it. I want to be honest instead of mask but it's so hard. Why is this so hard for me? 01:10 2. Why is it that intellectually I can understand my adverse childhood experiences and trauma, but emotionally I am an absolute mess? I have been reading many books about ACE's and trauma including both of yours. I bounce between ah ha moments to being unregulated. I can understand why learning was so hard as a child/teenager, my teacher comments that I was "lazy," "not living up to my potential'' or a "daydreamer" are not true, or that I can tune out loud noises or someone talking... 10:46 3. I'm very introverted plus have social anxiety. How can I tell whether I actually need alone time at the moment or am just avoiding it because of the anxiety, but it would be good for me to step outside my comfort zone? 25:11 4. How can I learn to love and appreciate my body? I feel like my body is just this inconvenient attachment I have to lug around all day. I’m irritated when it needs something like food or the bathroom. Sexuality is a completely foreign concept. I’ve done the work to figure out how I got here and obviously there’s many reasons for this. But now I don’t know how to get myself back... 28:09 5. Hi Kati, my question is about getting in touch with your emotions and working through the difficult ones.. for example my therapist told me depression is anger turned inward but everytime I try and get in touch with my anger it doesn’t want to talk to me. I try to work through it during therapy and it doesn’t want to come out. 34:37 6. My therapist tells me that I need to feel my emotions in my body but I can never pinpoint where in my body I feel my emotions, especially positive emotions. 37:38

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⁠⁠⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠⁠⁠ A great way to support my channel is to visit our sponsors by using these links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Instacart⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠ONLINE THERAPY⁠⁠⁠⁠ While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠⁠⁠⁠ (enjoy 10% off your first month)

SOCIAL

PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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"What's the difference between PTSD vs CPTSD?" | ep.214 May 02, 2024

On Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 214 licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about trauma from a single event versus multiple traumas over time. She also explains why a therapist might ask you if you want to schedule your next appointment, how to stop ruminating, and why self harm can often be linked to a lack of validation. Then she discusses boundaries, why they can be hard to set, uphold, and why they can feel so bad sometimes.

audience questions:

1. How does trauma due to a single event (ex: a car accident or rape) differ from trauma from an extended period of time and multiple associated incidents (ex: a soldier in heavy combat during a deployment or being in an abusive relationship over years)? How do symptoms and the overall impact differ? How does the approach that a therapist takes to treat these two different scenarios differ? Is one easier to recover from than the other? 01:30

2. Why, at the end of every session, does my therapist ask me if I want to go ahead and schedule the next appointment or reach out for one later? I know I’m reading too much into this but the thought of her thinking I don’t really need therapy popped into my head. 09:53

3. Please talk about ruminating! It’s brutal, but it’s helped me remember and process narc abuse and bolstered me in my nc decision. But I need to move on, too. Thank you, Kati. 13:46

4. Why is it that self-harmers across the board all seem to struggle with validation of their emotional pain and self-harm? It’s as if we are in an unspoken competition to prove who has the worst pain. I see this in myself, and my OCD accentuates it. So there can be an element of compulsion to my self-harm. The bar keeps moving higher as to what I have to do to myself to prove my emotional pain is severe and the degree of self-harm valid... 18:30

5. Kati I was wondering why you don’t see patients anymore. I know you are busy but you have such great advice. Also I have been wondering why boundaries are hard for me. I broke my boundaries with my therapist and it seems to be hard not to do it again. I think I have an anxious attachment to her and I... 25:26

6. Why does upholding my boundaries feel so defeating? To give insight- I'm in a toxic relationship where my partner is regularly passive aggressive and my boundary is "I cannot tolerate this behavior, I get really panicky and actually don't hear what you're saying, so- whenever you do x, I will leave our conversation and go to my room." I am saving up to eventually leave, because he doesn't see a fault in his behavior and it's getting really exhausting... 31:06

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PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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"How can I be my own victim?" | ep.213 Apr 25, 2024

On Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 213, licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about what it means to be your own victim, and how that can be used as a way to victim blame. She then explains avoidant attachment and how it can affect our therapy process, what to do if we are an introvert but also lonely, and how to help a partner dealing with trauma nightmares. She discusses the difference between agoraphobia and complex PTSD, and the effects of having a parent laugh at our self harm struggles.

audience questions:

1. How can people say you are your own victim? I have depression and low to null self-esteem …I am trying to make better through therapy and CBT/DBT practices etc. However, recently my friend told me that I am my own victim which I kind of get because of my self esteem issues but my depression is not a choice. It is not like I wake up every morning and say I am going to feel shitty about everything today. In CBT, we learn that you can only control your own behavior but what am I doing wrong to still feel depressed if I am following the so-called rule books and doing opposite action, thought questioning,etc and still feel depressed frequently? I am on medications, have attended outpatient therapy and go to therapy weekly for almost 2 years. So, how am I choosing to be depressed again? 01:33

2. I struggle with avoidant attachment. I’m struggling with feeling like my therapist doesn’t actually care about me and I have a push and pull urge to cancel all my appointments but also I want to increase my appointments. Does this mean she’s not a good match or how do I work through this with her? 10:23

3. How do we cope with being an extreme introvert, but also being very lonely. It's a constant battle and I feel like a walking contradiction! There are often times when I want to go out. And crave connection. Yet as soon as I start to socialize I feel exhausted. I'm socially anxious, which I know may be part of it, but to be clear, I'm talking about the times when I'm calm and comfortable... 15:40

4. I’m hoping for advice on helping ground a partner with extremely severe night terrors/panic attacks. My girlfriend has quite a lot of compounded trauma from past SA, DV, & past life threatening situations. Unfortunately she suffers from these ptsd-esque attacks multiple nights a week. When I mean severe I mean during them she seems to think she is back in old abusive situations, seeing me initially as a threat. She cries, sweats, hyperventilates and trembles, begs “no” and for “it” to stop. 24:21

5. What is the difference between complex PTSD and agoraphobia? Also in terms of treatment? For example going outside makes me anxious because I fear getting kidnapped or harmed in any way but also staying at home alone gives me anxiety because I fear that someone will break in. And I get panicky when I am in crowds but only if I don't see a way out. All in all, I feel paranoid because I "need" to look over my shoulder to make sure, no one is following and I really dread going back to uni. I'd rather stay at home. 32:43

6. Hi Kati, can you please talk about how it affects a child for a parent to laugh and make jokes about their self harm when they notice it? I feel so fucked up from everything that happened and still self harm years later. I also had sexual abuse as a child from a family member that got shushed and never spoken about. 37:37

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PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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“THERAPY HANGOVERS?” ep.212 Apr 18, 2024

On Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 212, licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses therapy hangovers and if those are even real. She then explains why talking positively to ourselves can give us the icks, why we can not like it if our therapist enjoys their job, and how we can ask our therapist to support us when we are having a hard time. She ends with the reasons we can not want to talk about our eating habits in therapy, and her experience working in community health clinics. audience questions:

1. My question is about “therapy hangovers”. Is it even real? If it is real how does one deal with it and how long should it last? 00:43

2. How does one get used to positive talk when their whole life they have been shit talked to. I get the ick with compliments and when someone shows that they care 09:49

3. Why do I hate it when my therapist says that he loves his job and that he really enjoys working with his patients? When he says that it makes me feel like I'm there for his entertainment. I feel like a circus freak, like I'm only there for him to study and learn from. 13:56

4. I was having a hard time during my last therapy session. I didn’t want to talk much and felt really low. My therapist asked how she can support me. I had no idea what to say so I just told her that I didn’t know. What does she mean when she asks this? What kinds of support can she give during the therapy session? I do remote therapy by the way. 22:15

5. My question is about not wanting to talk about my eating habits in therapy. In one of my first few sessions my therapist asked me about my relationship with food. I’m overweight and I don’t have very healthy eating habits. I would not consider it to be an eating disorder but who knows, a professional might disagree. I told her that I’ve seen dieticians before and I have all the knowledge I need about healthy eating and that I’m not interested in addressing this in therapy. She has diagnosed me with PTSD from S/A that happened when I was 23 (5 years ago) and that’s what I want to work on. The next session she brought up my eating habits again and advised me to see another dietician. I can’t help but feel frustrated. This is not what I’m here for and after being overweight for most of my life (since I was 12), I’m so sick and tired of every health professional bringing this up. Sore throat? It’s your weight. Ingrown toenail? You might want to lose some weight. Dry skin? It’s probably your weight. One time I saw my doctor for pain in my shoulders and left her office with a referral for gastric surgery. And here we are again. Maybe I’m overreacting or even lashing out because it's such a sensitive subject or is it justified that I don’t want to talk about this in therapy? I would love to get your opinion and hear from others who can relate. 32:46

6. As a clinician who watches your videos, I’m wondering if you have ever worked in community mental health. What would you say CMH is doing well, versus what’s not so good? That can be in a systemic sense, a sense of what the clients or clinicians deal with, or just general. Curious for your input! 42:36

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SOCIAL

PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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“HOW DO I FEEL MY FEELINGS?” ep.211 Apr 11, 2024

On Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 211, licensed therapist Kati Morton let’s us know if there is anything we do that makes people think they can trauma dump on us, why we can feel at our worst in the evenings, and her thoughts and experiences with internal family systems therapy. She also tells us how to get out of a depressive episode, how to deal with codependency in friendships, and how we can actually feel our feelings. audience questions: 1. I'd like to ask if there is anything I do that makes people think they can trauma dump on me. I grew up as my parent's therapist and feel like my friends do the same thing. Also no one ever seems to care about how I am. I've been depressed and struggling with passive suicidal ideation and Eating disorders. I'm obviously tired and struggling but no one bothers to ask about me and what is going on. Am I doing something wrong and what can I do? 00:47 2. Why is it that someone who has experienced trauma, aka me, might continue to feel overwhelmed by the emotions of it all when alone in the evenings, even when there is no threat or trigger that I can find? I normally distract myself a lot, but I then just end up not dealing with anything- I’m either all or nothing. (Ps: Due to circumstances I’m currently not having sessions with my counselor). Sorry, I hope this makes sense. 09:23

25 Coping Skills 14:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td4LQ2rxVa0&pp=ygUca2F0aSBtb3J0b24gMjUgY29waW5nIHNraWxscw%3D%3D 3. I know you mentioned before that you were starting your own IFS work, and I was wondering your thoughts on it so far? (if you're ok with sharing!) I started with my therapist about 2 months ago, and I really struggle to take it seriously and let go enough for it to be effective. I can't seem to imagine the different versions of me, and the talking to little me part seems so juvenile and awkward that I feel like I don't take it seriously and it isn't really effective. The catch is, I'm people-pleasing my way through it. I'm just playing along with what my therapist says, and I feel like I'm gaslighting her into believing it's helping. I feel like my issue is that I just can't let go and actually let it actually help because I feel so silly. Just wondering if you ever ran into this, or if you had any suggestions on navigating this because I truly want it to work! Thanks for all you do, you rock! 14:53

PARTS WORK IN THERAPY 15:07 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gymev70IGiI 4. Do you know what I can do to get out of a depressive episode or at least make sure it doesn't happen at certain times? This may sound very stupid and maybe there is nothing i can do. I have struggled with these episodes for almost a year now, but only in the last few months they have become so recent that they scare me. I have more lows than good times and even in my good times a tiny thing can disrupt me and send me straight back to my low... 24:35 5. Hi Kati. I was wondering if you would talk about codependency within friendships. 32:23

Kati's inner-child workshop 39:40 https://katimorton.com/the-shop 6. Everyone keeps telling me it’s important to ‘feel my feelings’ and acknowledge my grief (I had an accident so grieving the life I won’t have now) but I don’t understand how to or what that really means. Could you explain how I can try to move on with my life and... 40:31

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PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Addicted to therapy? | ep.210 Apr 04, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains how we can discover our true self, if CPTSD is a lifelong struggle, and why we can want our therapist to worry about us. She also talks about whether or not we can develop an addiction to psychotherapy and why being pampered as a child can cause us to feel helpless a lot. Finally, she helps us figure out how to support people with dependent personality disorder without enabling them. 01:05 Ask Kati Anything ep.210 podcast summary 01:42 How can you discover your true self? In my last therapy session, we discovered just how much I get my self-worth, and feelings of love and appreciation, from helping others. Helping around the house, overworking, generally never sitting down to enjoy my own time. I'm now at the point that I don't know who I am or what I like. How do you start to figure out your true self? 08:38 My question is, with medication, therapy twice a week, and EMDR, will you continue to have C-PTSD symptoms for the rest of your life? Does it ever get to a point where you completely resolve most, if not all, of your symptoms and not require therapy and medication, or, is this a life sentence? 13:02 I want my therapist to worry about me. I wish I could tell her this straight up. But if I do, she'll stop worrying about me. It's like.... Love (I guess?) I've never received and to be honest... I enjoy it. But. There's a huge "BUT." Me making her more and more worried to her as a therapist essentially means that therapy she's providing is not working, right? And that she can and actually should terminate me. Right?!? Which is my biggest worry. That she's gonna leave me. And then my little mind comes up with "Whatever, I'm unlovable anyways so it's fine. I'd leave me too if I was her. I'm not worthy of love. I'm just a pain in the ass and she puts up with me only because I pay her." And then there comes a point where I want to push her away because I've come up with "she doesn't love me so there's no point to get sicker", which to her probably seems like I'm getting better. And. Then she wants (actually suggests but in my mind it translates to "wants") to reduce our sessions from twice a week to only once. And to me it means that she's actually gonna leave because I'm worrying her less. Not more. Such a great mind fuckery. Sorry. It is though. And then I want to get sicker again. Oh. I have anorexia. I don't think I mentioned it anywhere. Is there a way to stop this? 19:57 Is it possible to develop an addiction to psychotherapy? I think I might have it, because I don't have any other safe places where I can express my emotions, or be me. Unfortunately, despite my efforts, it's not always possible to live in a happy environment, or leave it. 25:10 Could you please talk about learned helplessness due to having been spoiled and pampered as a child? I can't get myself to be active and struggle to feel responsible for my own life. 30:16 Could you talk about how family members can love and support people with dependent personality disorder without enabling them? Where is the line from support to enabling?? PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy A great way to support my channel is to check out our sponsors buy using these links: Amazon: https://geni.us/4J8wb Instacart: https://instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL X: https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Support on Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Why can't I connect with my inner child? ep.209 Mar 28, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains why a therapist won’t just tell you what you want to hear, and how to get over the feeling that they are only being kind because you are paying them. She also talks about inner child work and why it can be so tough to do, what to do if therapy isn’t helping and we feel worse, and some tips for emotion regulation. Finally, she tells us what to do if we are assaulted by our therapist, and whether or not we play a role in our own suffering.

00:44 How do I believe the things my therapist says and not just think she is saying them because I am paying her? I’ve been in therapy over two years and I’m just now discussing CSA with her. I find myself doubting everything she says when she gives me validation, like she’s just saying what I wanna hear and not really being honest. I want to receive everything she says. How do I get past this?

06:08 Hi Kati, Love your channel and both of your books! I'm wondering why I'm having such a hard time connecting to my inner child? I have some childhood trauma I'm working on in therapy, but I can't seem to do the inner child work. I don't really like my inner child, she's vulnerable. Do you have any tips to help overcome this hurdle? Thank you for all that you do!

15:31 I've been in therapy for almost two years now, and I feel like my problems have just been getting worse. No matter what I try to do, my mental health either stays the same or doesn't get any better. I'm having a hard time figuring out if it might just be because I'm scared to get better. I know that you might suggest finding another therapist, but the problem is that for some reason I'm extremely attached to my therapist and I'm not sure if I would be able to function without her in my life. My entire existence relies on her presence at the moment, and I feel like therapy is...

21:47 What techniques are available to help you get through significant emotional dysregulation short term (the next few hours)? I find the whole ‘opening up’ in therapy very emotionally difficult, so I write out what I need to say between the sessions, leading to an escalating emotional state prior to each session …. Unfortunately, I had to cancel a session … I didn’t react well. (I was very surprised how difficult I found it). I became very dysregulated and spent half a day with significant dissociation that I couldn’t “coping skill” my way out of. Do you have any tips for how to handle in the short term, having an ‘event’ that is a particular stressor, when the coping skills are not enough?

27:18 Do you have any advice about dealing with being assaulted by a therapist in session? So I developed an ED in college as my depression and anxiety worsened along with it. I worked up the courage to go to the college provided counselor, but because of the program's limitations and understaffing the only available one was a male. I find much more comfort with women so I really didn't want to but...

33:29 I recently read a quote saying, "healing also means taking responsibility for the role you play in your own suffering." Can you please explain this to me?

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The best way to support this channel is to check out my sponsors and buy using these links: Amazon Instacart ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month) SOCIAL X TikTok Facebook Instagram Pinterest Patreon PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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Is my relationship with my therapist fake? | ep.208 Mar 21, 2024

On Ask Kati Anything podcast ep. 208, licensed therapist Kati Morton explains how we can get past the feeling that our relationship with our therapist is “fake,” how to support our students without being triggered ourselves, and how to know if we are retraumatizing ourselves. She then explains how we can know if we are a narcissist, what it means to process our emotions, and what we can do if we are ashamed of our life. Audience questions: 1. How do I get past the feeling that the relationship with my therapist is “fake”? I have heard you say that you should feel ‘validated’ and ‘seen’ by your therapist, but I can’t get past the fact that the only reason she is talking to me is because I am paying her. Maybe this is my ‘child of emotional neglect’ talking, but the idea that anyone is interested in helping me is very alien but that doesn’t change the fact that my therapist isn’t my friend, never will be, and wouldn’t choose to talk to me if I didn’t hand over a lot of money. What am I missing? 01:11 2. I work at a school as a teacher and I also work for the before and after program. I do a lot at the school. I work with a lot of different types of students. When I was a little kid I had a lot of trauma. When any kid comes to school with a bruise I think the worse. Sometimes it’s hard for me to see the kiddos cry. Some of the kids do come from rough backgrounds. They tell me things like no one loves me and cares about me. I try my best to let them know I care without crossing the student teacher boundaries. When I get home I just cry because I feel so little all over again. Because I know how they feel. My question is how do I show my students that I care without emotionally hurting myself or triggering myself. 12:26

11:01 ATTACHMENT WORKSHOP 3. How do I know if I am retraumatizing myself? (As an add-on comment: my ED was related to trauma. I worked and thought I did overcome the problem with eating. When my eating disorder suddenly came back, I wondered if this could be a sign of being retraumatized? 20:26 4. How do I know if I am narcissistic? And what is real empathy? 25:17 5. I have a question about processing emotions, feeling them and moving through them. How much is too much, and how much is not enough? And mainly, how does this change when it comes to processing something big like grief? I lost two people very close to me recently. I always try to stuff down emotions and don’t want to feel them, so I’m trying really hard to notice and feel them with this because I know it’s healthy and I need to. Sometimes it’s constant and it’s wayyy too much for me to handle and sometimes it’s nothing. What’s a healthy amount of emotion? 27:58 Hi Kati, what can I do if I feel ashamed of my life? Ashamed of what happened to me, ashamed of how much it affects me today and how little the events really were... I'm so desperate about everything that isn't working anymore and everything I would so deeply wish but can't do anymore.... And the pressure from others that I should functionate again is immense. How can I come out of this "being ashamed of my life"? 38:55 My books: Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online therapy: While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ YOU CAN SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL BY SHOPPING WITH OUR AFFILIATE LINKS Instacart: https://instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB Amazon: https://geni.us/4J8wb Partnerships: Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please read: 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.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How do I let go of my eating disorder?" Mar 19, 2024

On Ask Kati Anything episode 207, licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses eating disorder recovery and why it can be hard for us to let go of it completely. She also explains why we can have romantic feelings for our therapist, and if we should tell them about it. Then she gets into how we can ask our parents to get us in to see a therapist, how to return to regular exercise after ED recovery, and how to tell people about our upsets without oversharing. Finally, Kati digs into self-deprecating thoughts and how to get out of that cycle.

Questions:

00:53 Q1 - I’m currently going through ED recovery and am having a hard time parting with it, because many of the behaviors (healthy eating and exercise) almost feel part of my identity. I feel like I...

19:12 Q2 - Should I tell my therapist about the romantic feelings and thoughts I have for her? If so, how should I broach this topic, and is she likely to terminate me?

19:30 What is Transference In Therapy? (video mentioned by Kati)

24:18 Q3 - ....please could you give me some advice on how I could let my parents know about all this without it being overwhelming or receiving negative responses as I am only 14 so I can’t really leave. Also when is it bad enough to ask for something like therapy...

30:55 Q4 - How do I get back to normal after ED regarding physical activity? What does a healthy active lifestyle look like without overdoing it?

34:48 Q5 - I have a question about sharing our internal upsets with relatives. I catch myself lying about how I’m doing for fear of oversharing. I don’t want to freak the other person out, burden them with my issues, or leave them feeling guilty for...

41:48 Q6 - I constantly am having self deprecating thoughts and sometimes can't even tell my own feelings in a moment. I have a mother who is constantly talking down to me, always getting mad at me about little things, and always has to yell at me about something. I mentioned that I think I might be dealing with emotional abuse to my therapist, and she agreed and said she thinks I am as well. She told me that if I wanted to try and better the relationship I have with my mom she'd help me. But, it seems that as time has gone on the way my mom talks to me and treats me has gotten worse, and it feels like it'll never get better. I'm not sure what to do, and it feels like I'm stuck. My therapist wanted me to use...

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"Could my siblings have emotionally abused me?" ep.206 Mar 07, 2024

This week on Ask Kati Anything, licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses the line between normal sibling relationships and emotional abuse, shutting down in therapy, and how to know if we are oversharing. She explains how mental illnesses can sometimes follow patterns in their symptomatology, why we can struggle with self care, and our urge to diffuse situations with laughter.

Questions & timestamps:

1. Where is the line between normal sibling relationships and emotional abuse? My therapist seems to think my sister is emotionally abusive, but aren’t all siblings aholes to each other? 00:36

2. My question is about shutting down in therapy and being unable to talk during a therapy session. Recently I have been looking for a new therapist, but I haven't been able to find someone that I'm comfortable with. The problem is that in the first 1-2 sessions I shut down and feel unable to talk. Different therapists handle this differently, but for the most part they just let me sit there. I have spent entire sessions in shut down mode and we just sit there doing nothing.... 05:41

3. I'm wondering if you can talk a bit about "oversharing". I feel like it's a relatively-new term to me, and I'm wondering how to tell if someone is doing it. Is it OK to have some people we tell literally EVERYTHING to, even when it's TMI? Or are there some things that should always be private? In cases where we've... 15:03

4. Why is it the case that mental illnesses "follow patterns"? In the sense that they can be categorized into illnesses. Like why is it "natural" to get addicted or get an ED when something is missing in life. Why are these patterns natural consequences that happen for so many people even if one does not know of the existence of these illnesses?" 25:19

5. My question is why do I have trouble engaging in self care and having a hard time finding coping skills that work for me? I have things that I have enjoyed doing in the past but just can't seem to do any of them. Can I count tv watching and internet scrolling self care? I know I need some coping skills if I want to deal with childhood trauma (not sure I want to go there). Can coping skills also be self care and vice versa? 30:50

6. I'm an awkward laugher. My way of diffusing situations used to be to make them lighthearted- that was literally my role. It's so ingrained into me now, that it's just instinctively what I go to, even when it's really not appropriate. I feel like I've also used it so much in every part of my life, that I don't really feel anything. Everything is just... a big joke? I feel like I physically can't even stop it now. I don't even know where to begin in correcting this, or if it's even fixable now so any tips would be appreciated! 36:18

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"Why don't I like people being proud of me?" ep. 205 Feb 29, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains why it can feel so bad when our therapist is proud of us, how we can end therapy when we have attachment issues, and how therapists alter their treatment depending on our diagnoses. She then talks about why an eating disorder often comes with a food obsession, what we can do when we are terrified of people not liking us, and finally, she walks us through what to do with our complicated feelings towards an abusive parent.

Questions & timestamps

At the end of a super emotionally charged session with my therapist where I shared something really difficult that I’ve never talked about with anyone, my therapist said, “You’re doing it!” I knew she meant that I was healing but I felt really shitty during the session and for days afterwards. How do you know when you’ve worked through something and have fully processed it? 1:23
Could you please talk about ending therapy while having attachment issues? My therapist is pregnant and will be going on maternity leave in a few weeks. I've actually been thinking about ending therapy for quite a while but the fact that my therapist is now leaving and effectively ending the therapy has triggered feelings of abandonment in me. I suddenly feel mentally really bad again. 12:28
I was wondering if therapists change the ways of doing therapy based off of the diagnosis the client may have. Would a therapist work differently with a client who had Bipolar 2 vs a client who has ADHD or from one who has OCD? I hope this question isn’t too complicated and I just want you to know I love your work! I am always excited to see your videos every week! 22:43
Why is it that restrictive eating disorders often include an obsession with food, even though it’s the thing we’re avoiding? I’ve been highly restricting for about 2 months and have become kind of obsessed with grocery stores. I go anywhere from 3-5 times a week, usually making small purchases each time. I have a ton of snacks and “binge food” in my room that I’ve accumulated, but don’t eat. It’s like I’m punishing myself by having food in sight that I don’t allow myself to have. I spend so much time on grocery apps/websites analyzing nutrition labels and filling imaginary carts with things I wish I could eat. All of this takes up so much of my time and headspace. 25:58
I’m terrified of people not liking me. I don’t know why but if I feel like if I mess up or am annoying or something people aren’t going to like me and they won’t want to hangout with me anymore and they will leave me. I'm so afraid of this that I... 31:09
Can you talk about dealing with conflicted feelings towards abusive parents? I need distance to feel safe enough to work through trauma from csa, but at the same time I do miss them, love them and don‘t want them to be sad. I feel like a huge disappointment to them. I don‘t know how to keep the relationship, how to be a good daughter. 37:42

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MY BOOKS (in stores now) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠⁠⁠ ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, ⁠⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠⁠ can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Is It Depression or Something Else? Navigating the Gray Areas | ep.204 Feb 22, 2024

This week licensed therapist, Kati Morton explains the difference between depression and general disappointment. She also gives us options for ways to reward ourselves that don’t involve food or spending a lot of money, and discusses the reasons we may feel too broken for therapy. Then she offers some ways people pleasers can do the necessary things that will end up hurting someone’s feelings, and the difference between rumination and healthy processing. Finally, she explains what fear of rejection is and how it differs from fear of abandonment.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

1. My question is about distinguishing between depression (or another mental disorder) and general disappointment or dissatisfaction with life. What would you say to someone who was not feeling happy about being alive but also not necessarily depressed or mentally ill? What if you just feel you don't like life and you don't particularly enjoy it? What if your dissatisfaction with life is just a combination of your personality, your resilience and...

2. How can I reward myself? I had an eating disorder and I feel like I am shopping too much. How can I reward myself without subconsciously supporting old behavior?

3. I feel like I’m too broken for therapy. I have a fear of abandonment and I think it makes therapy really hard for me. I find it so hard to actually get help because I’m so afraid of losing my therapist. I don’t want to open up and get attached because I know it’s not forever. And the more I share the more afraid I am that she is going to leave me. I can’t stop thinking about...

4. Do you have any tips for people pleasers who are struggling to do things that are necessary but will upset other people? Like breaking up with someone you’re dating when you can tell it isn’t working out or setting boundaries with a friend you care about but who is taking advantage of your willingness to help?

5. Could you talk about the difference between healthy emotional processing vs rumination?

6. Hey Kati, can you explain the fear of rejection vs fear of abandonment. I feel like a lot of people think it’s the same. I have CPTSD. I don’t fear abandonment. I actually expect it...

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MY BOOKS (in stores now) ⁠⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠⁠ ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, ⁠⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠⁠ can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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When is it okay to reach out to my therapist? | ep. 203 Feb 15, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton answers audience questions about when and why we would need to reach out to our therapist in between sessions, whether or not therapists judge our “crazy” thoughts, and the difference between fidgeting and self injury. She then talks about dissociation, the different diagnoses and symptoms, and how to work through it. Finally, she discusses why it can be hard for us to get away from our abusers, and some nice ways of telling people we can’t be there for them right now.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

1. Hi Kati! My therapist always says that I can reach out to her any time that I’m in crisis. I never do even when I’m feeling really down, anxious, and/or dysregulated because I’m not and have never had suicidal or self-harming behaviors. But I’ve gone through some really tough emotions and thoughts when I wanted to reach out. What does it mean to be “in crisis” and when is it appropriate to reach out to your therapist outside of your sessions?

2. What goes on in a therapists head when their client is saying something that the therapist thinks is “crazy”? Does the therapist ever have a hard time not judging or showing judgment to their client by accident? Thanks for all you do and the time and effort you put in every week!

3. My question is about anxiety fidgeting and self injury. In my therapy sessions, especially if we are talking about a hard topic, I tend to pinch and scratch my hands, to the point where I leave with red marks and sometimes bruises on them. I don’t realize I’m doing it because I’m so focused on the topic at hand and explaining my thoughts clearly to my therapist. Is this just anxiety? Or is this self injury? Either way I don’t know if it’s bad or typical or just plain fidgeting. Thanks for everything!

4. I dissociate a lot. Sometimes I do things that I have no memory of. Thankfully, nothing bad. A lot of times when I dissociate I become a little girl. She emails my therapist, colors Winnie the Pooh pictures for her. Sometimes I am like a very angry teenager. I don’t have DID that we know of, but something is happening. There are also times that I feel as if I’m not really me being a mom to my kids, but I cover it so well that they...

5. I hope you don't mind me asking this question again as it didn't get picked the last time. Why is it so hard to walk away from your abusers? In my case it is moving out from home. (I'm in my early twenties).

6. I’m the friend that people tend to come to when they need to vent. All of my friends and family know if they need someone I’ll be there! Sometimes though I get overwhelmed with that. Is there a nice way to explain that I am not able to listen to them vent right now? Thanks Kati!!

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MY BOOKS (in stores now) ⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠ ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, ⁠⁠BetterHelp⁠⁠ can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠PATREON⁠⁠ https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ YOU CAN SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING WITH OUR AFFILIATE LINKS

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"How do I keep up with life?" | ep.202 Feb 08, 2024

On Ask Kati Anything ep. 202 licensed therapist, Kati Morton talks about job-related trauma, medical trauma, and managing life and expectations when we struggle with depression and bouts of suicidal thoughts. She then digs into some tips for opening up in therapy, what it really looks like to ask for help, and explains what eldest daughter syndrome is.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

1. My question is about job-related trauma. I’m a school crisis interventionist and work with students who can become really dysregulated and physical. Could this physical aggression towards me be considered traumatic?

2. Could you talk more about how to handle life if you struggle with chronic bouts of depression and/or suicidality but you still need to achieve goals and keep your job? It's one thing to take time off when you're acutely struggling, but an entirely different one to you struggling for years on end and even with the perfect treatment (in my case, at least) still often have many hours, days, even weeks when you can barely get anything done.

3. Any tips to open up in therapy? I feel like I tense up every session and no words come out, so I end up just not talking all session even though I want to. I trust my therapist so I know it’s not that, yet I still don’t feel comfortable talking and don’t know what to do about it.

4. Please Kati talk about medical trauma while battling chronic Terminal illness & how to beat it..I'm currently in This situation..I honestly want to give up having meds, seeing drs or even eating.. I'm exhausted from so many appointments for so many years to end up sicker than expected & on top of it being treated badly due to my rare illness..I'm very unwell mentally more than physically, there's no known cure for my diseases and I even lost my ability to speak as a result...

5. Hi Kati, for those of us who couldn't rely on anyone as a child. What do people mean by asking for help or asking for support? What would it mean if I asked for help? What could someone do to help make it better? What are the options? As a child, I have learnt that if I freeze, it will work itself out. But if I were to stand up, I would get hurt...

6. I was wondering if you could share your thoughts on "eldest daughter syndrome". Is this something that can happen even if your parents weren't uninvolved or unable to show up for important aspects? Is it even real/factually supported?

MY BOOKS (in stores now) ⁠Traumatized⁠ ⁠Are u ok?⁠ ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, ⁠BetterHelp⁠ can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠⁠

PATREON⁠ https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ YOU CAN SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING WITH OUR AFFILIATE LINKS

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"Is my therapist bored with me?" | ep.201 Feb 06, 2024

This week licensed therapist, Kati Morton explains her feelings about not seeing clients anymore, why some of us can’t stop thinking about our therapist no matter how hard we try, and why we can obsess over eating disorder content. She then talks about why our struggles can be inconsistent, how to deal with a child who has BPD, and the effects of financial trauma. Finally, she explains what emotional neglect is and how it can play out as we grow up. Ask Kati Anything audience questions for podcast ep. 201 1. I was wondering if you could tell us more about how you feel about not working with clients anymore, the reasons you've stopped and whether you ever miss it? 2. I wanted to ask why I can't stop thinking about my therapist no matter how hard I try. I spend hours of my day either googling her up, or trying to find a way to hear her voice or find a picture. I feel horrible for invading her privacy, but no matter what I do I can't seem to stop. Even though I find the same things online every time I search her up, I still continue to do it for hours hoping to find something new. Afterwards I feel extremely guilty and I can't sleep, and I want to punish myself... 3. I would love some feedback on why I seem to obsess over eating disorder content. Lately I have been obsessed with books, movies, & videos about EDs. I have gone through several periods like this in the past (the obsession seems to only last for like a week each time). I can’t seem to focus on anything else, which makes it hard for me to concentrate at work & to talk to my husband about how I am doing. 4. Why do I feel like my struggles are never consistent? I feel like one week I’m struggling a lot with my ED, another week I can’t stop thinking and getting urges to SH (and then feeling guilty for always doing it), and then a different week I have breakdowns, panic attacks, and crying spells due to some traumatic things that happened not so long ago. 5. Hi Kati...this is a difficult question to ask. Almost 5 years ago our young adult son moved out of our home leaving only a note that said "moved" on it. He cut off all communication with his dad and me and has very little with his older sister. A year prior to him leaving he was diagnosed with BPD after self admitting himself to a mental health facility. When he came home we had a roller coaster year with him, especially me. I am struggling badly with the idea of never seeing him again...and am filled with shame and guilt. I don't want this last several chapters of my life to be this...I am now agoraphobic, lonely and so depressed. I need joy back in my life. Who knows, perhaps by writing this comment I will find my joy. 6. My question is about the constant worry about finances. I’m hoping this question may resonate with someone else out there. So, for as long as I can remember I’ve worried about finances so much so, that I avoid spending money on myself most of the time. If I receive a gift card from someone during the holidays I sometimes use it to buy someone else a gift for a future occasion. I often experience a pain that feels almost physical when spending money on something that isn’t a recurring expense. This is typically followed by... 7. Is it emotional neglect if your parents never played with you as a child and didn't tell you how to use feminine hygiene products when you got your period and don't share anything about themselves?

MY BOOKS (in stores now) Traumatized Are u ok? ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati

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"Why is cleaning so hard when I'm depressed?" Jan 25, 2024

This week licensed therapist, Kati Morton talks about why cleaning can be so hard when we are depressed, the reasons we can be depressed and still function at work or school. She then discusses how we actually go about processing emotions and traumas, and why we often want to retreat to our rooms when we don’t want to deal with others in the house. She also explains what she does when a patient with an eating disorder doesn’t want to get better, and how we can rebuild trust with our therapist after a difficult session.

Ask Kati Anything audience questions for podcast ep. 200

1. Why is cleaning so hard when depressed? On a scientific and spiritual level. This can be your room, body, car, etc. (COMMENTS: Same but I have autism as well as depression and even when I break tasks down into smaller tasks the number of things I need to do just seems so overwhelming...

2. Can you be “functional “ at work and deeply depressed at the same time? Sometimes I wonder if I’m just lazy when it comes to things that aren’t required of me.

3. How do you process emotions and traumas? I have been told many times that I need to deal with emotions and process them instead of ignoring them, and it makes sense but I don’t understand how to do that.

4. I find myself retreating to my room a lot as a safe space when I don't want to deal with others in the house. Is this an unhealthy way of coping?

5. How would you react if you had a new client who engages in disordered eating but doesn’t want to change their behaviors? I started seeing a new therapist 3 weeks ago and it’s been going well so far. I have so many things that I want to work on!

6. Hi Kati! My question is about rebuilding trust with my therapist after a tough therapy appointment. My therapist told me that her clinical “sense of things” thinks I would benefit from inpatient ED treatment. I’m a teacher and could not even imagine taking more than a couple days off because I’m sick or need to take a personal day. I worry that she will judge me for continuing outpatient treatment with her. I’m also worried that my honesty with...

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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.

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What They Don't Tell You About Bipolar Disorder and Hospitalizations... | ep. 199 with Gabe Howard Jan 18, 2024

Today Kati interviews Gabe Howard! He is a mental health advocate, speaker, and host of the inside bipolar podcast. They discuss bipolar disorder, being hospitalized for our mental illness, and the symptoms of bipolar disorder no one wants to talk about. They have an honest conversation about treatment options, managing symptoms, and breaking down that mental health stigma.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS 1. Hello, I have bipolar 2 and was wondering if he ever felt like he had a "breakthrough" in his bipolar disorder. Not necessarily a manic episode, but a true moment of "oh....I CAN live life like this and it CAN be enjoyable". I recently had this and it's been life changing for me. I look at every day I'm alive so differently now.

2. Hi Gabe, have you gone into the hospital voluntarily or not? Are you allowed to leave when you want or do the doctors get to decide how long to keep you? Has being in the hospital been helpful or has it been more helpful to stay outpatient?Checkout Kati on Gabe's Podcast: https://megaphone.link/RVOHE7584755428

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Loneliness, Anger, Endings, & More | ep.198 Jan 11, 2024

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about loneliness and why we can still feel lonely even after spending time with those we love. She also explains why we can struggle to express upset to those who hurt us, and almost prefer to turn it in on ourselves. Then Kati offers some ideas on how to better deal with goodbyes and endings, and times of year when more people reach out for help. She digs into ways we can love people who are hurtful to us from a distance, ECT treatment and its effects, and feelings of abandonment in our relationships.

Ask Kati Anything episode 198 audience questions:

Loneliness - mine isn’t the ‘simply be around like-minded people’ type. It’s this deep feeling - not always dark, but when it gets dark, it really feels awful, quite dangerous as well. Can you please talk about types of loneliness? Because in trying to talk about my loneliness, I often find myself in a lonelier spot....
When I get upset with someone else, I tend to feel the urge to punish myself for being upset rather than holding them accountable. Why is this happening? It’s totally destroying my mental health and relationships.
I'm looking for some tips on how I can better cope with goodbyes and endings. It's almost unreal how upset I get, even when something doesn't really mean that much to me. A co-worker I'm not even close to can retire, or a neighbor I rarely talk to can move, and it devastates me. Or a restaurant can close, or a TV show can end, and I feel sad and anxious at the thought of something being "over"...
Hi Kati! I was wondering as a therapist, if there are certain times of year that you tend to get more patients. I imagine that with health insurance deductibles resetting January 1, that many people would either start therapy or stop therapy around New Years. I also wonder if seasonal depression plays a role in this. Just curious, thanks!
Can you talk about ”loving at a distance” when one has to get away from their toxic home or parents, but still loves them and that it is possible to set boundaries and have one's own life without them in a healthy way?
I’ve been suffering from depression for quite some time and have tried many different kinds of treatments. I started doing ECT about 2 years ago and am currently on maintenance. I am embarrassed to admit it, but if I am honest with myself, I’ve kept going for a while largely for the anesthesia. I might also have developed an attachment to the care that I get as I am being prepped for the treatment.
I really struggle a lot with feeling a sense of abandonment when I'm (impatiently) waiting for a response to a text from a friend, or when I don't hear from them for a while, I automatically think the worst has happened!! For context, I've recently been diagnosed with ADHD, along with anxiety, depression & I strongly suspect CPTSD as well. Sometimes distraction or "radical acceptance" works (I have done some CBT therapy already), but not always. Any suggestions Kati?

-------- MY BOOKS (in stores now) Traumatized Are u ok? ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati

MERCHANDISE https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/ PATREON https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING WITH OUR AFFILIATES Instacart Amazon PARTNERSHIP Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com PLEASE READ 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.

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Grieving Unlived Lives & Finding Hope: Ask Kati Anything Ep. 197 Jan 04, 2024

This episode of Ask Kati Anything tackles the bittersweet realities of unfulfilled expectations and lost dreams. Grieving the life you thought you’d have, parentification, emotional incest and spoucification. We also discuss why we can crave attention from people and hope that they see how badly we are doing. Then we dive into my thoughts on mental health care workers struggling with their own mental health issues, and why we can struggle to share anything with our parents. Finally, Kati offers ways to be more excited and hopeful for the future. Join Kati Morton in this empathetic and insightful episode as she guides us through navigating complex emotions, reclaiming lost selves, and ultimately finding hope amidst unlived lives.

Audience questions:

How to grieve the life you thought you'd have. i.e not having children, 40 and single/never married...
Could you please talk a bit about parentification? I believe that it can be the root of many problems and I can't find that much about it. I feel like I was raised as...
Is it "normal " that I constantly crave attention from some people (my favorite friend, therapist, doctors...), and that I wished that they could see how bad I'm doing (eating disorder).
Hi Kati! Would love to hear your take on mental health care workers who also struggle with their mental health. I volunteer for a suïcide hotline, work as a mental health professional and struggle with my own mental health. For example ptsd and depression. It seems that a lot of mental health professionals have struggled or...
Dear Kati, My parents are nice to me. However, I never feel comfortable telling my parents anything, I've become a very private person, I crave affection, but for some reason I don't feel comfortable receiving it from my parents. I also always feel distanced from them, and for some reason I never let them see me upset, or support me. I keep pushing them away even though
How can I feel excited and hopeful about my future? I am someone who lives and looks into the past a lot. A friend suggested that it could be that way because somewhere I don't feel excited about my future which is why I feel maybe all the excitement was...

MERCHANDISE https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/ MY BOOKS (in stores now) Traumatized Are u ok? ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati PATREON https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING... Instacart Amazon PARTNERSHIP Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com 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.

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Depression, Family Drama, Suicidal Thoughts | ep.196 Dec 28, 2023

This week Kati talks about dealing with depression and family obligations, how to deal with having past suicidal thoughts on your permanent record, and how to deal when going home causes us to revert back to an old version of ourselves. She also explains why anxiety can cause us to regress to a younger age, why positive emotions can be hard to accept and process, and how emotional neglect can affect us as we get older. Ask Kati Anything ep. 196 audience questions: 1. I’m a 25 year old male and a HSP. I’ve been struggling with depression the last 3 years of Uni. As much as I would like to continue my studies, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to focus on anything. Despite my best efforts to concentrate on schoolwork, I experience mental blocks that persistently cloud my mind. I’ve talked with the school therapist without much progress...2. Hi Kati, I have had “suicidal ideation” in my permanent chart since last year. I also have “chronic suicidality” written in there. I’m also on 6 psych meds just for MDD and anxiety. When I see new doctors, I’m worried they will not listen to my concerns about anything for the rest of my life due to my chart containing so much negative information. I still have suicidal ideation but not like that specific day I was hospitalized. This is the one reason I find having labels and a “current health issues” list so frustrating. What can I do to prevent doctors from writing me off?3. I'm heading home from college soon for break, and I'm so not ready. It's like my family members are completely different people, and in a way my entire house feels like a weird alternate reality with strangers in it. I know this probably sounds dramatic because these people are my family and I have lived with them in that house for almost my entire life...4. Is it normal to age regress during panic attacks or would this be something else? It’s hard to explain but I’ve been having what feel like panic attacks but I come out of it feeling and acting like a small child, seeking comfort from things like blankets and stuffed animals. This makes it feel more like a flashback but nothing during it would suggest that. 5. I was wondering why it is so hard for me to accept and process positive emotions. Last week was my birthday and my students were super excited and most brought a picture, handmade card, flowers, small gifts. My fellow teachers and staff were super nice and I was super uncomfortable with all that attention. Wanted to happy cry, but couldn't cry. Also I have had people come observe me multiple times and leave positive compliments and just can't accept that what they wrote is true. Am I the only one who suffers from this?6. I grew up with parents who never comforted me as a child. There is not one memory I can recall where my parents held me or even just asked me how I was doing. As a 30 year old woman now, sympathy is nauseating to me. It physically feels like my skin crawls whenever someone expresses sympathy towards me. Even last year, when I experienced a pregnancy loss. Are these two things related? JOINING MY CHANNEL MEMBERSHIPS https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton/membership MERCHANDISE https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/ MY BOOKS (in stores now) Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati PATREON https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING HERE Instacart: https://www.instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton PARTNERSHIP Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com PLEASE READ 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. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Do I have an underdeveloped sense of self?" ep.195 Dec 21, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses what it means to have an underdeveloped sense of self, why we can stop crying when we are struggling with suicidal thoughts, and why certain diagnoses can can frequently co occur together. Kati also discusses TBI’s and other head injuries and the effects that can have on our mental health. She then talks about being a mental health professional and having our own issues, and why therapists leave room for silence in sessions.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS for Ask Kati Anything episode 195

I often see “an underdeveloped sense of self” on symptom lists for mental illnesses, but I’ve never really seen a comprehensive description of what a fully developed sense of self looks like. How do you recognize when someone’s sense of self is underdeveloped?
I am struggling with constant suicidal ideation and when I talk about it to my therapist or psychiatrist, I don’t cry when I say the hard stuff and I’m afraid it is painting the narrative that I am lying about it. But the truth is that in the past whenever I would cry, I wouldn’t get help. Also with this being constant for over 2 years, my therapist is expressing that she is beginning to feel helpless which makes me feel so bad and like a burden. What are your thoughts?
I was wondering if you could explain why certain diagnoses can commonly be coexisting. Like why is having an ED and ocd seen together often? I'm in the trenches right now with both and GAD, and they feed into each-other and are so tightly intertwined, that even the idea of sorting them out is exhausting. At this point it feels like the "what came first, the chicken or the egg?" question and I find myself just going through the cycle of trying to attach the behavior to the correct diagnosis...
I suffered a head injury about 6 months ago and have struggled with feeling depressed adjusting to my new way of life (not ‘smart’ anymore, can’t work full time, not able to participate in hobbies etc). For context I had anxiety before the injury and was apparently struggling a lot with this (I can’t remember the last couple of years). I’m struggling feeling anxious about being ‘stuck’ like this forever. I’m UK based and am receiving basic CBT...
Right now I'm in my internship of counseling. I feel like I'm a fake and a failure. I personally struggle with anxiety and what I believe is ptsd. But my therapist recently changed it so it's not ptsd. I struggle with my parents divorce and dealing with a lot of emotions and anger towards my dad. Currently all of my clients that I'm getting are all struggling with similar issues..
Hi Kati, I have a new therapist. Been seeing her for almost two months. During our session I talk about something and when I'm done she just sits there in silence looking at me. It drives me crazy...

MY BOOKS ⁠Traumatized⁠ ⁠Are u ok?⁠ ⁠ONLINE THERAPY⁠ While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠PATREON⁠ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY SHOPPING HERE I⁠nstacart⁠⁠Amazon⁠

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"Ruminating or Overthinking?" ep.194 Dec 14, 2023

This week Licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses what to do when our medication numbs out our feelings. She also explains why therapists disclose certain information and when that’s inappropriate. Then she digs into the difference between rumination and over thinking, why we have to grieve something we never had, and why we can close our eyes in therapy. Finally, she talks about dating with a mental illness and why DBT can be so confusing.

Questions for Ask Kati Anything episode 194:

1. I have been diagnosed with BPD, Bipolar II, CPTSD and anxiety. I recently stopped taking my mood stabilizer because it numbs my feelings. I just started EMDR with my therapist and she indicated that I should probably go back on the mood stabilizer because my feelings are so intense and out of control. My thinking is that if I numb my feelings then the EMDR won't work.

2. In my last therapy session my therapist told me she recently had a client commit suicide. She disclosed that info to say that she wasn't fully present so we were only going to be checking in before the holiday. That was ok, but I feel really really bad for her. That can't be easy. I felt like I should say something to her, but I didn't know what to say. From a therapist's perspective, is there anything I can do or say to her?

3. I am so thankful for your videos and how you break things down in a simplified form. I'm hoping you can do this for my question. Could you please explain the difference between RUMINATING VS OVER THINKING? I've been an over thinker as far back as I can remember. It's both a blessing and a curse! I can create detailed stories in my mind and play them out, much like others watching TV. Mostly, I find I over think on conflict as I will replay the scene on repeat.

4. How can I live with the grief that certain times in my life will never come back, especially when these are times of childhood which could have been joyful or lighthearted and instead were deeply affected by trauma? How do we heal wounds of "missing" something that we can never bring back because of the time that is gone?

5. Just wondering why I shut my eyes in therapy and whether you have witnessed this in therapy? I notice when therapy gets too much or hard I close my eyes and can't seem to stop myself doing this no matter how much I try. Am I just weird and how do I stop this? Any advice? Thanks Kati

6. I met my girlfriend on an ED ward. I'm out and doing well but she's still there and struggling. Do you think our relationship can work? I really love her. Xx7. I’ve been doing DBT in therapy and it’s getting confusing. How do I tell my therapist that I’m confused by it all and how do I know it’s working, can u please answer?

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"Is it burnout or depression?" ep.193 Dec 07, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses why we can overly attach to teachers, how to know if our burnout is turning into depression, and how to get through trauma processing without using unhealthy coping skills. Kati then explains why we can sometimes want to keep our eating disorders, why OCD squashes our insight, and how to sleep when struggling with PTSD. Ask Kati Anything- your mental health podcast, episode 193 1. I think I overly-attach to my teachers who also happen to be my research advisors. I really wish they could be my moms, I constantly seek their validation and approval. I want to make them feel proud of me. You get the idea. How can I become more aware of this? How can I stop trying to fill my parents' void by pushing other people into it? 2. How do I know if what I'm feeling is more related to burnout or is entering into the realm of depression? I am not necessarily sad all the time but am at a point where I am just down and don't really have any interest in doing things anymore because I feel I have no energy or motivation, which I know sounds a lot like depression... 3. I just started reprocessing trauma with my wonderful therapist. My problem is that with just one session of this, I have become unraveled. My emotions are so intense that I am wanting to cope in unhealthy ways such as cutting which I haven't done in a long time and having suicidal thought of which I have attempted before and am angry that I lived... 4. My question is what if I want to keep my eating disorder? What if the pros to keep it far more than the pros to lose it. It helps with my c-ptsd symptoms and even though I do not, not, not see it it keeps me small. Like being underweight gets me closer to being invisible, it helps me hide, I can hide in more places, and it’s comforting(??)... 5. My question is about OCD and insight. I have a diagnosis of OCD but sometimes I don’t actually think I have it at all. There are rooms in my house that I cannot use because they are contaminated and I can’t get them to be uncontaminated no matter how hard I try. The person that lived here before me was a heavy smoker and the place was coated in nicotine to the point that it was ingrained in all the woodwork and silicone round windows etc... 6. I can’t sleep. I don’t want to close my eyes. I have panic attacks if I am woken during the night. I can’t stop and relax at all and I find myself doom scrolling social media until I am absolutely exhausted. I know I shouldn’t be on my phone before going to sleep. When I was a little girl my bedroom was not safe. I don’t feel safe. I feel like I’m trying desperately to avoid having to stop. Keeping busy gives my mind something else to focus on. I’ve tried melatonin but that just makes me feel awful and like I’m hungover the next day. It doesn’t help sleep anyway. I’ve tried changing my room around to make it different and I have a night light so when I awake through the night I can quickly identify my surroundings. I feel so embarrassed that I have to have a night light in my 40s. Do you have any suggestions to help with sleep when it doesn’t feel safe?

-------------------

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"Why cant I cry anymore?" ep. 190 Dec 06, 2023

This week on Ask Kati Anything, Kati talks about why we can’t cry sometimes, and how on the day of therapy we can actually feel better and not share what’s really going on with us. Then she explains how therapists read the room, and how we can all deal with disappointment and frustration. Finally she discusses ways that we can support a friend who recently attempted to take their own life.

Audience questions: 1. When I started therapy, I cried a lot in session because it was just so overwhelming to talk and think about my emotions and things I’ve been through. I had never talked to a therapist before so I would just cry out of overwhelm. I’ve been working with my therapist for almost 6 months now and I’m hitting a block where I can’t cry in session. We are talking about trauma from high school and I can run through the whole story without crying. Even my therapist cried. Why can’t I feel this emotion? Is it because it was so long ago? I feel weird not having an emotional response. 2. So I have an issue with therapy. All week I am on an emotional roller coaster. When therapy day comes, I wake up completely put together- like nothing is wrong and I am completely centered. As soon as I leave my appointment I get so upset for not sharing how I'm really doing. I have told my therapist about this, and he told me to write things down throughout the week as they come up and bring it with me. I wrote them down but can't seem to hand it over. I am processing a trauma, and I think I'm stuck due to extreme self-loathing and disgust. He said it's a defense mechanism, which to some extent is true. 3. I'm wondering if you could talk about how therapists "read the room" and "read minds"? How do you learn to analyze cues and signs the patient is presenting with and what if there are inconsistencies? 4. How can I deal with disappointment/ frustration and be more patient with myself? Every time a therapy session doesn’t go as I hoped and we don’t get to work on the trauma as we planned, for example because I dissociate or because we talk about something that came up during the week, after the session I’m always really desperate and hopeless and angry with myself, and also guilty because I feel like should be able to control my dissociation so it doesn’t get in the way so much. It just feels like wasting time and that scares me. My therapist always tells me that I shouldn’t put so much pressure on myself, and I’m sure she’s right, but I don’t know how. 5. My best friend is in hospital after a suicide attempt a few days ago. And I don’t know how to be around her now. My feelings jump around and change all the time. I am shocked, I’m sad that she was so desperate, I am scared to say something wrong that will push her over the edge and try again. I’m relieved that she is alive. I was so scared when she didn’t answer any calls, texts and her doorbell, after I saw the ambulance in front of her house. I’m angry with her, and I feel guilty for being angry. She planned it, and I felt that... MY BOOKS ⁠⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ONLINE THERAPY⁠⁠⁠ While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist. Simply click ⁠HERE

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"I feel like I'm never going to recover!" ep.191 Dec 06, 2023

This week on Ask Kati Anything, I will discuss feeling like we will never recover and how to get through it. I will also talk about body checking and how often a therapist should call out a client about it. Then I will explain why we can struggle to have fun and relax in life, and why we can feel stuck in a younger version of ourselves. I will dive into what effects being a child of rape can have on us, and why we can feel angry when therapy is ending. 1. I suffer from anxiety, depression, and CPTSD, and if I'm honest with myself, I've never felt like I'm going to recover - I've always felt that one day the things I struggle with will win, and I'll end things. I've been struggling a lot lately to do anything that isn't immediately required... 2. I'm wondering about the frequency that a therapist should be calling a client out for body checking behavior during session? When are times you ignore it vs bring it up? I'm currently in ED recovery and we have sessions where there's absolutely nothing said, but other days that are rapid fire, one after the other callouts. I'm still very stuck in some of the behaviors and don't realize I'm doing them when I get anxious... 3. I feel like I don’t know how to have fun and just relax. I’m so anxious and scared all of the time and I feel like everyday if not multiple times a day I hear horrible stories about shootings, killings, disease, war, fires, car accidents and so much more and I’m constantly so scared and feel so sad for all the people affected. I feel guilty for having minor issues when such bigger things are going on and I also feel so on edge that at any minute something bad is going to happen... 4. I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about being a child born out of rape. I'm sure there are quite a few of us out there, but no one ever talks about the impact this has on our lives. I think I've known my entire life that I was the product of a rape but it didn't click with me until I was in my late 30s. The more I think about it, the more uneasy I feel. Half of my DNA is from a monster. I feel disgusted. I am adopted, abandoned at birth, so there is no one I can ask about my biological parents. Has there been any research done on children born from rape? 5. I hope you're well. I have a question, why do I still feel like a young girl even though I'm already 51... I don't understand it, it is so confusing. I have CPTSD, does that have anything to do with it? 6. My therapist left her practice and I'll start therapy with a new therapist soon but I don't know if I'll be able to trust her and I feel very lost. Is there anything I can do to be open towards her? Also I ended the last session with being very angry at my therapist. And I don't know what to do with that anger. I feel like she just abandoned me and doesn't care. I can't even think about her without getting angry anymore. Why does that happen and what can I do to process these feelings? Because it almost feels like I hate her now and before I always felt very close to her. MY BOOKS ⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ONLINE THERAPY⁠⁠ While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist. Simply click HERE ⁠⁠PATREON⁠⁠community

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"Can I minimize my symptoms so much I think I'm fine?" ep.192 Nov 30, 2023

Today I will talk about our urge to minimize our trauma symptoms and whether or not we can do that so much that we think we are fine. I will explain what causes us to be traumatized and why some people aren’t affected like we are. I will dive into the reasons we can feel like we are making up our mental illnesses, how to talk about sex with a therapist of the opposite sex, and ways we can cope with extreme anxiety and trauma. Finally, I will dive into ways to support our children with their anxiety without making our own worse. Ask Kati Anything- your mental health podcast, episode 192 1. Is it possible to minimize trauma symptoms (without realizing) so much that you actually believe you're fine until your therapist says that this looks like something that is still bothering you? I always assumed I'm fine... 2. I was wondering if you could talk a bit about what can tip the scales from a person experiencing trauma to being "traumatized". Can we ever cause ourselves to be traumatized by our reaction to the trauma? When I was 8... 3. I was wondering why I always feel like I'm making up my mental disorder? No matter how hard I try to convince myself, I always go back into the same thought. I constantly spend hours searching up why I would feel this way, and no matter how much reassurance I get, it never helps this thought go away. I always end up thinking, "what if I'm just lying to myself" or "what if I've just convinced myself to believe my own lie" ... 4. I am a female with a male therapist. We are starting to talk about sex. I've had a few issues come up as an adult when I have been with men and I sometimes question if he has done similar things to women or to what extent he has been disrespectful... 5. I was wondering how you can cope with extreme anxiety and trauma in a healthy way. I am still at school and at this point I physically can't go into lessons. I don't know why, it's just like my brain won't let me, even if I want to. I try my best to, but there's just this really daunting, exhausting, anxiety provoking feeling whenever I think about it... 6. Can you talk about ways I could help myself when I am trying to stay calm and present when dealing with my child's anxiety but her anxiety is only deeply triggering my anxiety? How do I work through this? I need to help her in the moment but I struggle to not get triggered myself. Thanks for all your wonderful advice!

----------------------------------------------------------------------- MY BOOKS ⁠⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ONLINE THERAPY⁠⁠⁠ While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist. Simply click ⁠HERE

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"Why Am I Obsessing about my Diagnosis?" ep.189 Nov 09, 2023

Today on Ask Kati Anything, I will be talking about being obsessed with our mental illness and diagnosis, and why we can find ourselves spending so much time researching them. I will also explain sleep's role in our mental health and what to do if we aren’t sleeping well. Then we will dig into exercise and how it can be used as a form of self injury and what we can do about it. We will then discuss dating someone with BPD and how we can be more supportive, ways that we can build safety for ourselves, and what we have to do in order to deserve therapy.

I have been constantly thinking about my depression and eating disorder. I am always looking up articles about it, watching YouTube videos about it, and taking online self assessments. Why could I be obsessing so much?
How do you cope with life when you don't get adequate sleep? I experienced bad sleep deprivation (from changing shifts originally from overnights to day shift) which made it hard to function ...
What are your thoughts on exercise as a form of self injury? It has so many benefits for me, and I know a lot of folks struggling with anxiety, depression, ocd have used it as a “healthy” coping skill. When would it become a form of self injury rather than self care?
I recently started dating someone with BPD and I was wondering if you had any tips on where to start learning about how to be supportive of them. Especially when it comes to splitting behavior. I don't just want to trust dr. Google.
How can I build safety for myself? I've been doing better in all areas, but I never feel safe in my body. Is this normal for someone with extensive trauma history...

I wanted to ask you if I even deserve to be able to go to therapy if I've never experienced any trauma. I've been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but my therapist says that it's genetic. If that's true, then how is talk therapy going to... Merch https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/ My Books(in stores now) Traumatized Are u ok? Online Therapy? While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Shop my Favs Instacart Amazon: Partnerships Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please Read 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.

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"Why do I crave touch but hate asking for it?" | AKA 188 Nov 02, 2023

In this episode we will be talking about why we can crave physical touch yet struggle to ask for it and even feel awkward when it’s happening. I will also talk about asking for things in therapy so that we get our needs met, and how we can forgive ourselves for past suicide attempts. I will then dig into therapy ending and why we can fear it, how people can actually love their life, and finally how to communicate about our mental illness. I hope my answers are helpful! Let’s jump right in!

1. I was wondering what your thoughts or tips are for people who crave physical touch but don’t get it or find it difficult or awkward to try and ask for it.

2. Is it ok to ask your therapist for more directed sessions? When I go into my appointment, she asks what I want to work on and I don’t really know what I want to do or where I want to go.

3. I was wondering what advice you would give for how to forgive yourself for a suicide attempt? I’m struggling years later when anyone offers compassion or tries to comfort me.

4. Is it normal to fear the end of therapy? I have only a certain number of sessions and still have a lot but nevertheless I already fear the end. Of course I hope it will be better by then but still the thought of never seeing my therapist again is very hard.

5. How can people love life? I'm not jealous or angry, it's just a "concept" I don't understand. For me life was/is always being scared, bullied, traumatized etc.

6. Hi Kati! I’m new to your channel but I’ve recently been having an issue with communicating my mental illness with my partner. She has asked me to be more open about my depression and anxiety, which I have been doing for the most part, but I am...

Recap by Tammy AI⁠ ⁠0:03⁠: 💆 Craving physical touch is a normal and reasonable need, but it can be difficult to ask for it or feel awkward when receiving it.⁠

4:25⁠: 💆 The video discusses how to heal from harmful touch and develop a healthy relationship with touch.

⁠8:06⁠: 💔 Physical touch is a human need, but some people may struggle with it due to various reasons, such as childhood neglect or abuse.⁠

11:59⁠: 👥 The video discusses trauma processing and finding ways to soothe the nervous system in order to cope with triggers related to childhood sexual abuse and the need for physical touch.⁠

15:52⁠: 🗣️ The therapist encourages being direct in therapy and asking for guidance, as it is the patient's time and process.⁠

19:58⁠: 💡 Therapist discusses the importance of therapy, communication, and connection in dealing with suicidal thoughts and attempts.⁠

23:32⁠: 😊 Katie discusses the importance of understanding why something is a big deal to us and suggests exploring therapy to address emotional neglect and inner child work.⁠

27:22⁠: ✨ Therapy can help, but it's important to do the work outside of sessions as well.⁠

31:07⁠: 😊 Focus on the good in life and choose to love it, despite the bad.⁠

36:29⁠: 💬 The importance of consistent and repetitive communication when discussing mental illness with a partner, especially during medication transitions.⁠

39:33⁠: ✨ The video discusses the importance of recognizing and expressing our own emotions and communicating effectively with our partners.⁠

New Merch: https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/ My Books (in stores now) Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy: I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Shop my Favs: Instacart: instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Partnerships: Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please Read 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.more

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"Why Do I Always Feel Like A Bad Person?" AKA 187 Oct 26, 2023

This week we will talk about breaking a therapist’s trust and what to do, why we can always feel like a bad person, the signs of past sexual abuse, why we can get stuck in negative thoughts cycles and blaming ourselves for every misstep, and whether comfort is a need or a want. Let’s get into those questions! 1/ II broke my therapist’s trust and she expressed that she felt angry with me. I totally agree that I crossed a line but for the rest of the session I don’t feel like she treated me very kindly. I felt pushed to... 2/ I hope you are doing well. I wanted to ask you why I always feel like such a bad person. I feel like there is something wrong with me, and that's why everyday I try to be nicer and nicer so that no one thinks I'm mean. 3/ I have several signs of having been sexually abused as a little girl. I don't have any memory of it and no suspicions as to who may have done it nor when it happened. I don't have body memories, I don't have flashbacks, and I don't have... 4/ I am often reminded of minor mistakes I have made in my life throughout the day. These personal small blunders from my past enter my stream of consciousness like... 5/ I am wondering about comfort: is it a need or a want? I know children need comfort, but I’m a 40-year-old adult! Meds plus 2.5 years of therapy have helped me get a little better at handling my feelings, but honestly, I still suck. I still crave comfort when my emotions get so overwhelming, which is often, but I don’t trust anyone…except my therapist. New Merch: https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/ My Books (in stores now) Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy: I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Shop my Favs: Instacart: instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Partnerships: Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please Read 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.more

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An Amazing Life... Jiaoying Summers | AKA 186 Oct 19, 2023

In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, Kati is joined by comedian and actor Jiaoying Summers. Jiaoying, originally from China, lives in LA and is a fast rising star on the comedy scene. Her personal story of surviving China's one child policy and coming to America, going to University in Kentucky & moving to LA to pursue her dreams is an inspiring one - Don’t miss out! Jiaoying’s Podcast TIGERMILF: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIbSb5u2cvhmDjJdXM72w9cw_tfC4qyQC&si=Mj4EeBe0Cx7nedta For all things Jiaoying, visit: https://www.jiaoyingsummers.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Am I Exaggerating My Struggles? Oct 12, 2023

This week we're be talking about how to go deeper in therapy to explore what it means to be you. We will also discuss why we can often feel like we are exaggerating what we tell our therapist, or think we are making up what we have gone through. We will dig into childhood sexual abuse and why it can be comforting, why hearing about it can sometimes be arousing, and all of the things that can come along with that sort of trauma. I will explain the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder, and when we should reach out for help. We will come up with ways to uphold boundaries with people who don’t respect them, and the effects a near death experience can have on us. Let’s get into those questions!

Audience questions for episode 185 of Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast.

1. I’m in therapy for anxiety, self esteem and trauma. We talk about surface things like what happened that week and checking in with symptoms, and other times we...

2. I wanted to ask you why I always feel like I'm over-exaggerating what I tell my therapist. I don't do this on purpose, but after my sessions, I always get really angry at myself because I...

3. Is it normal to fantasize about your childhood sexual abuse to try to find comfort in it? I feel like I’m trying to change the narrative to make it feel less traumatic.

4. Hi kati 😊 what's the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder and when is it serious enough to ask for help? I've been having some problems with restricting and purging when I do eat more than once a day, but I don't feel like it's bad enough because...

5. How can you set boundaries for people who cross boundaries all the time? Especially if it’s a parent you are struggling with. Luckily I don’t live at home anymore but quitting the relationship/contact completely isn’t an option. I don’t want that. Another question is, how can you not let negativity ruin your mood.6. I have asked this question a number of times and so I really hope this gets picked. I was wondering if anyone has ever told you they had an NDE (near-death experience). If they have, how did you react? What did you say?

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Are Eating Disorders Always About Control? Oct 05, 2023

In this week’s episode we will be talking about coming back from a mental health sabbatical and how to ensure we do it properly without relapsing. We also talk about the relationship between eating disorders and control. Then we dig into the difference between ADHD, Autism, and CPTSD specifically in females, and also how those in the medical and mental health field can deal with triggering situations or patients. We also discuss why we can struggle so much with self compassion and why some of us prefer to switch languages when talking about our struggles.

Questions for episode 184 of the Ask Kati Anything podcast

1. Do you have any advice for people getting back into the workforce after a mental health sabbatical? I lost my job as a medical technician late last year due to alcoholism and compassion fatigue.

2. Can you possibly talk about the relationship between eating disorders and control? I guess I’m asking this in regard to the general sentiment that eating disorders are us “controlling what we can.”

3. Kati, can you talk about the difference between ADHD, Autism, and CPTSD in how they might present, specifically in females?

4. I work in the mental health field and action all the incoming referrals however often find them very triggering. I have (stable) bipolar and have self harmed for a long time, anything that mentions self harm really triggers my urges. I feel like such a fraud working in mental health...

5. Can we talk about issues with self compassion…I am currently in a PHP program and have been working on self compassion but I am struggling so much. I cannot help it but so totally hate myself.

6. Is it unhealthy to switch languages in my head to cope? I am not sure that my question is relatable or makes any sense but I do the switch quite often and would love to know your stance.

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⁠⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠⁠ https://geni.us/Bfak0j ⁠⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠⁠ http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy - I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠⁠

PATREON ⁠⁠https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/⁠⁠Consider shopping with our affiliates, all commissions earned help us create new episodes

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Please Read - 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.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why do I feel like I'm making up my problems?" | ep.183 Sep 28, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton dives into negative thought loops and ruminating thoughts. She explains why we can get caught up in them and what we can do to pull ourselves out. She also discusses whether or not we have to dive into the reasons behind our mental health issues to heal, and how to get to a place where we can talk about our past trauma with our therapist. She dives into the ways she knows a patient is dissociating, and how we can have healthy relationships with people who have a mental illness. This and so much more in this week’s episode!

Questions for episode 183 of the Ask Kati Anything podcast

1. What makes someone a “complex” case in therapy? Is it a specific diagnosis or cluster of diagnoses? Or is it dependent on how the client presents?

2. My question is about ruminating thoughts and negative thought loops. I constantly find myself in this thought loop in which I’m convinced that I’m lying about my problems to my therapist. I have to then tell myself the facts and use evidence to...

3.Can true long lasting progress be made without talking about the underlying problems that lead to my depression and anxiety? I have been in therapy for a few months now and each week all we discuss which skills or...

4. Do you have any tips for sharing traumatic memories or details (like childhood sexual abuse) with your therapist for the first time?

5. How can you tell if a client is dissociated in session? Like can you see that? And what do you think of the term high functioning anxiety? Can someone with this also dissociate?

6. How do I know whether the way I feel classifies as "depressed" and "anxious" or whether this is just what life feels like for everyone? Maybe living life is just hard, exhausting, and having to fight to get through your days is normal?

7. What's the difference between having social difficulties because of social anxiety and having social difficulties because of ASD and how would I differentiate between just needing to expose myself to social situations and pushing through the anxiety...

8. I wanted to know about how to leave my therapist without her bursting into tears. She has been under a lot of stress lately and has been canceling my appointments. I really need to...

9. How do you maintain friendships with people with mental illness, without it turning into a helping relationship? I have ended friendships simply because it was taking a toll on my mental health as I get texts and calls on...
***NEW MERCH*** ⁠⁠https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/⁠

⁠⁠⁠My Books (in stores now)

⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠ https://geni.us/Bfak0j ⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠ http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy - I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠

PATREON ⁠https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/⁠ Consider shopping with our affiliates, all commissions earned help us create new episodes

Instacart ⁠⁠instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB⁠⁠
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Please Read - 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.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How can I stop hating myself?" ep.182 Sep 21, 2023

Licensed therapist Kati Morton addresses our issues with self-hate, shame, and why we can believe we are unlovable. She walks listeners through the ways we can overcome those beliefs and heal from it. She then explains more about dissociation and freeze states. She dives into what causes them, how our nervous system decides what to do, and what techniques she uses to ground her patients when they are dissociating. Kati also talks about regressing when triggered and why that happens. This and so much more in this week’s episode of Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast. Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 182

If you want to support the podcast please check out my affiliate links in the description. If you shop on Amazon, or Instacart please use my links below! Also, BetterHelp offers 10% off your first month when you use my promo code KATI when signing up. Okay, let’s get into today’s questions.

1. Hi Kati, looking for some additional tips to overcome self hate…I have been in counseling for almost 2 months now with anxiety and depression from childhood trauma and neglect. As more and more issues from that start to surface...

2. Is it possible to have full on discussions while dissociating? Sometimes during therapy or other overwhelming situations, I can't remember what was said. Is this dissociation or something else?

3. Could you possibly talk a little bit about age regression, why we may want to and if it can be a healthy coping mechanism? I feel for much of my life I’ve felt this urge, mostly used to self-soothe, but understand that it would be socially unacceptable...

4. I know you have talked extensively about dissociation on here, but what exactly is the difference between dissociation and freezing? Is one harder to manage? Do you intervene differently as a therapist?

5. I wonder if you could talk about how to handle negative thoughts that come up while journaling. So often my journal entries end up filled with anger, frustration, and despair. I hate what comes out and I feel ashamed of writing it.

6. Here’s my question: can flashbacks and dealing with trauma cause regression? Scenario: I’ve been battling a really intense CSA flashback lately. I’ve not had one this persistent or reactive in awhile. I often come out of these flashbacks in a different room...

7. I've always kind of had trouble focusing or keeping my attention on things that I don't really find interesting but lately I feel like it's escalated to a whole new level. I'm diagnosed with depression and anxiety so I know that can be a symptom but I'm finding it really hard to focus on anything, even just scrolling through TikTok...8. What do you do with clients that don't meet the full criteria for any particular diagnosis but have some common symptoms? My therapist says he...

9. I lost my safe person and safe space when I stopped seeing my therapist in May. Even though she made my mental health a lot worse I felt a deep bond with her and I opened up completely to her. Now that I've stopped seeing her I feel so incredibly lost....

*** NEW MERCH DESIGNS *** ⁠https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/

⁠My Books (in stores now)

⁠Traumatized⁠ https://geni.us/Bfak0j ⁠Are u ok?⁠ http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati

PATREON https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Affiliates (consider shopping with our affiliates, all commissions earned help us create new episodes)

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Partnerships Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please Read 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.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Why Don't I Feel Allowed to Take Up Space? Sep 14, 2023

Ask Kati Anything ep. 181 | Your mental health podcast This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains why therapy sessions can go by so quickly and what we can do to better utilize our time in session. She then digs into the reasons we could feel like we aren’t allowed to take up space. If you frequently apologize for just being somewhere, struggle with confidence, or constantly feel like you’re a burden to others, this episode is for you! New Membership Levels Have Opened Up https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton/membership *** NEW MERCH DESIGNS *** https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/ My Books (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati

Affiliates (consider shopping with our affiliates, commissions earned help us create new episodes)

Instacart instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

Partnerships Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please Read 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.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

What Can Happen if my Trauma Is Not Treated? Sep 07, 2023

Ask Kati Anything ep. 180 | Your mental health podcast This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses the long term effects of trauma, and what can happen if we never get treatment for it. She also explains why our mental health symptoms can get worse at night and why we can feel tired when we are depressed. She then shares why touch can be helpful and harmful in therapy and her stance on it. She later talks about why we can sometimes want to feel bad or do certain things for attention. This and so much more in this week’s episode! New Membership Levels Have Opened Up ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton/membership⁠ *** NEW MERCH DESIGNS *** ⁠https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/⁠My Books (in stores now)

Affiliates (consider shopping with our affiliates, commissions earned help us create new episodes)

Instacart ⁠instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB⁠

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--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Does my therapist know I'm lying?" ep.179 Aug 31, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton addresses whether or not our therapist knows when we lie. She also explained why they may call you out on it, and why being honest is important but difficult. She then talks about why therapists are taught to watch body language and notice what their patients do in session or when stressed out. Kati then explores the difference between a body memory and actual physical pain. She also talks about the difference between shock and dissociation and whether or not they can occur at the same time. This and so much more in this week’s episode!Ask Kati Anything ep.179 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Ask Kati Anything ep. 178 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. Do therapists know when their clients are lying, or trying to avoid certain topics? If so, what do you do as a therapist?

2. From your perspective as a therapist, how important is it or, or how much do you pay attention to your clients’ body language during session? I tend to get very anxious and unconsciously begin to fidget or...

3. How do I know if a certain pain is "just" pain or if it is a body memory? What exactly is a body memory when you don't remember anything else and don't have other memories that could explain where it is from?

4. Have you ever had a client who was deaf?!? If they needed an interpreter would the interpreter sign a confidentiality agreement not to disclose any information?!? Have you ever treated someone who was deaf?

5. How does menopause affect your mental health and do you have any tips for how to best deal with all of the changes, physically and emotionally.

6. I am a 54 year old woman diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and ADD. I just recently dislocated my finger, and my question is what is the difference between shock and dissociation? Can you be in shock and dissociate at the same time?

7. Years ago my dad got a new girlfriend after he got separated from my mum. I didn’t have any problem with her other than I didn’t like the fact that she was not my mum. I thought she was actually really nice, but after they got another daughter she started complaining when I...

8. Why do I find it so hard to apologize? For example, when my husband points out a wrong behavior of mine, even if I know he is right, I counter accuse him of something or I get to thinking of everything he has done in the past that hurted me...

TIMESTAMPS from @Lemonady :)

Q1 - 0:25

Q2 - 16:20

Q3 - 33:00

Q4 - 50:30

Q5 - 55:34

Q6 - 1:03:37

Q7 - 1:09:33

Q8 - 1:14:03

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Can you be depressed and not realize it?" Aug 24, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains what body memories are, if pain can be related to trauma, and what the difference is between a flashback and an intrusive thought. She also explains why we may need to stay on medication for a long period of time, and why we may not notice when we are depressed. She also talks about what we can do if we are struggling to stay present in therapy and talk about the hard stuff, and what we can do to heal from codependency. This and so much more in this week’s episode.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 178 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. I've heard people say that someone can be unhappy or depressed without realizing it and I've seen it happen. I was wondering if that could happen in the reverse?

2. In one of your videos you mentioned that medication should not be needed forever. How do I know it’s time for me to get off my meds?

3. I’m currently in therapy to process trauma with my ex. My ex was physically, emotionally and sexually abusive, the latter of which has been even more difficult to grapple with due to my faith and perspective on sex...

4. I wondered what your thoughts were on gut feelings about people? I usually get a gut feeling about someone pretty much instantly on meeting them whether they are inherently “good or bad”

5. How do you heal from codependency?

6. I recently started seeing a therapist and I'm starting to develop a crush on him. Is this normal? Should I say something about it?

7. Hi kati, I was just wondering if it's possible to have ptsd from a home invasion/ break in? I talk with my therapist about this but she never says you can have ptsd from it, but when I told her that anytime I hear things that sound like they did that morning it freaks me out and makes me feel like it’s happening again she tells me I’m having a flashback.

New Membership Levels Have Opened Up ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton/membership⁠ *** NEW MERCH DESIGNS *** ⁠https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/⁠

My Books (in stores now)

Affiliates (consider shopping with our affiliates, commissions earned help us create new episodes)

Instacart ⁠instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB⁠

Amazon ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton⁠

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"When I talk about my trauma I feel like I'm lying!" ep.177 Aug 17, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses the many reasons we can feel like we are lying when disclosing past trauma in therapy. She explains why our trauma memories aren’t always there or easy to recall, and the reasons we invalidate, and minimize our experiences. She then digs into how to move past being abandoned by your therapist, as well as how to know when you should stop therapy. Kati then talks about what we should focus on first when starting therapy with a limited number of sessions. This and so much more in this week’s episode.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 177 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. Why do I feel like I’m lying when thinking about opening up about past trauma? I really want to open up to my therapist about a past memory of me being SA’d by my brother but the problem is I didn’t have that memory until I was SA’d again some years later by someone else...

2. I've been with my therapist for over 2 yrs and despite her being very consistent, reliable and reassuring, I can't move past the feeling that some day she's going to say she's not going to see me anymore. It's not so much a fear of her leaving me but...

3. If you have a limited number of sessions available to you, how can you decide what issues take priority? My university only offers 6 free sessions to students and I don't have the money to pay for therapy, but I have a lot to work on...

4. Can you talk about how to know when to stop therapy? It's been about a year and a half and each week it is always very helpful. I started during a very low, hard, isolated season but am now in a healthier environment now with more...

5. Is healing from SA the same process no matter when it happened (childhood vs adulthood) ? This happened to me as an adult from my partner and I have recurrent nightmares and flashbacks and a lot of shame. I see a lot of information about healing from childhood...

6. Is it possible that all of my struggles and diagnosed conditions, OCD, ADHD and Autism, are in fact just behaviors caused by childhood trauma?...

7. How do you deal with not being open up due to having trust issues? I have been seeing my therapist for a while now and still haven't woken up. She suggested seeing a new therapist, but I had a therapist before her and it was the same...

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How do you handle parents with mental illness?" Aug 10, 2023

This week Kati dives deep into how to come to terms with not having any memory of a childhood trauma. She explains why this can happen, and what we can do to heal anyways. She also offers some ideas on how to deal with a parent who has a mental illness, what to do if we can’t actually talk in therapy, and how to stop thinking we are a burden to those around us. She then talks about the stigma associated with mental illness and sexual kinks as well as how to stop feeling like we are behind in life because of our illnesses. This and so much more in this week’s episode!

I'm Kati Morton, a licensed therapist making Mental Health videos!

Audience Questions:

1. How do I come to terms with never actually knowing if I was sexually abused? I seem to have all the signs (extremely scared of sex, body memories, don’t like being touched, hypervigilance, etc) but I have no solid memory of an actual incident.

2. How do you handle parents with mental illness? I struggle a lot with my mom being so emotional and irrational. Her mood swings like a rollercoaster and it is really uncomfortable being around her. She has so many bpd traits although being undiagnosed.

3. I am 16. Is it bad that in therapy, I can't talk about anything? I have to write it down and hand it to him? Also my mom wants to talk to me about things but I can't because she shares it with my dad...

4. I know suicide is never the answer, but what if I genuinely am a burden and would be doing everyone a favor?

5. How would someone best deal with mental health problems brought on from kink shaming / fetish stigma? Shaming or ridiculing someone for their kinks is unfortunately common and socially accepted, but there's no information on how it can negatively affect someone's mental health, and if so how someone would deal with this.

6. How do I cope with the feeling of falling behind others because of my illnesses? Trauma, Ptsd and physical pain illnesses have been taken so much from me, especially...

7. I was just curious about how your role as a therapist relates to your family. Does your husband or do other family members ever say or do things that are red flags to you as a therapist?

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"What if I'm terrified of getting better?" ep.175 Aug 03, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about the reasons we can be scared to get better, and why having our mental illness be part of our identity is detrimental to our recovery. She also addresses the reasons we should change therapists, how termination should be handled, and what to do if therapy is making us worse. Kati then digs into how to stop comparing ourselves to others, why it’s okay to be behind other people in life, and when she would suggest a higher level of care. Ask Kati Anything ep.175 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: Q1 0:38 I’m terrified of getting better. I’m suffering from gad, social anxiety, depression and self harm. I think the reason I’m afraid of healing is related to why I’m hurting myself...

Q2 15:53 I recently terminated with my therapist after two years. I felt that I wasn't making any progress towards my goals and when I asked for feedback (which she has never offered), she responded, "I can't work harder than you are."

Q3 30:58 I feel incredibly lonely and behind in life. Every birthday and new year reminds me of that. I struggle so much with birthdays due to having struggled with my mental health for so long...

Q4 37:50 How do I get myself to actually try coping mechanisms? I have a list but because they don't always help or I have this magical idea that they will make everything better...

Q5 41:26 My question is about when you as a therapist would suggest a higher level of care for a patient with an eating disorder, specifically over exercise as a form of compensatory behavior.

Q6 57:55 I have a question about emdr. I'm finally starting in august (yay!) but I'm so scared of actually, really facing my trauma head on in therapy. I don't even know how I will tell/write my therapist...

Q7 1:11:03 What if I don’t see a reason to stop self harm this time? Context: I began SH when I was 8. It wasn’t my “go to” coping skill....Q8 1:15:49 Why in therapy do you not want a religious counselor? Have you been harmed by church people or is it a personal decision? I recently went through some personal church trauma...

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why am I so afraid of abandonment?" Jul 27, 2023

This week Kati discusses attachment to our therapist. Why it can happen, what triggers the attachment and what we can do to better handle it. She also talks about suicidal ideation, and why it can sometimes be done to get more attention. Then Kati explains what the ethical implications are when we find out our therapist is seeing our significant other, and what visualizations can mean for our trauma response. This and so much more in this week’s episode! Xoxo Ask Kati Anything ep. 174 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Join Kati in her powerful new Online Workshop all about ATTACHMENT ⁠⁠⁠here

Audience questions:

1. I've been in therapy for the last 3 years and I've made some small improvements in myself but there's something I still struggle with and I'm a bit confused. I'm super attached to my therapist, with a big fear of abandonment...

2. I have a question about suicidal ideation. Recently I've been having thoughts that I want to attempt suicide, even though I don't want to actually succeed. I don't understand these thoughts because...

3. Hi Kati, my therapist is mint. I’ve been seeing her for two years but I’ve recently found out that the girl I’m dating also sees her for weekly sessions!

4. A few weeks ago in an AKA episode, you said “our brain doesn’t know the difference between us visualizing it and it really happening” when talking about ways to combat stage fright. I may be taking this out of context but I have a lot of repressed memories...

5. I struggle with dissociation (specifically chronic derealisation) and I’m not sure my therapist knows what this is. When I told her about it she just became obsessed with ‘parts work’ but I don’t have DID, I just feel really spacey.

6. In an old episode and there was a question which mentioned “acting out” a body memory or flashback. The actual question was about something else but I’ve had a similar experience...

7. I am currently in therapy and my therapist whenever I bring something difficult up asks me what it makes me feel and my emotions linked to it and I just don’t know, it’s like I go numb...

8. Can a person have a very low self-esteem and at the same time look down on other people and criticize them?

9. Why might I be having the urge to cut, even though I hate my scars and don't know that deep down I don't want to do it anymore?

Timestamps created by: @natalieedelstein

Q1 0:37 Q2 18:36 Q3 31:27 Q4 33:57 Q5 45:04 Q6 54:23 Q7 57:19 Q8 1:01:28 Q9 1:03:55

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why is it so hard for me to do things?" Jul 20, 2023

Join Kati in her powerful new Online Workshop all about ATTACHMENT ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton dives into the reasons it could be hard for us to do the things that are really important to us, and why starting new things can be so difficult. She also dives into why having so much insight into the “whys” behind our behavior can help therapy move along more quickly, but doesn’t mean that we are necessarily doing better. She then walks us through how we can choose what we should work on first in therapy, and how to overcome our emetophobia. She also explains what a disorganized attachment is and the various causes, why we can feel like there’s always a wall between us and those we love, and so much more!

Ask Kati Anything ep 173 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions: 1. It is so hard for me to do the things that are really important to me. I have ADHD and anxiety, and I get so much anxiety even if I... 0:55 2. A lot of the time, during sessions with my therapist, I will say things like: "I'm restricting my eating. I know it's because I want to feel like I have control over 14:24 3. How do I choose the most important/ urgent issue to work on in therapy? Whenever I start going through one issue with my therapist I start to think about all the others and that maybe we should be working on something else. That's often... 27:20 4. I have crippling emetophobia (fear of vomit) and it is literally ruining my life, help. I suffer from anxiety, depression, and PTSD from abuse, but I also have this crippling fear which is so damn embarrassing... 37:05 5. Could you talk a bit more about disorganized attachment? Does it always root from abuse and fear of your caregiver? 45:53 6. I’ve been feeling like there is a wall between me and others for my whole life, like I am a ghost and nobody can hear me or speak to me and now when I am a teenager, I feel this more than ever... 51:47 7. Do you think clients have a responsibility when it comes to flashbacks? My last therapist told me that I needed to practice self control and use grounding techniques in session. If I had a flashback in session she would end the session when I came back and cancel the next session so... 55:30 8. Do you have some tips for when you're overwhelmed, and it feels like using coping skills are making things worse? I had some very busy weeks, and I need some rest. But my body and mind are still in 'action!'-mode. 'Just doing nothing' is so hard... 1:03:48

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why Do I Constantly Feel Ashamed of Myself?" Jul 13, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about shame, and how to pull ourselves out of the spiral. She addressed how it can present itself in our anxious thoughts, PTSD symptoms, and also in our depression. She offers insights into ways we can receive therapy if we are battling financial insecurity, and how to do the basic things when we are deep in a depressive episode. She also talks about negative self-talk and why people think it can be motivating, as well as why we have to heal ourselves but also need other people to support us. This and so much more in this week’s episode!

Join Kati in her powerful new LIVE Online Workshop on ATTACHMENT - JULY 21st & 28th https://katimorton.com/the-shop

Can't make it to the LIVE event? Pre-order your recorded version here

Ask Kati Anything ep 172 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFTAudience questions:

1. Why do I constantly feel ashamed of myself or my actions?

2. How does one persist in therapy if they are battling financial insecurity and sometimes poverty?

3. It is often advised that we should fulfill our own needs, so our happiness doesn't depend on other people. But why do we live in a society, among 8 billion people, if we can do everything for ourselves?

4. I was wondering if you could talk about doing the basic stuff when you are in a depressed period… Honestly, it feels like I have been in a constant depressed state for the last 3 and a half years. It embarrasses me so much that I really struggle to shower, do my laundry, brush my teeth and wash my dishes. People don’t know that I...

5. I’ve watched for 9 years! but never asked a question before 😇😂 thank you for all that you do! Especially as a MH professional that is open and honest about her own struggles (gives us in the next gen hope that we too can work in the field irrespective of past problems)...

6. I know that I have negative self-talk but I feel like it motivates me so I am afraid to be nice to myself. I fear that if I stop then I will get nothing accomplished. I feel like my negative self-talk motivates me to be better and try harder. I am afraid if I try to stop or even use bridge statements...

7. How do you overcome a fear of physical intimacy? I spent all my life single as I was working hard to get out of challenges life was throwing at me. I finally finished graduate school and got a job, and then found someone. Every time he...

8. How can I get my husband to stop talking negatively about my family? It is hard because I get offended sometimes by the stuff he says, even though most of it is true. It just bothers me. He doesn't really like my parents or my siblings. I know they've all made some strange decisions and have personality quirks that are hard to deal with. I agree with him on a lot of his criticisms, but...

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"What causes people to pick at their skin?" ep.171 Jul 06, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about the reasons we can pick at our skin, bite our nails, and pull on our hair. She also explains why this can all be driven by OCD or other anxiety disorders. Next, she explains why we push ourselves to remember all of the details surrounding a trauma, and also why some of us don’t want to remember any of it. She also dives into grief, how heavy it can be, and why it can sometimes be traumatizing. Kati also discusses the reasons we may struggle to say what we need to in therapy, and how to have boundaries between our work and home life. This and so much more in this week’s episode! Ask Kati Anything ep.171 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. What causes people to pick their lips, bite their nails or scratch at their skin? Not only when they are triggered, but at random moments when they’re safe and there’s nothing wrong? I’ve struggled with picking my lips... 2. Thank you so much for your channel, and specifically, for this podcast. Why do I feel the need to remember what happened to me, meaning the specific, during my child sexual abuse... 3. I’m wondering if you could talk about how to process grief? I’m in therapy since 2 years and I was already working on my cptsd with my therapist but this year I’ve been grieving... 4. How can I learn to separate my work from the rest of my life? I am a pediatric oncology nurse. I care about my patients and their families so so much. I find it really challenging to disconnect when... 5. Sometimes when I’m in therapy I have things I want to tell my therapist but I don’t always know how to start the conversation. I worry it’ll be strange or out of context... 6. I struggle with an extreme lack of motivation to do anything that’s not required of me. I have a challenging job that I can do well, but I spend evenings and weekends zoned out in bed, mindlessly scrolling social media or YouTube... 7. I'm about a year away from graduating as a LMHC and your channel and podcast have taught me a lot. I am diagnosed with GAD and depression and go through episodes of self-harm... 8. How do you know if you want to be a therapist? Like how do you figure out if you would be a good one, if it’s the right career for you, or if it’s just something you have an interest in but maybe shouldn’t pursue?

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why can't I identify my emotions?" ep.170 Jun 29, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses the pluses and minuses of doing intense research about therapy and the process. She also talks about suicide risk and what is considered low, medium, and high risk. She digs into what constitutes eating disorder behavior and her thoughts on using cannabis before therapy. This and so much more in this week’s episode!

ATTACHMENT WORKSHOP - We will be exploring the way attachment to our primary caregivers affected us and how it may still be impacting us today. DETAILS:

I will be hosting a LIVE workshop on July 21st & July 28th (session 2).
Can't make the LIVE Workshop? we are offering a recorded version as well.
Got to https://katimorton.com/the-shop to choose the right one for you.
If you attend the LIVE workshop, you will have access to the recorded version once it is ready.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 170 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions: 1. Is it normal for clients to do a lot (and I mean A LOT) of research about therapy? Like the modalities, assessment process, what specifically therapists are trained on etc. I feel like by looking into every single detail I can think of, I know all the therapist's “secrets” and... 1:00 2. Would you be considered low, medium or high risk if you have thoughts, plans and means, but no intent? Or if you had plans and means but no thought or intent? 12:04 3. I struggle with SA in the past from an older sibling when I was 5. I’ve struggled with it my whole life and I tried to go to therapy in high school because I developed anxiety and depression, but I stopped going because I wasn’t ready to deal with it. I am 24... 21:53 4. I’m a full time college student getting my BA in Psychology, married, and living my life the best as I can. I’m diagnosed with CPTSD and generalized anxiety disorder. I am California Sober. I don’t drink or do drugs and my caffeine intake is very low but I do partake in cannabis daily... 36:00 5. I have ASD and depression. I struggle a lot with identifying my own emotions. Nevertheless, I know that there are some very intense and painful emotions buried... 40:07 6. What are the consequences of growing up in an unsafe environment with a narcissistic parent? Is it ever possible to heal completely or will those wounds stay forever even after therapy? 52:29 7. I have a past of sexual trauma/assault that I had repressed since it happened and have started working through it for the first time in therapy this year. I know that my response to that experience was freezing/fawning and I completely dissociated from... 1:05:00 8. I don't know what to call it, maybe transference?? Here is what is happening. I worry about you when a regular video, AKA or OTDM is late or there is not one that week. I worry that something is wrong or you are hurt. When you do the raw videos I worry that you are going to say... 1:12:59 9. How do you know if parental divorce has caused any trauma in someone? 1:19:20

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why do I freeze when making decisions?" | ep.169 Jun 22, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about the freeze state when making decisions. She explains why this can happen and what we can do to move through it. She also discusses PTSD and why we have the urge to minimize it or even struggle to call what happened trauma. She then digs into when it’s time to end therapy and the red flags we should look out for. She also talks about our fear of doing something wrong and its link to trauma and hypervigilance. Kati explains why we can feel the pull towards relationships with people we know are unavailable or unable to give us what you know you deserve. This and so much more in this week’s episode! Ask Kati Anything ep.169 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: Audience questions: 1. Could you give some strategies for when you go into the freeze state when you have to make decisions? I do this often and sometimes the decisions are simple... 00:31 2. I was recently diagnosed with PTSD. I can't shake the feeling that the abuse I have experienced isn't bad enough to cause PTSD, that I'm weak for reacting this way. It’s hard for me to even call it abuse... 14:18 3. How do you know it’s time to end therapy? I’ve been working with my therapist for a few years now but it feels kinda stagnant at the moment. Is this a sign I need to find a new therapist, end therapy completely or talk with them about... 28:23 4. Can being afraid of doing something wrong be related to trauma? I am so afraid - especially in relationships that mean a lot to me - to do something wrong. And there is a big fear in me of being... 39:52 5. Growing up, it was really hard to talk to my mom about my feelings. She was always stressed and worried about a lot of things. She was also very overprotective. Now I’m 31, and 2 years ago my mom retired, so... 50:52 6. Are there specific ways touch should be approached in therapy? For example someone asked a question about touch in social situations a few weeks ago and you suggested it could be practiced in therapy. But... 1:01:25 7. How might you explain the pull towards relationships with people you know are unavailable or unable to give you what you know you deserve? I have a past of sexual trauma/assault that I know is related, but as I’ve continued to work through this... 1:04:28 8. how might you explain the pull towards relationships with people you know are unavailable or unable to give you what you know you deserve? I have a past of... 1:07:45

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why am I so angry with myself?" | ep.168 Jun 15, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains why we can strive for attachment with a figure in our life that we thought was kind and good to us. She also talks about the reason we can have an aversion for people who are the same gender as our abuser. She then discusses why we can be so angry with ourselves, yet forgive people for doing worse things. Kati then talks about stage fright and how to deal with it as well as the differences between being lazy, depressed, and burned out. This and so much more in this week’s episode.I'm hosting a LIVE Healthy Attachment Workshop in July - Find out more details here: https://www.katimorton.com/attachment Tickets will sell out. Reserve your spot today! Ask Kati Anything ep. 168 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. I tend to attach to women teachers, psychologists, doctors (my aunts as well), etc. it always happens when there is even the slightest sign of care or interest in me. It has been happening since I can remember and I don’t understand why. I have both parents and even though... 2. Can you give any advice about being angry at oneself? Lately, I feel angry because, during the past few years, I pressed me too much and neglected my needs. Now I feel that I have wasted too much time and this makes me aggressive towards my... 3. Any tips to help musicians who suffer from stage fright? 4. I hope you’re well! (I asked that question before, but it didn’t get answered so I thought I would just ask it again.) I watched your video "Am I Lazy, Depressed, or Burnt Out?". I know that I’ve always been a lazy person (at least as long as I remember), but I think I’m probably also depressed... 5. At age 14 I found proana sites online and that triggered me to start restricting, as I hated my body then. Over the past 11 years I have gone through phases of restricting, followed by phases of normal eating... 6. Can overeating come from missing life? So that you try to fill a void with food... but actually it is a void of immaterial things you are craving for? Such as healthiness, friendships, lightheartedness, happiness, time, hope,... 7. My sister emotionally abused me and when this came up in therapy with my new therapist she wants me to understand why my sister did it. This feels very invalidating and I feel like my new therapist isn't allowing me to feel my anger towards my sister... 8. Can somatic experiencing work for someone with dissociation? My therapist wants to try somatic therapy and I was/am open to it but I have doubts about knowing how my body feels. I mean, half the time, I can barely feel my body!

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why Do I Feel So Empty Inside?" ep.167 Jun 08, 2023

This week Licensed Therapist, Kati Morton, LMFT explains why depression can cause us to feel empty inside, and like we are a burden to everyone around us. She also digs into why COCSA can feel so complicated to process because they were kids too, and it can feel wrong to blame them for the abuse. Kati then explains a therapist's perspective around bridging up new information in each therapy session and feeling like we are just doing it for attention. She also discusses a professional crying in session and that our reaction to it is the most important piece of information. This and so much more this week!! All that and much more in this week’s episode of Ask Kati Anything!

Ask Kati Anything ep. 167 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions:

I've experienced emotional neglect and physical abuse from my parents and family members. I struggle with depression and anxiety right now. Even when I feel quite alright I feel emptiness inside...
I was sexually abused by my brother who is 5 years older than me from ages 5-9. I originally went to therapy in an attempt to heal from this trauma but I've pretty much just avoided the subject entirely and focused on...
What do you, as a therapist, think if a patient is bringing up completely new information? As a patient/client, I feel very uncomfortable after a therapy session in which I said (again!) new things...
My question is about providers crying in session. I was having a bit of a crisis last week, and while explaining the situation & my feelings about it to my dietitian, she started crying. At first, I was so surprised by it that I thought she was...
You have talked about how important boundaries are in therapy especially with clients with BPD. Does this mean that your boundaries shift when it comes to clients with BPD? Also, you have mentioned that when a client asks for a hug...
Can you tell more about journaling? How do you use it? How do you recommend your clients to use it? It's helpful to me a lot when I feel anxious, getting rid of all thoughts helps. But when it comes to processing different thoughts, beliefs or feelings I feel like I intellectualize...
As a child I was totally spoiled and my parents didn't seem to trust in my capabilities to cope with age-appropriate things on my own, due to me having been born way too early. I was emotionally nurtured, maybe even too much...
Recently I've been hearing a lot about AI, Chat gpt and all that. I'm curious to hear your take on this subject. Personally I do use chat GPT sometimes, but I don't see it as a therapist or a replacement for one. To me it's more like a journal that talks back...

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why Does My Mind Go Blank In Therapy?" ep.166 Jun 06, 2023

This week Licensed Therapist, Kati Morton, LMFT explains why we can forget everything the second we step into our therapy sessions, and what could help us remember what we wanted to say. She also discusses real ways to combat those suicidal thoughts and why depression and suicidality are not always related. Next, Kati talks about the ways we can work to repair our relationships that could have been damaged due to our mental illness, and why a suicide attempt can be a traumatic experience. She also talks about flashbacks and how they can be felt in the body, flashes of memory that we see, smell, or even taste, and we can even have emotional flashbacks. This and so much more this week!! All that and much more in this week’s episode of Ask Kati Anything!

Ask Kati Anything ep.166 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions

Why is it that my mind goes blank during therapy sessions? Before and after I have a lot of thoughts wandering through my mind, but once I’m in therapy they are all gone...
I don’t see the point of living. I really don’t understand why people want to live and especially why people bring kids into this awful world. I don’t see the point of living and I’ve felt this way since I was a teenager...
I struggle a lot with guilt and shame due to what I put my family through due to my mental illness. (ie the worry the had, the suicide attempts etc.) I feel like a horrible person due to...
My question is about flashbacks. I really didn’t want to write this but I feel a bit stuck. I think I’ve been having flashbacks but I’m too scared to tell my therapist. It feels sooo dramatic...
How do you get out of dissociation, when it is always there? Hey Kati and happy Thursday. I have derealization and depersonalization since 2018 and it NEVER goes away.
How can I love and respect my body? I was physically punished as a child, and sexually abused by my husband. I can't find the connection to my body...
My daughter (9) struggles with emotion regulation. She fidgets a lot when she's angry, nervous or anxious. She's super sensitive e.g. to certain smells and clothing...
I have a question regarding childhood sexual abuse. I am in the process of trying to tell my counselor the details of what happened but for some reason I feel like I'm not telling the truth...
I’ve been in therapy for a few months now for an eating disorder, focusing specifically on my compulsive exercise. I know that exposure therapy is the only way to get used to the feeling of not exercising...

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

...MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"What Can Cause DISSOCIATION?" | AKA ep.165 May 25, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks us through the various causes of dissociation, and child on child sexual abuse. She also explains what natural curiosity is versus something caused by abuse. Next, Kati discusses why we can struggle to see how bad our depression or anxiety has gotten, and why that can impede us getting the help we need. She also offers ways to heal when our “safe person” turns out to be hurtful, and how we can combat our urge to focus on the negative things going on in our world. This and so much more in this week’s episode!

Ask Kati Anything ep. 165 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS 1. I have a question about dissociation. Does it have to be caused by trauma or are there other things that can cause dissociation? 2. This is something I have never spoken about as I'm so embarrassed. When I was a child (6-8ish), my male friend and I (same age and both consensual, I'm female) would try to have "sex" at sleepovers. It also continued with another female friend. If anyone else said this I'd be very curious about sexual abuse, however that didn't happen to me.... 3. I've been in this weird headspace lately where I'm really confused and frustrated about how I actually feel. My therapist recently suggested I try medication for my depression and anxiety since things haven't really been improving but... 4. How do you cope with finding out that your “safe people” growing up weren’t so safe after all? I experienced a little bit of abuse as a kid (sexual, physical, and emotional). Possibly as a result, I... 5. I try putting this into the right words. This world is a shit show. Most people are selfish, manipulative, mean...I think you get the picture. Most of the time it's really hard living in this world. I often feel like... 6. Can you talk about internal family systems and how all the parts, exiles and other things work? I’m in trauma therapy and have CPTSD, EMDR & IFS has been so helpful but... 7. I wonder what type of questions I’m allowed to ask my therapist? She’s very professional and sometimes when I ask her if she’s... 8. How can I best work with my therapist to reduce the extreme amount of rejection I feel at the end of each session? I think it started off as separation anxiety, but it has developed into a feeling of severe... 9. I was wondering, have you ever had a client lie to you & how did you deal with it? I have noticed myself lying to my therapist often and I want to stop. Any tips on how to do that thanks for all that you do. https://tce.researchinpractice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/children_and_young_people_with_harmful_sexual_behaviours_research_review_2014.pdf DISSOCIATION PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_loxoCVsWqy8NqveX22SsMKlW5601YvQ

Here are some resources that can help: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 The Jed Foundation: https://www.jedfoundation.org/ The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/ If you are in immediate danger, please call 911

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why does Self-Harm calm me down?" - AKA 164 May 18, 2023

In this episode, Kati explains why self harming can actually make us feel better and she even dives into the reasons we can keep coming back to it. She also talks about anxiety and if it will ever go away or if it’s something we have to live with for the rest of our lives. She then discusses physical touch and why some of us might be uncomfortable with it, and she offers ways to overcome it and how to talk with those we love about it. She also gets into some of the ramifications of childhood sexual abuse and neglect, and how we can work through that as well. This and so much more in this week’s episode! Ask Kati Anything ep. 164 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. Can you explain why self harm, in my case cutting, results in me feeling really calm (I suffer with depression and anxiety), and even thinking about doing it calms me down... 2. Will my anxiety ever really go away? I have learned to push through so much of my anxiety using different coping skills I learned in therapy. But... 3. After years of neglect as a kid, I've never learned about physical touch. I don't remember being hugged and such. So now, what seems intuitive for most people feels so confusing... 4. I’m wondering how I can honor and validate my boyfriend's feelings even when they trigger me. I grew up in an emotionally neglectful/abusive environment where I... 5. In one of your episodes you talked about some of your colleagues being judgmental about how you paced yourself getting your credit hours in school and wondering why... 6. Hi Kati. I have asked this question so many times. I really want your advice. I have had anorexia since I was 13, I'm now 40. I have a 7 year old daughter. I never want to have her go through this too and I want to know how I should talk to her about this because, even though she hasn't asked yet, she has seen some ED behaviors before from me and... 7. Is it normal for a child (pre-pubescent) to masturbate while thinking about being punished, or is this related to sexual trauma? I have a history of verbal and emotional abuse and neglect, but... 8. How can you tell if your mum was and still is emotionally neglectful and or abusive? I have watched your videos about childhood emotional neglect extensively... https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/theres-scientific-reason-why-self-harm-makes-some-people-feel-better-180953062/ Here are some resources that can help: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 The Jed Foundation: https://www.jedfoundation.org/ The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/ If you are in immediate danger, please call 911

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

MORE

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

My Emotions Are So Overwhelming! HELP! ep.163 May 16, 2023

This week we're discussing emotion regulation, feeling anxious and depressed at the same time, and why that can be so uncomfortable and dangerous! Kati also explains why we can feel angry at our abusers, but struggle with this anger because they were abused themselves. Next, we discuss attachment to our therapists and why we can miss them after our sessions have ended. We also talk about trauma, nightmares, and how to heal.

Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. My question is about emotion regulation…I think. I have learned to tolerate and move through fairly bad anxiety, and I’m getting better at noticing and stopping depression spirals too, but I still have a big problem: sometimes the depression and anxiety mash together and create this whirlwind of grief, sadness, fear and shame, and I feel like I’m literally exploding inside...

2. I have a history of childhood trauma, and at the moment I feel really torn between feeling angry towards my parents and feeling like I have no right to be angry with them because I am aware that they didn't intentionally hurt me. But...

3. Would it be normal or acceptable to ask my therapist if I can just check in with her every now and then (like maybe every 3 months or so)? Do people do that? I don't have a big need to...

4. My question is also regarding how trauma, in particular childhood trauma, manifests in our bodies. I have a condition called interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and pelvic floor disorder. After years and years and thousands of dollars seeking medical attention...

5. I want to know why it is so difficult to ask for help? I am so overwhelmed with things to do but won't ask for help. How do I get the courage to ask for...

6. I’m wondering what to do about my intense fear of failure and the need to be perfect. For context, I have a lot of trauma and was emotionally abused/neglected in childhood. Because of this, I have an anxious attachment, OCD, and I spent some time in a mental hospital when I was in college. I also have a history of disordered eating, self harm, generalized anxiety, and ADHD. I am now 23, and...

7. Was just wondering - how to cope with CPTSD nightmares? I've been having them every single night, seeing my triggers everywhere in the dreams and being confronted with my abusers face to face. It's an awful experience...

8. I have a question about trauma and disgust and I am really scared that I might be the only one feeling like that. I recently talked to my best friend about feeling turned on by movie scenes, etc. and I told her that for me that belly tingling...

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Is TRAUMA HEALING Possible Without Talking About THE SPECIFICS? | AKA ep.162 May 04, 2023

This week Kati talks about trauma healing, if we can do it without talking through the specifics, and how to untangle our identity from what happened to us. She also discusses attachment in therapy, with our abusers, and its connection to OCD. She explains why we may not have memories of traumatic times, and why we might not be able to recognize ourselves in photos. She also talks about medical trauma, revisiting the places where trauma took place, and whether or not a narcissistic parent can get better as they get older. This and so much more in this trauma pack episode!

Ask Kati Anything ep. 162 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions: 1. When it comes to trauma therapy, do you actually have to talk about the specific event(s) to be successful with it? Or can you still heal from trauma by working on...

2. I get super easily attached to people and the attachments can be all consuming. I want to find a therapist (not specifically to talk about that but I’m sure it’ll come up) and I’m not sure what...

3. Hi Kati, I'm 25 and I have a chronic illness which is life limiting. In the past year it has become very serious and about 5 months ago, during a long stay in hospital, my doctors told my family and me that we should prepare for the worst.

4. I was wondering where an attachment to a therapist might come from even if I grew up with parents who met my needs? I am almost obsessed with the idea of my therapist, she is someone I...

5. My question has to do with still processing and dealing with trauma you sustained as a child. I grew up with an alcoholic father who eventually passed away due to his addiction to alcohol. But even now, I...

6. I recognize myself when I look at my childhood photos, but still, I don't feel any emotional connection or remember the situation when the photo was taken or the person who took it. Why is that? And how can I help myself remember my childhood?

7. Is there any benefit to revisiting places where you experienced trauma? I'm going to start processing past trauma with my therapist soon, but I don't have a lot of clear memories from that time in my life...

8. Can a narcissistic parent, who has no desire to improve themselves, tone down their narcissistic tendencies simply due to old age?

9. How long does it take for a person to work through trauma? As soon as I started discussing this with my therapist, my sleep and physical health has gone for a toss. My stress levels have...

Kati's Books (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Am I allowed to record my therapy sessions? Is That A Good Idea?| AKA ep. 161 Apr 27, 2023

This week Kati talks about recording therapy sessions and if that’s a good idea or even allowed. She also explains why we would be looking for a deeper meaning when our therapist tells us things, and what connection that can have to our attachment style. She also discusses the effects of growing up with an addict in our home, and why being around verbal abuse can be traumatic. This and much more in this week’s episode!

Ask Kati Anything ep. 161 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. What are your thoughts on voice recording therapy sessions? I have the past 3 sessions and my therapist doesn’t know. I tend to listen to them multiple times a week and I don’t know why. I also found my therapist on social media and like learning more about her... 2. I tend to ruminate on what my therapist says following our sessions. While doing so I’ll try to look for deeper meaning because I have a hard time taking... 3. I’ve started to be able to open up a bit more in therapy and talk about more difficult things. I don’t want to accept it but I know part of it was sexual abuse... 4. My question is about what affects growing up with parents who argued and did verbal abuse to each other has on a child who had to watch it and live with it? My dad was verbally abusive to my mom and he was... 5. I am 30 years old and still carry my teddy with me everywhere I go. I have an intense fear that if I leave him home alone, my house might burn down, or I will for some reason not be able to... 6. I have a question regarding addictions and addictive behaviors. I have noticed that I have a problem with addictions and addictive behaviors. However, the problem I have is that I... 7. How do you know how you feel for real? I constantly doubt my feelings, and I find it so hard to trust that my feelings are not made-up (particularly sad feelings; I never really doubt happy feelings). There are times that I... 8. I am curious if people could be traumatized by movies? I was really scared once when I watched a movie when I was 13 or 14 and that wasn’t even a scary movie. However, I started to have those imaginations that if I open a door I’ll see a corpse...

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

What's the difference between numbing out and dissociation? ep.160 Apr 20, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton dives into the differences between numbing out and dissociation, and why one can lead to the other sometimes. She also explains why we can get caught up in a cycle of not reaching out because we don’t want to be too much, and then not being able to get help when we are struggling. She also talks about why we can feel like we don’t belong anywhere, and why we can use humor to deal with tough situations. She really challenges us to look into our old familial patterns this week, and see where these sabotaging behaviors are coming from. This and much more in this week’s episode!

Ask Kati Anything ep. 160 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions: 1. I would love to hear your opinions on the difference between numbing out and dissociation. I have been talking a lot with my therapist about not wanting to be present in my body, but struggling to determine when I am numbing out (phone, sleeping) or truly dissociated...

2. Hope you’re okay. How do you get out of the cycle of not reaching out for help because you think it’ll be too much for people and not feeling safe reaching out? I find myself picking and choosing the exact thing to say rather than letting it...

3. I feel like I don't belong anywhere (family, work/ uni, my flat…). I feel quite lost and lonely and I'm wondering: What can I do to feel a sense of belonging in this world? I’m autistic and have depression, anxiety as well as anorexia...

4. Do you see any issues with using humor to talk about certain things with your therapist? In general I usually try to make people laugh almost as a self defense mechanism and find it sometimes helps when introducing a topic or situation...

5. I was wondering whether it’s better to distract from something like a flashback or panic attack or just let it play out? I sometimes feel the build up to something...

6. My husband and I are both in therapy and seeing different therapists at the same practice. We are both dealing with the same marital issue in our individual therapy sessions. My therapist offered to talk to my husband's therapist...

7. How do you know if you're even doing therapy right? I’ve been in therapy for 9 months and took a couple months break. She knows I was sexually abused and that I used self harm to deal with it. But I don’t know if I’m sharing what I need...

8. Is NPD like a spectrum? I watched your video about 8 signs of narcissistic mom and recognised mostly my father. Not all of these fit with him...

Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Kati's Books (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Emotional Neglect, Better Parenting, Working on Trauma and more... AKA 159 Apr 13, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about emotional neglect during our teen years, what it means to have a healthy emotional relationship, and what we can do to be better parents. She also discusses whether or not we can date while still working on our trauma, and why sex can be such a hangup for those of us with abuse in our past. She explains dissociation, DID, and whether or not we can dissociate throughout our entire childhood. This and so much more in this week’s episode of Ask Kati Anything - Your mental health podcast. Audience questions:

1. Can you talk about emotional neglect during the teenage years? This is a time when teens and parents are often at odds and don't necessarily...

2. When is the right time to enter the dating game as opposed to waiting to heal your childhood trauma? It seems to be a popular advice not to date until you healed - to some extent - your trauma and are ready to...

3. So this question is very embarrassing for me. I'm recently divorced and I know sex was a main contributor. I like the idea of sex but the physical act of it makes me cringe and become very uncomfortable. After a long stretch of absolutely no sexual desire...

4. I'm currently working on childhood trauma with my therapist and he's letting me kind of "take the lead" (so I decide the tempo) but I'm just so unsure if what I'm doing is...

5. Last week my therapist said that I have reached a plateau in therapy and that I need to look for another therapist to help me because she has done all that she...

6. Could I have dissociated most of my childhood but still remember some details? I have got childhood trauma and have struggled most of my life now with it. I'm 16. For context, I had a psychology assignment where I had to create a timeline of my childhood and...

7. I was watching my favorite show "Station 19" and I realized that I relate so much with one of the characters: Maya. Maya is someone who has a lot of childhood trauma and the only outlet she knows is...

8. How do you deal with the loss of therapy because you made a horribly wrong decision so the fault is on you? I just got kicked out of an inpatient program because they think I tried to kms. They were wrong and some of them believed me, so I am allowed to come back in...

Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Kati's Books (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Shame , Embarrassment, Dissociation, Trauma & Procrastination - AKA 158 Apr 06, 2023

In this episode Kati talks about shame, embarrassment and why those feelings can come up when we try to express ourselves. She also digs into dissociation, what it can feel like, look like, and ways that you can be brought back. She talks about procrastination and its link to trauma, how we can better open up and trust our therapists, and how to get over our fear of not being believed. She also discusses medical trauma, why hospitalizations can be traumatizing, and how to date when you have a mental illness. This and so much more in this week’s episode!

Ask Kati Anything ep. 158 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions 1. Would you be able to talk about the feelings of shame and embarrassment that come with talking about how I feel? For about 3 years, I've been struggling with eating disorder behaviors and what might be depression. I'm constantly thinking about food, my body, comparing myself to others, feeling lonely but isolating myself. I find... 2. I'm wondering how dissociation can present itself visually. When I start to become distressed with trauma memories I recently have begun to 'zone out'. I can still technically hear, see and understand where I am, but it's like I can't connect to anything in the room or to any emotions or memories... 3. Can procrastination be related to trauma? I find myself procrastinating a lot, especially when it comes to things that are important for me personally and actually mean a lot to me. It seems as if I am sabotaging myself. Can my ptsd be the root for my procrastination or... 4. How do I open up to my therapist and show emotion? To give a little context, I have been seeing my therapist for two months and she's amazing, she validates my feelings and makes me feel seen. I just can't seem let her in and myself be completely transparent with her, I don't tell her the complete truth or answer her questions with complete honesty... 5. Do you have any advice on how to deal with the fear of not being believed in therapy? I‘m scared to talk about my past/ symptoms etc. because I fear they‘ll think I‘m just making stuff up for attention or making a big deal out of nothing. I have had negative experiences such as being accused of making up my symptoms... 6. I have a question about trauma from psychiatric hospitalizations. when I was 13, I struggled with suicidal thoughts/attempts, self injury, disordered eating, etc. I (unwillingly) went in and out of multiple mental hospitals for months, then went away to a residential treatment center for 3 months. I don’t have super clear memories of this time, but... 7. I'm 37 and due to my CPTSD, ED and OCD I've never been in a relationship. I know you can't tell me if I'll ever have one but maybe you can tell me how to approach this topic when I'm on a date. The last times I went out on a date the guys asked about my last relationship, my job etc. I was... 8. Can you talk about the occurrence of symptoms generally found in OCD versus in other anxiety disorders? 9. I am wondering if you can talk about CPTSD. Trauma is often discussed in the context of childhood trauma. Can you get CPTSD from multiple different types of trauma but not really stemming from childhood?

Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Kati's Books (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Childhood trauma, dissociation and coping skills | ep. 157 Mar 30, 2023

Licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses childhood trauma, dissociation, and why that can be a helpful coping skill growing up. She also explains the difference between feeling nothing versus having a sense of emptiness. She dives into why those of us with a history of trauma can get overwhelmed more easily than others, and how to push through that weirdness of inner child work. She also gives her thoughts on intermittent fasting, and how we can instill self confidence in teens.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 157 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

Due to childhood trauma I've known I dissociated from my problems. What I don't know is, apparently, when I'm triggered. For example with this podcast on occasion a tough topic will come up and...
I always hear people talk about the symptoms of depression. And one of them that they always talk about is a feeling of emptiness. What I'm wondering is feeling nothing is the same as feeling empty?
Is it common for those of us who experienced trauma to get overwhelmed easily? Why does it happen and how can we deal with it?
I'm just wondering how you push through the weirdness, uncomfortableness, and vulnerability of doing inner child work. My therapist has asked me to close my eyes to picture myself at...
What is the best way to instill self confidence in tweens so they don’t feel like they have to measure up to what they see on social media and are able to be confident...
I'm a manager at my job and one of my employees is dealing with newly worsening panic attacks. She's on medication that doesn't really...
I have B.E.D, Diabetes and I live in a bigger body. The meds I'm on cause weight loss and a feeling of not being hungry. My endocrinologist told me that if I'm not hungry, not to eat or intermittent fasting...
What are 'affirmations', in the context of therapy? I keep coming across this word and it seems like just saying things to yourself in the mirror? Or is there more to it?

Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Kati's Books (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Processing Trauma, Nightmares & Mental Blocks | ep 156 Mar 23, 2023

This week Kati talks about dealing with nightmares, how to know if we have processed our trauma completely, and whether or not we have to tell our therapist about our self injury. She also gives us tips for pushing through mental blocks, ways we can tell our therapist what we need, and she explains confidentiality in therapy. This and so much more in this week’s episode of AKA. xoxo

Ask Kati Anything ep. 156 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions:

1. I recently read a book called The Choice by Dr Edith Eva Eger. In it she discussed how she often thought she was done processing her trauma only to realize she was wrong later. My question is, how would you know you were no longer being affected by your trauma/had finished processing it?

2. Do u have any coping tips when it comes to struggling with nightmares? A few months ago my therapist retired and I'm in the process of finding someone new...

3. Is it critical to share that you are self-harming with your therapist? If so, why? It is only very minor injuries but I have watched your other videos and you said to always share this information.

4. How can I get from partly better to actually thriving? I was drowning in symptoms of treatment resistant depression for so many years until last autumn, when I started ketamine treatment. I feel like I‘m coming back to life and actually able to start doing...

5. Is it okay to tell my therapist I want her to be more compassionate and empathetic? I fear that I will be asking her to change or be adding unnecessary pressure on her. For context I am doing dbt...

6. Are there any helpful tools to push through mental blocks? I've had an abusive relationship which turned into daily harassment for years, after I broke up. I went to the authorities before and I'm now...

7. Could you talk a little bit about insurance and therapy? I am planning to start therapy soon and I have to go through my insurance otherwise I cannot afford it, however, I am worried about having the diagnosis on my permanent medical record and...

8. Where do I start if I'm so disconnected from myself that I don't even notice when I'm triggered?? Hello, I thought I'd try a new format because my question tends to get lost when I try to ramble for context. I've suffered CSA, as well as emotional neglect and some regular childhood abuse...

Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Kati's Books (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Help! I am so angry with my therapist! AKA ep.155 Mar 16, 2023

Ask Kati Anything ep. 155 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about why we can bring up a past trauma once and then not be able to speak about it again. She also digs into why we can become angry with our therapist when they haven’t done anything wrong, and why we can find ourselves with a crush on them. She also explains why we need coping skills that require little to no energy, and what those look like. This and so much more in this week’s episode! xox

Audience questions:

1. Recently I admitted to my therapist that I was sexually abused as a child, I didn't talk about any details, and since then, I am avoiding this topic with her. She gave me some space and, after some time, tried to bring it back into our session, but the minute she started talking, I wanted to run out of her office....

2. I have found myself becoming angry with my therapist the last few sessions. She didn’t even do anything. I keep thinking back to the sessions wondering what she had said, but it wasn’t a particular thing that she said. She was just annoying me...

3. I recently realized that I have sexual feelings about my therapist. I have read about transference, the thing is that we are both women. Does this mean that I am not straight? Addressing this to her feels extremely uncomfortable, so I would appreciate some hints on what this...

4. I was wondering if therapists do work for their clients in between sessions? I always assumed that they do, and that that was part of why the fee was so high, because they need to take some time to look things up between sessions...

5. I have a question about coping skills. I have a list of coping skills that can work if I can physically make myself do them. But recently I have been struggling to do them. My therapist never told me what to do when...

6. My mom is a narcissist and last year I went no contact with her for almost 6 months at my therapist’s suggestion...

7. There are these videos about how you now realized that some of the things in your childhood were associated with a person turning out to be gay in adulthood. Nothing in my childhood or being a teenager points to that...

8. You've talked a lot about eating disorders changing the way they show up over time, and I was wondering if trauma can do the same thing. For context, my trauma caused panic attacks and extreme distress for years, but recently those panic attacks stopped...

Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Kati's Books (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

How Common is it to "Forget" Trauma? ep.154 Mar 09, 2023

In this episode, licensed therapist Kati Morton delves into the importance of setting boundaries in therapy and what to do if our therapist doesn't respect them. She also tackles the controversial topic of repressed memories and whether we could have fabricated our trauma or simply forgotten about it. Kati explains how physical contact with our therapist could be triggering and why it's important to acknowledge and validate our feelings without necessarily acting on them. She even provides helpful tips on how to respond when someone asks to see our self-harm cuts and we're not ready to talk about it yet. Join Kati Morton as she provides valuable insights and advice on how to navigate through the complex and often challenging terrain of therapy. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode!

Audience questions:

1. I have been seeing my therapist for a year and a half now and she is amazing. I’ve made so much progress and she’s been so supportive. However, sometimes her boundaries with me are not very strict...

2. I have a question about repressed memories, flashbacks and body memories. Why would you only begin to have flashbacks and other kinds of reactions once something has been revealed to you (such as a repressed memory). Or something that’s never bothered you until you start to...

3. How common is it to "forget" trauma? I know my brother was sa by my dad. I have no clear memories from 0 - 12. I can give you a detailed description of my elementary school and my high school. But I can't remember what my bedroom looked like when I was...

4. The thought of my therapist having any physical contact with me terrifies me. If she stands too close to me or the chairs are too close together I feel very threatened and panic. I've been with her for almost 2 yrs. She's very kind and patient and I feel I've connected with...

5. Are feelings really always valid? People often say one's feelings shouldn't be judged. I find that weird because if I always took my feelings as valid and acted accordingly, I'd not function in life. My first reaction to quite some things is to avoid them because the first feeling is fear/worry...

6. Why is it so important to me that I am believed??? I recently started again with a new trauma therapist. Going over my story again is harder than I expected it to be. I find myself leaving certain...

7. Today my sister asked me about the self-harm cuts on my legs, and I told her I wasn't sure what happened, and that I've been really clumsy lately. She didn't seem to buy it though. What should I say if people ask about my cuts and I'm not ready to share?

Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Kati's Books (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Navigating Therapy: Trust, Shame, & Neglect, Diagnosing Cautiously, Understanding Eating Disorders Mar 04, 2023

In this week's episode, licensed therapist Kati Morton delves into crucial topics that can transform our mental health. Discover the significance of coping skills and resources to manage the waiting period between therapy appointments. Gain insight into avoidant personality disorder and attachment styles, and learn why therapists might not disclose a BPD diagnosis. Explore the importance of emotional intelligence and the benefits of openly discussing our feelings for personal growth and healthy parenting. Plus, Kati shares her experiences with emotional attachments to patients and the boundaries she maintains in her practice. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion!

QUESTIONS:

How do you deal with "content" in-between therapy appointments please? I know some techniques, but this time the therapy has opened a can of worms tightly closed for years, and it's all coming out randomly, in between sessions. Flashbacks, hypervigilance, insomnia.
If someone has trust issues and shame issues originating from an avoidant personality type, do you have any suggestions on how they can get into psychotherapy to overcome these...
I grew up in what I always considered to be a perfectly normal home. We were all well behaved and never complained about anything because basically we had our needs...
Would a therapist not tell you if you have BPD? I really connect with the BPD research I see and I recently had the courage to ask my therapist if...
Within the past year I've been dealing with eating disorder behaviors. I don't know if it would "count" as an eating disorder as what happens is that I'll spend a few months heavily restricting, and then when external things calm...
I was wondering if you’ve ever told a client you loved them? I recently said it somewhat impulsively before leaving a session and she said she cared very much about me but didn’t want to cross her boundaries...
How much of a plan is your therapist supposed to have for you? Something I find frustrating lately about therapy is that after several months it doesn't seem to be...

Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Kati's Books (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Should You Increase or Decrease Therapy Sessions? Feb 23, 2023

Are you wondering if you should increase or decrease your therapy sessions? Join licensed therapist Kati Morton as she delves into this topic and explores what could be causing your therapist to space out your sessions. In this video, Kati also addresses bullying, trauma, and the challenges of healing. You'll learn about the similarities and differences between C-PTSD & ASD, the various types of depression, and how to identify what you're experiencing. Kati even explains why some therapists remain neutral and don't show preference or emotion with their patients. This week's episode is packed with valuable insights and information! Don't miss out!

Ask Kati Anything ep. 152 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

1. I just started to trust and open up to my therapist, and I recently shared my deepest traumas. I am still not able to speak about them, but I’ve finally “told” someone...

2. Why am I still angry and resentful at the world after being bullied? I'm 21 now and was severely bullied between 11 and 18 and still struggle with anger/trust issues with everybody I...

3. From childhood on, I've been playing fake scenarios in my head before I fall asleep. I can't remember at which age I started this and I'm curious where this behavior could...

4. I’ve been working with my therapist for a few years now (on and off since covid) and I’ve got a topic I need to talk about and work through but I just can’t say what I’m feeling or thinking about...

5. I hope you’re doing well. Is there a name for when someone experiences symptoms of depression for 10-14 days? Occasionally, I will feel unmotivated, exhausted, withdrawn and struggle to enjoy my...

6. Could you possibly talk about the symptom overlap between C-ptsd and ASD? As someone with both diagnoses I wish I could understand the roots of my struggles. Are my...

7. Happy thursday! How do I deal with feeling like I have to start over again and again due to my mental illness? I'm 26 now and still working on getting my bachelors degree. I had to...

8. How can I cope with my therapist being neutral? You know how you sometimes say “I want to punch them [abusers] in the face”? I really wish my therapist was...

9. How important would you say that a feeling of hope is in therapy? What role does it play for recovery and for the therapeutic process in general and in my case in particular? I've been in therapy for C-PTSD since...

Kati's Books (in stores now) Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why Am I SO ANXIOUS between therapy sessions?" AKA #151 Feb 16, 2023

This week, licensed therapist Kati Morton talks all about anxiety in between therapy sessions. Why it happens, what could trigger it, and what we can do to better manage it. She also explains why it can be easy for us to tell strangers really personal or upsetting things but impossible for us to share it with those closest to us. Kati then jumps into repressed memories and whether or not we can trust them, and how to be more optimistic in light of all that’s going on in our world. This and so much more in this week’s episode! Xoxo

Ask Kati Anything ep. 151 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

1. How do you deal with anxiety between therapy sessions? I ruminate about my therapy sessions every week on what we talked about, what I said and shouldn't have...

2. Why do I find it so easy to be open about everything, even the darkest parts of myself in front of strangers, even in public spaces but around my parents I can’t seem to say...

3. I was wondering how trustworthy repressed memories are? I recently had a clear memory pop up that I was sexually abused by a female relative. It all sort of clicked into other realizations and suspicions about

4. Since the pandemic I feel like I’ve turned from an optimist to a pessimist, and just don’t know if I’ll ever be able to be generally optimistic. Especially injustices around the world, be it right wing...

5. How do I stop obsessing over the people I care about getting older? There's just this massive fear of running out of time...

6. hat if therapy just makes you go home and cry too much, and NOT because you were talking about something sad or heavy but because of how the appointment went?

7. Last episode you answered a question about intrusive thoughts, and asked if they were ego dystonic or ego syntonic. The curious part is (I think) they are syntonic. I get excited at the possibilities. I am sometimes attracted to women as well as men. Some emotionally, some physically...

8. Hi Kati! I’ve listened to a few therapist’s podcasts and always come back to you. I’ve never been to therapy before and now I’m certain no one in my rural area will measure up what I’ve taken away from just listening to you. Could this just be another avoidant tactic for me?

Kati's Books (in stores now) Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Why Do I Want People To Understand What I'm Really Feeling? | ep. 150 Feb 09, 2023

This week on licensed therapist Kati Morton's podcast, Kati dives into the reasons why we want others to understand our true emotions, even when they may not match our exterior. She also shares her thoughts on ending therapy, when it's the right time, and how to continue healing even when finances may be an issue. Kati also sheds light on the effects of emotional abuse and neglect on an individual's mental health, including PTSD and difficulties with intimacy. Additionally, she discusses dependent personality disorder and the challenges of speaking about traumatic experiences, as well as the ethical considerations for therapists working with both individuals and their families. Join Kati for this informative and compassionate discussion on mental health and self-care.

Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

ep. 150 audience questions:

1. Why do I so badly want people to understand what I'm "really" feeling, on the inside? To the outside world I appear confident, successful and organized. But on the inside I actually have super low self esteem, have severe anxiety...

2. My current therapist means a lot to me, and we've been working together for more than a year. Our last session is coming up, and we're leaving on okay terms. I'm wondering what I can do to show her how I feel. Is it too corny to...

3. Could complex ptsd from emotional abuse and neglect result in an absolute fear and aversion of sexual intimacy? The few times I’ve been in a relationship, I’ve felt so excruciatingly uncomfortable when guys...

4. I notice myself “speaking in code” in therapy. I’m currently in trauma therapy dealing with CSA and SA and I think I tend to do this so I don’t have to say certain words out loud...

5. I've been seeing my current therapist for a little over a year now, and things are going great and I feel like she "gets me" a lot more than my previous therapist. The problem is that I constantly feel like I'm lying to...

6. Can you talk about Dependent Personality Disorder? I had never heard of this until my doctor (mental health and eating disorder specialist) diagnosed me with this. From what she told me, it sounds exactly...

7. I've been following you for a while now and I found you very helpful! Before I start I wanted to tell you that I'm not English so I’m sorry for possible grammar mistakes. I wanted to ask you if it’s “normal” for a therapist...

8. I have a question about how you would handle a situation as a therapist. If a spouse of some of your clients emailed you and told you about abuse that was to the point of getting a restraining order would you...

Kati's Books (in stores now) Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM
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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How do I keep myself out of another depressive episode?" AKA 149 Feb 02, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about overcoming a severe depressive episode and suicide attempt. She discusses OCD and fears of being a parent, and even dives into whether or not it’s sometimes helpful to just ignore symptoms of PTSD and abuse. She also explains why we can want to recover from an eating disorder and still struggle with it. This and so many other topics in this week’s episode!

Ask Kati Anything ep. 149 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. I am recovering from a severe depressive episode where I attempted to commit suicide many times. My question is: What happens next?

2. I have OCD and I am terrified of becoming a parent. I imagine that I will be super hard on myself trying to parent “the right way,” and the fact that there are no clear-cut answers to everything will drive me crazy. There are so many disagreements out there about parenting and so much judgment...

3. Something at work regarding sexual abuse brought up memories that I’d always known were there but never thought they’d had an impact on me. I’m now realizing it’s probably had more of an impact that I thought and...

4. My question revolves around sexuality. I strongly resonate with the term "asexual", yet for some reason also long for a relationship. My therapist said that I might not be asexual, but simply feel this way due to fear coming from my past and c-ptsd…

5. I feel like 2023 should or could be the year I finish being in therapy. I will miss my therapist and especially miss having someone like her to talk to. I realize that everyone needs someone in their life that they can talk things...

6. Why can’t I recover from anorexia, even though I want to. I have almost always struggled with food restriction. From as young as I can remember, I’ve put self imposed “limits” on food intake amounts, food groups etc regardless of...

7. I'm in the process of getting diagnosed with ADHD, I'm 35. I've spent a lifetime struggling with depression and social anxiety and I'm hoping that maybe getting help for ADHD will help me with those two as well. I've read that ADHD can make it more difficult to do...

8. As a therapist, if you are seeing a client for a while and could recognise that they had been abused, would you tell the client? Let's say this client is oblivious and doesn't realize that the other person's behavior was abusive towards...

Kati's Books (in stores now) Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM

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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Could my body memories be from an assault I don't remember? AKA 148 Jan 26, 2023

Ask Kati Anything ep. 148 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks extensively about body memories, and how they can be from abuse or assaults we don’t remember. She also explains the connection between self injury and sexual abuse, and how we can later use masterbation as a way to retraumatize or harm ourselves. She also discusses how we can build up trust with our therapist, how to keep motivated when looking for a job, and what to do when you love your parents, but the relationship is toxic. Then she talks us through why it can be hard to make any decisions for ourselves, and offers ways we can mitigate our self injury urges. This and so much more in this week’s episode of AKA!

Audience questions

1. Hi Kati, this is a hard and weird question for me to write, but thank you for allowing us to ask these types of questions. Sometimes I experience what might be body memories that suggest a sexual assault (though I have no memory of anything).

2. I’ve been seeing my therapist for almost a year now and I still find it really difficult to fully trust her. I am aware that she has done nothing but show me reasons that I can and should trust her. She has the patience of a saint

3. How do you stay motivated when applying for jobs and get rejection after rejection?

4. How do you find the emotional balance when you truly love your parents, are thankful for everything they've done for you, but at the same time you have to deal with the consequences of their emotional neglect and abuse.

5. Why do I find it so difficult to make decisions? I can support others to make decisions or make simple decisions on behalf of others with no issue, but as soon as it's for myself, I have this internal battle.

6. My question is on ways to mitigate sh. I use sh to cope with panic attacks related to trauma (I have ptsd), and my therapist is aware of it. Both me and my therapist agree that working on the trauma that causes the self harm is better than working on the behavior...

Kati's Books (in stores now) 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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Loving Yet Toxic: Navigating Family Relationships - AKA 147 Jan 19, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses whether or not we should continue talking about things our therapist thinks are important, even if we don’t. She also gives honest advice on what to do if our family is toxic, but we also love them and don’t want to cut them off. She also explains what OCD, and intrusive thoughts are, and how it differs from generalized anxiety disorder. She explains why a therapist can’t be our only source of support, and how to get that from other people in our life. She also talks about what is and is not an eating disorder. Finally, she digs into what a trauma bond is and how love bombing and gaslighting can cause us to form one.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 147 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. I was wondering about your thoughts on whether it's important to continue to discuss things in therapy that our therapist thinks have meaning but we may think are completely...

2. How do you navigate a loving but toxic relationship with a family member? As a way of dealing with a toxic family member, you said it’s okay to cut them off. But what if you don’t want to...

3. How can I work through my feelings about being unsupported when I needed help? When I think about it, I feel a mixture of hurt/sadness and can become misanthropic, but I want to heal that...

4. (Note: I’m not diagnosed with OCD, but will be seeking help) How important can it be to tell a therapist the content of your intrusive thoughts? I’ll be getting help soon for mine, but I do fear their reaction...

5. My therapist seems to have a similar system to yours regarding contact between sessions when feeling worse. But because I have no other support network, he has said I can't contact him either. My depression has gotten worse lately, and I struggle with ST...

6. I have an eating disorder related question, kind of following up on something I asked a while back where you told me it definitely sounds like I have an eating disorder (being extremely picky, restricting, beginning to calorie count, and struggling with body image a bit)...

7. I have a question about how to get out of what I think is a trauma bond with my adoptive father. He sexually abused me as a preteen/teen. He has done so many things...

8. At what point is alcohol a concern with patients with addictive tendencies. People with addictive tendencies or people who are prone to it, what other areas are you cautious of. Can they become addicted to anything easily?

HEALTHY BOUNDARIES WORKSHOP | https://katimorton.com/the-shop/p/healthy-boundaries

Kati's Books (in stores now)

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 | https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

Business Contact | Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How do I ASK for what I need?" - AKA ep. 146 Jan 12, 2023

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains why it can be hard for us to communicate our needs in therapy, and how we can heal from sexual abuse when we can’t cut our abusers off. She also talks about passive self injury, what to do when we have trouble accepting a new diagnosis, and dodging eye contact in therapy. This and so much more in this week’s episode!

Ask Kati Anything ep. 146 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. Why is it when my therapist asks me what I need during moments in session, it is as if every option, idea or logic leaves my brain and all I can say is ‘I don’t know’. I’m starting to annoy myself with that answer...

2. This isn’t really a question, but I wanted to ask, if it’s possible, for you to maybe try and do some more videos on sexual abuse( siblings/family members) the trauma, and how to move forward when you don’t really have an option for them to not be...

3. Every time i feel stressed/angry/ embarrassed the first thing i do is that i dig my nails into my hand (my skin) to the point that my hand would turn to red and the marks would stay from the morning till the night.. I don't...

4. How do you accept the fact of when you get told/diagnosed something, such as having trauma or anxiety. I have such an issue playing it off like it hasn't really happened...

5. Have you ever played "dodge eye contact" with a client before? Whenever I have in person sessions with my therapist I've noticed that it isn't just me. She seemingly has her own awkward moments with eye contact. I'll look at her and...

6. I’m very embarrassed about what I'm doing. I was raped by my brother years ago (had a freeze response) and sexually abused by an extended family member when i was 6/7..I HATE everything about any sexual interaction

7. Please can you talk about recovery from narcissistic abuse, including PTSD symptoms, cognitive dissonance, gaslighting, guilting etc? Specifically talking about steps to recovery would...

8. Hi Kati, during this past week I’ve found myself getting unreasonably annoyed when others (especially family and extended family members) have been sick and it’s definitely not the first time this happens… It wouldn’t be the same if it would...

9. I’ve always had a hard time being vulnerable although for others I’m very soft and understand their deep emotions…since being in therapy I’ve thankfully learnt to be more emotional for myself and express my vulnerability. My question is about going into the real world. I’m sometimes afraid that I’m over-sharing now...

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How Can my Chronic Illness Affect my Mental Health?" | AKA #145 Jan 05, 2023

This week Kati discusses if we can ever have a relationship with our therapist outside of therapy, and what that can look like. She also talks about the different treatment styles from EMDR to schema, CBT and DBT, etc. She explains the connection between chronic illness and our mental health, why crying in therapy can be hard but important, and how much we should remember about our childhoods. This and so much more in this week’s episode.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 145 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. Does having a relationship with your therapist after therapy ends ever work out? My former therapist (of 3 years) and I found out we were blood relatives through another family member...

2. You’ve been a therapist for a while now, so I just wonder, in what ways have you changed your mind about certain things? What therapeutic methods or different therapies do you look at...

3. Have you ever considered doing a completely random podcast where you randomly pick all your questions instead of going by the most likes?

4. Could you talk a little bit about dealing with a physical chronic illness and how it affects our mental health? I have multiple chronic illnesses and it feels like I'm just constantly getting bad news...

5. When is it ok to take a break from life (in particular, work)? I’ve been in therapy for one year, working through my PTSD/CPTSD symptoms and quite frankly it’s becoming almost impossible to do my job properly. I mostly WFH which has been a blessing, but I work full time in a high stress job and I’m constantly afraid of...

6. I'm relatively new to therapy having only just started about 7 months ago. Due to the pandemic I've only ever been able to do tele-therapy with my therapist so I've never actually met her in person...

7. Is it strange to have only cried a couple of times in therapy over several years? It's been nearly 4 years of twice a week and I just can't cry. Before I started therapy I could cry easily...

8. How much about our childhoods are we supposed to remember? I remember different events that took place growing up, but when I try to think about how things were for me emotionally or...

9. I have a restrictive ED and I am in IOP (3 hrs/day, 3 days/week) and I see my dietitian, ED therapist, and regular therapist weekly. I’ve been doing better overall since starting treatment, but sometimes I want a higher level of care, like PHP (6 hrs/day, 5 days/week) or residential...

10. My therapist allows me to text her when I’m struggling with my ED and need some extra accountability. For example, sending her photos of my meals when I’m having a hard day. My question is, is that something you would allow your clients to do?

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"What if I want to have a mental illness for ATTENTION?" | AKA 144 Dec 29, 2022

This week Kati talks about expressing anger in a healthy way, what childhood emotional neglect is, and our fight / flight / freeze response. She also walks listeners through healing from childhood sexual abuse and going on to have a happy healthy sex life. We also dig into our need for attention, what to do when we miss an old therapist, and the difference between depression with anxiety and bipolar disorder. This and so much more in this week’s episode.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 144 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. A few videos back, someone asked a question about anger and how they struggle to express that emotion. Your response to them was something like, 'instead of trying to feel the emotion head on, first try to understand why you have a hard time expressing it, get to the root of it'...

2. I am a little confused about emotional neglect. I am intrigued by what you said that some individuals don't get their emotional needs met and as a result they can become emotionally neglected by parents or caregivers. But how about if we try our best and we think we are still doing...

3. This is a follow up to a questioned asked a while back about sex and dealing with csa. You had said something about discovering what feels right and what maybe feels off. After you had said that I noticed that foreplay seems to be easier to stay present...

4. I’m a CSA survivor and Sa survivor from college. Also, I’ve been sober for 9 years. However, since I got sober I really haven’t been able to be physically intimate with my husband. It’s not that I don’t want to at times, but...

5. I hope you’re well! (I asked that question before, but I think you didn’t answer it so I ask it again). Is there a way to get better if you want to be mentally ill for attention? I don’t think I can stop wanting to be mentally I’ll for attention....

6. Is it possible to go into the fight/ flight/ freeze response in therapy? Is it possible to be all 3 at once? In my last therapy session I got so angry because I felt my therapist really invalidated me. When I get this angry I...

7. Can you talk about missing a therapist while seeing a new one? I miss my old therapist quite frequently. I'll remember something that we talked about in session and just think man I still wish I saw her...

8. Could I have made up my thoughts and feelings? I'm sure my feelings are real every time I feel sad, but then when I feel okay again I'm convinced that I just made those moments up and they never actually happened...

9. I was wondering if you could talk about the differences between depression with anxious distress and bipolar disorder. I have struggled with depression for several years. The anxiety portion comes in waves but is almost always in response to something very stressful...

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Are therapists annoyed when we can't answer their questions? AKA 143 Dec 22, 2022

This week we discuss how therapists deal with a patient not being able to answer their questions, if they get annoyed, and how they can sit with someone who is crying and hurting. We also talk about wanting to cancel therapy and isolate when struggling, and why we can act childlike in therapy and life. Kati also talks about being traumatized by a mental illness, signing a no harm / no suicide contract, and how we can find the balance between honoring our past and not being overwhelmed by it.

Ask Kati Anything ep.143 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. Hi Kati, What is it like as a therapist to sit with someone while they're crying and hurting so much? Do you want to comfort them? Do you feel uneasy? Do you become desensitized to it? I think...

2. Are therapist’s annoyed when clients have a hard time answering their questions? I’m worried that I respond with “I don’t know” too often, and I’m concerned about the possibility of this hindering my progress or making my therapist think...

3. My question is about canceling therapy sessions when I am feeling the worst or get bad news. For example, I got bad news about my husband and his back injury and him not getting back to work anytime soon. I felt so...

4. Why do I behave so child-like when we talk about trauma in session? I don't feel like I have control over it, wasting my time as I cease to function & speak. My therapist said that I'm resistant - but I can't help it! I do struggle with dissociation too and right now it feels like trauma therapy is going...

5. How can you respect/honor your past without being completely engulfed or invalidating? It seems no matter how I look at it, my past was traumatic and at the same time. I don’t know how to admit it was traumatic...

6. My therapist wants me to sign a no suicide/no self harm contract because of how I have been feeling lately. I understand from her perspective why she feels she might need this. But for me since she suggested doing this, it feels like I’m failing...

7. Is it possible to be traumatized by being mentally ill? I've had depression for 4 years before I was diagnosed but shortly before I went to the therapist, I completely hit rock bottom. I couldn't write important emails anymore, I couldn't even read a full sentence and on top of that, I... 8

. My therapist told me that “therapy is not a weight loss program.” What does this mean? I am overweight and I am trying to get help with my habits of overeating/binging and I want to lose weight. Is she saying that therapy can’t help me...

9. I feel like I have so many questions to ask that it’s difficult to pinpoint which one to take the plunge with! Since you’re a marriage and family therapist, I’ll go in the direction of my husband & I’s relationship. We’ve always struggled in the bedroom...

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why Can't I Get Myself to Do Anything?" 142 AKA Dec 15, 2022

This week Licensed Therapist, Kati Morton, LMFT explains why we can want to do things in life, but struggle to find the motivation. She talks about depression’s role in this behavior, and what we can do to get ourselves back on track. Next, she talks about healing from emotional neglect, why grieving is part of trauma healing, and how we can be diagnosed with PTSD. She also discusses why us being traumatized has more to do with what we experienced, not just what happened. All that and much more in this week’s episode of Ask Kati Anything!

Ep.142 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. In my head I always want to do all of these things (like workout, study, clean, etc.) but I can’t get myself to actually do anything. I don’t feel like I’m depressed because I really want to accomplish these things. I just can’t get myself to physically...

2. I grew up with emotionally immature parents who couldn’t tolerate, let alone help me handle, any of my emotions, and instead responded with anger, silent treatment and isolation. I was also groomed as a young teen by a much older, married man. Now, as an adult, I’m finally doing all the “right” things: therapy, journaling, not judging my feelings, daily exercise, meditation, healthy eating, vitamins, so many self-help books...

3. Could you talk more about grief in relation to trauma? I’ve heard that people still essentially go through the stages of grieving when healing from trauma. How important is it to grieve what could have been?

4. I was wondering if it’s possible to be traumatized by something that isn’t actually traumatic? I never had any big T traumas but growing up I struggled with terrible anxiety mostly separation anxiety and social anxiety...

5. How can one be diagnosed with PTSD (noting that C-PTSD isn’t a recognised diagnosis in the DSM5) if they “only” experienced emotional neglect growing up?

6. As a therapist yourself, how do you manage to trust other therapists? And what do you do if you feel like you "know better" / would handle things differently? I'm currently in training, but I'm also in therapy myself... 7. I’ve had the same therapist for about 6 years, but recently I’ve started to consider looking for a new therapist. Not because of anything that went wrong- I just think that it’s time for a change and having a new therapist might help me grow...

8. What is the role of a loved one, parent, spouse, sibling, or child, in the treatment of their mental health? Sometimes I feel the therapists of loved ones are missing a major issue...

9. How did you balance having a relationship now with a parent who was abusive growing up? I believe my dad's intentions were never bad, but he was still very harmful and contributed...

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Why do I love therapy & want to quit it at the same time?!? ep.141 Dec 09, 2022

This week Kati talks about the therapy process, relapses, and wanting therapy but also wanting to quit at the same time! She also talks about hospitalization, and the difference between voluntary and involuntary inpatient. Kati also explains alexithymia, feeling our emotions, and how to deal when our therapist is on leave. This and much more in this week’s episode!

Questions:

1. I usually have therapy on Wednesdays. My therapist is a great fit for me, she has just the right balance of pushing me but not too hard and she's picked up on my anxiety...

2. My therapist recently pointed out to me that I always seem very tense during our sessions. I've been going for a year but I still feel my heart pounding and as if I'm about to give a presentation or be tested whenever...

3. I wanted to preface this with saying that I'm not in immediate danger. My wife and I have a safety plan in place right now so I'm not really ever alone. I would rather not disclose the specifics of my illness online, but I...

***BOUNDARIES WORKSHOP*** On January 6 and 13, 2023 I'll be doing a live healthy relationships workshop with downloadable worksheets and time for Q&A. https://katimorton.com/the-shop/p/healthy-boundaries The goal of this workshop is to empower you to set the boundaries you need to take back control of your life.

4. I have cptsd & I’ve been seeing my therapist for over a year. A few months ago we started spreading my sessions out from every other week to once a month. We’ve recently started doing every week again because I...

5. Does the concept of letting ourselves feel emotions instead of avoiding them also indicate that we deserve to experience them? Particularly for negative emotions, such as shame and guilt - say we confront whatever...

6. I have a question about alexithymia (not being able to recognize your own emotions). I can only recognize basic emotions like happiness, sadness, and anger, but only if they are very strong...

7. How does one deal without their therapist for a few months while they are on maternity leave? I’ve been in therapy for about 8 months now and am finally starting to be open with her....

8. I don't know how much this is a question or if it's just ranting but; why do the bullies get so much space when talking about bullying? I am thinking of various educational materials and information on the internet...

9. I am overweight and I think I might have binge eating disorder, but I’m nervous to talk to my therapist about it. I’m scared that anytime someone walks into a therapist’s office saying “I want to lose weight..."

Ask Kati Anything ep.141 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Help! I'm 36 and STILL Don't Feel Like an Adult | AKA 140 Dec 01, 2022

This week Kati talks about healing from trauma and why we can feel childlike afterward. She also discusses why we can struggle to know who we are, offer ourselves compassion and self-worth in the wake of childhood trauma. Kati also explains what a challenging client is and why that’s not a bad thing. She then dives into how we can figure out what help we need from our loved ones, and whether or not trauma therapy can ruin our bodies. This and so much more in this week’s episode.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 140 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT - Help! I'm 36 and STILL don't feel like an adult

Audience questions:

1. When someone has spent almost their whole life being their “trauma self” (e.g. by masking, numbing, isolating etc) how does one cope with...

2. Why do I still feel like a child? I'm 36 but I don't feel like an adult. I do adult stuff like pay my rent, pay my bills, cook, go grocery shopping...and...

3. Can you explain why self compassion seems to be so important in healing from trauma? I've been with my therapist for 18 months and she regularly talks about having compassion for myself. I can't feel sorry for...

4. I’ve finally managed to pluck up the courage and start asking for support when I’m struggling, but the problem is I never know what to say...

5. Some clients are challenging and I've learned that therapists have coping skills for that ("maybe you should talk to someone", random ig posts). How do you hold unconditional positive regard for these clients?

6. How do I build inner self-worth? I don't mean confidence, because I have confidence in some things I do (and working on others). I mean that I'm worthy regardless...

7. Did trauma therapy ruin my body??? How do I pick up the pieces of my broken life? When do you keep pursuing therapy- and when is it time to just accept a struggle as life long??? (Background: I went...

8. Is it possible for fatigue or other physical symptoms accompanying mental illness to become permanent if the mental illness lasts too long? Can it permanently "wear out" your body? I have complex ptsd...

9. How important do you think a diagnosis is? For the past year I have been struggling with low mood, self harm and disordered eating, and I have been seeing a therapist to help with that, but having been diagnosed with anything...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Childhood Emotional Neglect: How Attachment & Transference Affect Your Life | 139 Nov 24, 2022

Ask Kati Anything ep. 139 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

This week Kati talks all about attachment, transference, childhood emotional neglect, and how that can affect our relationship with our therapist. She also discusses bipolar disorder, the importance of feeling validated and understood by our therapist, and why certain emotions are harder to feel and express. This and so much more on this week’s episode!

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

I’ve noticed a pattern in my life since early childhood where I become emotionally attached in a non-romantic way to certain people and I subconsciously place them in a parental role. I feel dependent on them emotionally and want to feel validated by...
I have a question about bipolar disorder, and therapy in general. I take lamictal daily. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder last year, and I go to therapy every two weeks. Whenever I go to see my therapist, I feel as though she exaggerates my experiences and labels them as episodes...
How do you know if its attachment to your therapist is something more? I have noticed that I fear the day that I won’t be in therapy but I don’t know that it is so much that I’m attached to my therapist and don’t want to leave her...
I wanted to follow up on a question I asked recently because I don’t think you quite covered what I meant and there has been a lot of discussion in the comments about it. My question was about the phrase “you can’t make someone feel something”.
What are some creative ways we can celebrate our mental health wins? I think this may be an overlooked part of our healing journey. I feel silly expressing them because they aren’t always as big as a new job or a degree, etc. and...
I find it difficult to express my feelings in other ways than through words alone. I don't want to bother anyone by showing that I feel something or acting irrationally and emotionally. I've always been this way, but after trying DBT it's even harder to feel my...
What's your take on "gifted kid burnout" that's talked about pretty often on social media? What do children experience when they don't get supported enough to reach their potential or what does it do to them to be told that they have potential but they don't fully use it?
My question is around what feels like extremely intense maternal transference with my therapist. I find it very difficult and extremely humiliating (although I have been able to let her know and she has been excellent about it). I’ve been seeing her for...
How do I know the difference between a therapist being too harsh, or just doing her job?

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

WARNING: Eating Disorders, Repressed Memories & Eye Contact in Therapy | AKA 138 Nov 17, 2022

Ask Kati Anything ep. 138 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Today’s Kati talks about coming to terms with repressed memories and the fact that they may never be complete. She also explains how she works with people who feel like they are behind in life, the importance of eye contact in therapy, and why we can crave negative attention. She also discusses what she does when a client self injures in session, how we can know if it’s safe to start exercising again in ED recovery, and why we can sometimes feel full and sick when we haven’t eaten very much. Finally, she talks about weight gain in ED recovery and how to mentally manage it.

Audience questions

I have been in therapy for three years now to help me work through CSA and my insane workload from university (I’ll be graduating in a month thankfully). I didn’t know anything like that had happened to me until...
I was just wondering as a therapist what approaches you would use when working with clients who feel like they are behind in life due to societal pressures? I ask this as I sometimes feel like I'm somewhat behind compared to people of my age in relation to relationships...
Why do I crave negative attention? I have always had a fascination with / get excited about the idea of punishment or “getting into trouble.” I also tend to do things to draw negative attention in therapy. For example, the most recent round of therapy sessions I...
Hi Kati and community, How important do you think is eye contact in therapy? Are you 'getting the most out of therapy' even if you never establish eye contact (over a longer period like one or two years)? The sensitive nature of the therapy setting makes me feel rather vulnerable and...
My question is, what would you do if a client was self-injuring in session? I have really bad eczema on my hands and if I clench my fists, all the wounds split open. I have found myself doing this in session when we are talking about hard...
About ED recovery: when do I know that it's time to exercise again? Are there "signs" I can look out for? Like having a regular period
I have an eating disorder, anorexia. The problem is that despite my lack of intake I keep gaining weight. I’m 46 years old and am wondering if that’s why. I have a registered dietitian and an eating disorder therapist and even though I’m trying to work on recovery, this constant weight gain is really distressing for me...
Kati, I’m trying to recover from an eating disorder, but it’s really difficult because whenever I eat, I just feel sick and overly full even though there’s no way I could be full because I’m not eating enough to warrant that. Will I ever stop feeling overly full and sick and exhausted after eating? It triggers me to purge not to lose weight, but just because I feel...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

The Truth About OCD, PTSD, and How They're Related | AKA ep.137 Nov 10, 2022

Ask Kati Anything ep. 137 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

This week Kati talks about all things OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). She explains what it is, what Pure O OCD is, and how it links to PTSD, perfectionism, and eating disorders. She also explains how the treatment may differ depending on where our OCD comes from, and why mentally rehearsing things over and over again isn’t healthy for us. She discusses the fact that OCD is an anxiety disorder, and what that means for its symptoms. Finally, she talks about the best ways we can support those in our life with OCD, and why it’s up to them to tell us what’s best for them. This and so much more in this week’s episode.

AUDIENCE QUESTIONS

Can you talk about how OCD may present itself alongside PTSD? For example, most of my obsessions and compulsions are checking and also trauma-related, ex. "Is the door locked?" "Did somebody text me?" "Is my grandmother breathing?", etc..
I have a tendency to mentally rehearse my day over and over again in my head as if I have a running checklist in my head of everything I need to get done that day until I have accomplished everything. In a way this calms me as I feel...
Could intrusive harm thoughts be a sign of OCD? Most of my harmful thoughts are around sharp objects. I experienced these thoughts during a tough time in my life for 3 months and then they went away. They come back every...
How best to support someone with OCD? My friend recently told me she has OCD, she’s not yet felt comfortable enough to tell me what her OCD looks like for her which I totally understand, but just wondered how...
(How) are OCD and perfectionism intertwined? Could the addictive behavior in eating disorders be a part of OCD? Is OCD all about controlling? And why is it so satisfactory to control?
How can you tell the difference between pure O OCD and just anxious thoughts? (COMMENT: And if it is pure O OCD, where do you draw the line between an obsession and a compulsion?)
What’s up with needing everything to be right? I am in constant search for the right answers in everything I do. If I feel I didn’t do something right, then I get really down on myself and become very frustrated...
My ocd is very much linked to health anxiety (that i started developing around covid). How can we stop our ocd behavior when it actually is something that also helps us feel like we are fighting the risks to catch a disease...
How do you know when it’s time to stop ERP (Exposure and response prevention therapy)? When is it time to see if you can just focus on other things for a while? Isn’t the ultimate goal of treatment to get to...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Building Up Resilience: Emotional, Physical and Relationship Tips for a Stronger You! ep.136 Nov 08, 2022

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) ...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Dissociation from Memories vs. Dissociation from Emotions. Is that really a thing? ep.135 Oct 27, 2022

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Sunday Anxiety Starting A New Week? | ep.134 Oct 20, 2022

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...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

STAY IN THERAPY FOREVER? The Truth About Why We May Want To And Why It's Unhealthy | ep.133 Oct 06, 2022

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Trauma Timelines, Self-Esteem, Changes To The Brain and Accepting Help | ep.132 Sep 29, 2022

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...

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"What if I abused my sibling?" | ep.131 Sep 22, 2022

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...

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The link between BED and childhood trauma | AKA 130 Sep 15, 2022

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.

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Narcissistic Personality Disorder: What Causes It, and How Does It Affect You? | ep.129 Sep 08, 2022

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

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"The ripple effects of being a parentified child..." | ep.128 Sep 01, 2022

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"...

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Processing Trauma? - Ask Kati Anything Ep.127: What to do if you're struggling with mental health Aug 25, 2022

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...

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126 - Ask Kati Anything with Kati Morton, LMFT Aug 18, 2022

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...

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125 - Ask Kati Anything with Kati Morton, LMFT Aug 11, 2022

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.

*****

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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....

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124 - Ask Kati Anything with Kati Morton, LMFT Aug 09, 2022

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...

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"Why do I miss my depression?" | AKA p.123 Aug 09, 2022

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
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Business Contact Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

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"How do I get over my fear of intimacy as a sexual abuse survivor?" ep.122 Jul 21, 2022

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How do you calm yourself down when you're anxious?" ep.121 Jul 14, 2022

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why can’t I stand intimacy at all?" ep.120 Jul 12, 2022

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why do I both want and not want friends?" ep.119 Jun 30, 2022

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.

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"At what point is it considered an eating disorder?" ep.118 Jun 23, 2022

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...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Do I Have to Tell My Therapist the Details of My Self-Harm?" ep.117 Jun 16, 2022

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.

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why Have I Always Felt Like There's Something Wrong With Me?" ep.116 Jun 09, 2022

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..

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

How Do I Deal With Anger & Doubting My Emotions Because of Childhood Abuse & Gaslighting? | #115 Jun 02, 2022

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...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How can I deal with my attachment issues?" ep.114 Jun 01, 2022

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!)

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How Do I Stop Using Avoidance as a Coping Skill for my Anxiety?" AKA #113 May 19, 2022

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...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Can I Get an Eating Disorder on Purpose?" AKA 112 May 12, 2022

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...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Can I ask to see my therapist every so often after therapy has ended?" AKA 111 May 05, 2022

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why do I feel so much shame and guilt about my trauma?" ep.110 Apr 28, 2022

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?

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Is it normal to have constant thoughts of suicide?" ep.109 Apr 21, 2022

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...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Could my asexuality be a trauma response?" ep.108 Apr 14, 2022

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...

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Kati's Books

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"What is a flashback?" ep.107 Apr 07, 2022

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?

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Kati's Books

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How do I convince myself that my assault wasn’t my fault?" | AKA ep. 106 Apr 01, 2022

"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...

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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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why do I almost always feel fine on the day of therapy?" | AKA #105 Mar 24, 2022

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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"I wasn't traumatized, why do I have PTSD symptoms?" | AKA 104 Mar 18, 2022

"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 linnea@underscoretalent.com 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

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Why Can't I Tolerate Intimacy? | AKA 103 Feb 24, 2022

Ask Kati Anything! Your mental health podcast with Kati Morton, LMFT episode 103
1. 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...
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 linnea@underscoretalent.com
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

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

What happens in the brain when I dissociate? AKA 101 with Ben Rein, Ph.D. Feb 15, 2022

Ask Kati Anything! Your mental health podcast with Kati Morton, LMFT
Episode 101 Audience Questions
1. 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 on
TikTok @ dr.brein
Instagram @ doctor.brein
Twitter @ dr_brein
+++++
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)
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
Business Contact
Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com
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

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Is it fear of abandonment or rejection? AKA 102 Feb 08, 2022

Ask Kati Anything! Your mental health podcast with Kati Morton, LMFT episode 102
1. 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...
+++++
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 linnea@underscoretalent.com
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

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why do narcissistic people believe their past trauma means..." | AKA ep. 99 Feb 08, 2022

"Why do narcissistic people believe their past trauma means..." | AKA ep. 99
Guest: Lana Seiler, MSW, LCSW - Primary Therapist at APN Lodge
Lana 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) 306-8214
1. 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 #katimorton
Journaling
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
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)
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
Business Contact
Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com
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

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

What are Body Memories? AKA podcast ep.100 Feb 08, 2022

Ask Kati Anything! Your mental health podcast with Kati Morton, LMFT episode 100
1. 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?
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 linnea@underscoretalent.com
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

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

What is Sleep Paralysis? AKA ep 98 with Dr Jalal Jan 20, 2022

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?

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Books
Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

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
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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

What if I never want to stop therapy? | AKA 97 Jan 18, 2022

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?

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

How can I open up to my therapist? | AKA 96 Jan 18, 2022

Ask Kati Anything mental health podcast episode 96
1. 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.
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Books
Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

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
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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Why do I test my therapist’s boundaries? AKA 95 Jan 13, 2022

Ask Kati Anything mental health podcast episode 95
1. 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 do
7. 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...
Books
Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

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
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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"Why do I feel like a child even though I am an adult?" | AKA ep 93 Dec 30, 2021

Ask Kati Anything ep 93
Audience 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?
--------------
Books
Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

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
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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Why is it hard for me to take a compliment? AKA ep. 94 Dec 27, 2021

Ask Kati Anything episode 94
Audience 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....
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Books
Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

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
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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

What is emotional trauma? | AKA ep. 92 Dec 21, 2021

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 ....

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

What is TMS & How Does It Work? (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) | AKA ep. 91 Dec 16, 2021

Ask Kati Anything podcast episode 91
Today'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) 306-8214
Audience 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 much
3) 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...
--------------
Books
Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

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
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 linnea@underscoretalent.com

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How do I bring up my trauma in therapy?" | AKA ep 90 Dec 09, 2021

Ask Kati Anything podcast episode 90
Today'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) 306-8214
Audience questions
1. 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 ...
Books
Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

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
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"What if my therapist is working harder than me?" 87 AKA Nov 11, 2021

Ask Kati Anything podcast 87
Audience 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/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. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I 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/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com

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"How do I learn to let myself be cared for?" AKA ep 89 Nov 11, 2021

Ask Kati Anything episode 89
Audience 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 ...

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Is It Worth Getting Upset Over? | AKA ep.88 Nov 11, 2021

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/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. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I 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

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Why do I feel like I failed at my illness? - Ask Kati Anything! podcast episode 86 Nov 09, 2021

Ask Kati Anything! podcast episode 86
Audience Questions:
1. Why do I feel like I failed at my illness? I had anorexia for several years and then morphed into bulimia. But I don't really feel like being bulimic and more like a "failed anorexic".It really keeps me from wanting to get better and makes me so ashamed...
2. Is it possible for older teenagers (16-19yo) to be groomed? Also, is grooming always explicitly sexual, or can it be only vaguely sexual or even not sexual at all? Thanks for all you do...
3. What is religious trauma and how do you know if you have experienced it? I am a part of the LGBTQ community and I am going to church, but it also conflicts my sexuality. I have looked up some of the signs/symptoms, but I am unsure because I am second guessing myself...
4. Here, in The Netherlands, I am 30 years out of treatment because they didn't want to help me anymore. The reason why: because I was too complex and the risk of killing myself was too high...
5. I am wondering if you have any suggestions of what to tell a friend when they ask how they can help. I have a wonderful friend who has been very supportive in listening to me talk about my anxieties and other mental health concerns...
6. We hear a lot about transference, but I haven’t heard many people speak on Erotic Transference. What is a driving factor behind Erotic Transference? Have you ever had a client be open with you about theirs? & do therapists ever get Erotic Countertransference?
7. I want to stop living my life through the gaze of my trauma. After watching your videos and listening to the, 'The Place we find ourselves' podcast, I realized that I have experienced more trauma than I thought and...
8. Do you need a different type of therapy if you’re autistic than if you’re not? I recently spoke to a therapist because of self-harm and a worsening idea that everyone dislikes me even though I know I have no reason to think so...
9. I hope you're doing well? Why is it that when you ‘start’ trauma work things seem to be worse? My psychologist got me to write out a list of events, scenarios etc of what has happened in my life that I would feel like I would blow...
10. What causes someone like myself to get stuck in (or with) suicidal ideation? Is it because I haven’t worked through every aspect of the trauma? Or is it because I am constantly being triggered?
Religious Trauma Video https://youtu.be/7HwSGXPKzw8
Video of episodes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Kati's books in stores now!
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. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I 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/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com

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Why Do I Want Attention So Badly? Ask Kati Anything! ep.83 Oct 20, 2021

Ask Kati Anything! the Kati Morton podcast ep.83
Audience Questions
1. Can you give us an overview of what a therapist does vs a psychologist? What’s the difference between therapy and psychotherapy? Would someone who struggles in all different areas benefit from seeing a psychologist rather than a therapist? For example, if someone has autism, C-PTSD, OCD, and an eating disorder, would a therapist be able to help them...
2. If you (as a therapist) have seen a client for a long time, do you notice if he or she feels sadder in a therapy session than usual?
3. What is the first thing that goes through your head (a therapist’s head) when a client starts to cry? (COMMENT: Or has a panic attack or starts dissociating badly (as in can not move, see or talk) in session?
4. I hope you’re having a great week! I got sick a while ago and was in the hospital for a few weeks. Ever since then, I’ve been missing and craving the kindness and attention I received from nurses and doctors while there. I’ve never experienced anything...
5. How can I stop myself from being annoyed by little things out of my control? Often, I get upset about unreasonable stuff like people talking in a car, waking up 15 mins late even when I can afford to, shops not having what I want...
6. Did you have a favourite patient you were seeing? I guess you´re not supposed to have favourites but I imagine it's hard not to like some patients more than others. Also I want my therapist to like me the most and I wish she would tell me I'm her favourite...
7. A little while ago as I was crying on the floor I just completely lost my ability to feel any emotions for about 15 hours where it eventually slowly came back. It felt like losing a sense and I’m really confused by it and didn’t like it...
8. I have a difficult relationship with food. It’s almost impossible for me to eat if I am with people. I make it look like I eat most of the time. If there is absolutely no getting around it, then I can force myself, just so there isn’t a scene but it makes me really uncomfortable...
9. I hope you have a wonderful day. My question is; how can I notice when my eating disorder thoughts are trying to sneak in on me again? I find that my eating disorder voice is difficult to distinguish from me and my other thoughts and therefore I do not notice the signs until my therapist eventually notices them for me. I hope it makes sense...
Video of episodes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Kati's books in stores now!
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. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I 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/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com

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Is That Dissociation? with guest Dr. Alexa Altman | ep.84 Oct 20, 2021

Ask Kati Anything podcast with Dr. Alexa Altman | ep.84

Audience questions:
1. For the past 6 months I now realise that I dissociate. I didn't realise up until now because I had only heard of the more severe types of dissociation. My therapist told me that some people who dissociate can go for long periods of time and not remember...
2. I really struggle with boundaries. I recently went to my teacher to talk about mental health struggles, and she...
3. Do you think it's possible for our struggles e.g. anxiety, depression, lack of self worth to ever go away completely? I feel like there are some things, my anxiety...
4. I am trying to work on recalling events surrounding a traumatic situation to be able to make a statement to police and assist with other cases that may be linked to...
5. I keep downplaying my symptoms and even contemplate canceling my therapy sessions sometimes. I'm not quite sure why I'm...
6. Why are a lot of therapists unwilling to work with autistic clients even if they're not coming to therapy for their autism?
7. How does one handle being triggered by their own therapist? I have PTSD, and have been very open with my therapist about my trauma that occurred last year, and my struggles with it. As a whole, I absolutely have loved working with her, and have felt very safe in discussing my experiences...
8. Is it possible to feel triggered from a past sexual assault after having a baby?? I was sexually assaulted when I was 20 in my home. I wasn’t ready for therapy after the assault so I stopped showing up and couldn’t find it in me to...
Video of episodes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Kati's books in stores now!
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. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I 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/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com

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How do you treat trauma that you don't remember? ep.85 - Kati Morton's mental health podcast Oct 20, 2021

Ask Kati Anything episode 85
Questions:
1. Is it “normal” to constantly talk to yourself? basically whenever i’m alone i’ll be having full on conversations out loud to myself. feel like half the time it’s just maladaptive dreaming and i’ll be talking about something I...
2. How do you treat trauma that you don't remember? I can hardly remember my childhood, but sometimes I have emotional flashbacks in response to certain questions in therapy. Without pictures or sounds...
3. I hope you are doing well! Could you talk a bit more about emotional abuse? A few months ago, I realized that I was emotionally abused for 6 years during my teenage years. As I am trying to deal with it...
4. When I was in high school I used to thought stop every emotional thought I had. I convinced myself I was emotionless when really all I did was repress everything. I always tried to use logic and facts to counter my...
5. I have started seeing a new trauma therapist and have seen her for a month. I get on well with her and although I'm struggling to open up, she has been really reassuring which is what I need to hear. The problem I...
6. How can I get more comfortable again with social contacts after 1.5 years of the pandemic? I have always been a highly introverted person with a rather limited need for close social relations. In principle, I am very...
7. How can I deal with the anxiety of losing my therapist? I know she says she won´t leave but I´m still scared she will. Is there anything I can do to conquer that fear?
8. What advice would you give to a person who you care about, but not a patient, whose trauma includes therapy-derived traumas? Several episodes ago, you talked about a therapist you believe was acting unethically.
9. Can one sibling have problems while others don’t? I’m a triplet. And I feel so left out with all events I have had to share with my other two siblings. Even through I had a hard enough time having family occasions because my one older brother molested me. I feel so stupid for caring so much about how I didn’t want to...
Video of episodes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Kati's books in stores now!
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. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I 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/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com

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Do therapists get annoyed with their patients? Ask Kati Anything ep.82 Oct 13, 2021

Do therapists get annoyed with their patients? Ask Kati Anything podcast ep. 82
1. Do therapists ever get annoyed when clients say “I don't know” a lot during sessions? I find myself saying I don't know to questions in sessions...
2. Do you ever get annoyed with your patients? I feel like I am annoying my therapist because I repeat judging myself and she keeps telling me that it's her job to sort through my thoughts and I should...
3. Do you have any advice on talking to therapists about their reactions to things said in therapy? Recently I disclosed to my therapist details about a specific instance of childhood sexual abuse that I have always...
4. Slowly but surely I'm recovering from my burn-out. Now I'm wondering what I should do with my life. Something needs to change and I know for the sake of my own mental health that I need to quit my job...
5. Why do people not realize the abuse/toxic relationship/etc. they're in while it's happening? I didn't think I had been sexually assaulted until recently despite having an understanding of what sexual assault...
6. Would you consider being closeted a form of trauma? I came out at 18/19 after I was closeted for about 3 years. I'm now 24 and feel like these 3 years still affect me daily. I taught myself to hold myself back in so many ways, especially in...
7. How do you get over past traumas? Once everything has been aired out in session I still don't understand how to deal with it or accept these facts. I still find myself replaying my past & it still makes me sad. How do you know if therapy is working for you? (COMMENT: And how can I get over my trauma, if it isolates me from people close to me and I can't talk to them about it? My mother sexually abused me...
8. How can I set boundaries, if I don’t even know where my boundaries are? Usually I feel like I don’t have boundaries. When someone looks at me I feel like they are already too close. And I can’t tell people not to look at me. Thank you for all you do. Have a lovely day. (COMMENT: I suck at setting boundaries too but similar to you when someone looks at me I feel like they know...
9. When therapists see clients with high suicide risks, what do you do to prevent them from carrying out the suicide plan?
10. I recently had a philosophy professor stand in front of the class and give a small lecture on self harm. we were talking about suicide and it’s relation to morals and that turned into a discussion on mutilation...
Video of episodes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Kati's books in stores now!
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. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I 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/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com

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What if Cognitive Behavior Therapy Doesn't Work? What can I do? ep.80 Oct 01, 2021

Ask Kati Anything podcast ep.80
Audience questions:
1. What advice do you have when CBT doesn’t seem to be working? I have been diagnosed with GAD, and I know it’s supposed to be the gold standard for anxiety, but I feel like it isn’t doing anything for me. I can identify what is causing my anxiety/ all the distortions in my...
2. How do you know what to say as a therapist? I get that your education and practice help a lot but what about in the beginning (your first few clients). How do you know what questions to ask so that...
3. As kids my parents spanked my siblings and I. We were always scared when our father would be the one to discipline us. Now looking back at that time as a kid I feel...
4. How many sessions are necessary before trusting a therapist? I had 20+ sessions with my former therapist and still didn’t trust her and didn’t feel safe enough to share my trauma fully. I recently...
5. How do I stop worrying about my therapist even when I logically know I don't have to? We have talked about my people-pleasing and how being aware of how other people are feeling was a survival skill from childhood. I notice how my therapist tries to make sure that she doesn't look tired...
6. I was SAed about 10 years ago by a good friend and have only very recently been working through it. I’ve done a lot of great work with my therapist and various other wonderful resources, but it’s weird for me to be moving forward - if that can even make sense. I can tell I’ve grown so much in the past year, but a part of me...
7. I'm over 18 and I want to start talking with my therapist about possible (sexual) abuse sustained as a child. However, I still live with the person that supposedly caused me harm and I feel like whatever happened to me wasn't a big deal since I'm only...
8. How do you deal with your therapist/therapy being your only 'safe' space? I've been in therapy for over 10years (not continuously there was a few years gap) and I've been extremely...
9. How can I get comfortable with the idea of spacing out my sessions and eventually ending therapy? I've been seeing my therapist for...
10. Thank you for all your work. Your videos and podcast have helped me so much. I have a question concerning trauma therapy. I recently started, and felt really good about it, in the sense that I felt safe and I trust my therapist...
Video version of episodes https://youtu.be/WG-j4vtcYIs

Kati's 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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/

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Is My Worry Warranted or Is it Anxiety? | Ask Kati Anything podcast ep.81 Sep 29, 2021

1. Why do therapists often like to sit and silently observe you for an uncomfortable amount of time? It happens when the conversation slows down and everything goes quiet and they just sit looking at you...
2. How can you tell apart when your worrying has a legitimate reason and when it's just caused by your anxiety / perfectionism? I'm always worrying I won't work hard enough for my university, that my boyfriend will leave me, that I'm not trying hard enough in therapy...
3. I hope you are well! I was wondering, do you have any tips to keep your brain from freezing up or going blank when talking about trauma? I recently started having what I think are recovered memories of sexual abuse, but I don't know for sure if...
4. How do you handle it when a patient gives you “doorknob disclosure”? Is it common? Do most therapists find it annoying? Is there a reason some patients do this?
5. My question is... How are you? A few weeks or months ago you told us that you were taking a (much deserved) break due to stress...
6. How do you know when you're "drowning in the symptoms" enough to warrant medication? For me, I'm just on antidepressants which (according to my doctor) isn't specifically aimed at curbing my anxiety symptoms. So I still experience anxiety/panic attacks, but they are way less frequent. I have skills to aid me, which work, but it can take me a few days to find my feet again...
7. Could it be beneficial to go to a therapist who reminds you of people who have hurt you in the past? I find myself having a hard time trusting my therapist because she reminds me of everyone who has hurt me before...
8. I have been wondering how people "view" their memories. I often recall memories from a 3rd person perspective, i.e. I see myself doing something rather than from my own perspective/ eyes. Is this the norm or...
9. What if you’re half ready for recovery? What can you do? I want to get better, but I don’t want to put in the effort it takes to use the skills. Sometimes I forget they exist and other times I just don’t do it.
10. I do not know if this is common, but do your clients ever tell you they don’t want to give up their eating disorder as a “puffer fish” mechanism? Like I find myself saying these things when I really don’t mean it, it is just easier to say I don’t want recovery over...
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When are suicidal thoughts dangerous? | #79 Sep 23, 2021

Ask Kati Anything ep.79 - Kati Morton's Mental Health & Psychology Podcast
1) How much of our childhood is normal to remember? I remember some things, but not a ton. My family life was fine growing up, I had loving parents, but I experienced bullying at school and social isolation because of that. I'm wondering if me not remembering stuff is because of the "trauma" of bullying or if it is just normal not to...
2) Are suicidal thoughts dangerous when they aren't exactly in the near future or planned? I personally had this thought that once I start university I won't be able to handle the extra fears as I...
3) I think you never talked about helicopter parents and the effects they have on children. What if instead of emotional neglect you receive so much attention and emotional presence from a parent you don’t learn how to operate on your own? How can one overcome the embarrassment...
4) I have recently started seeing a trauma therapist. I like her but I haven’t really opened up about anything yet since I’m scared she won’t believe me and I’ll shut down like I usually do in session. How do I overcome my fear of not being believed by my therapist?
5) How can I try not to let my depression take over too much when there are many changes going to happen? I´ll be moving soon and should start a program that helps me get better but I'm letting myself sulk in self pity and don't want to do anything but sleep all day. I fear I won't be able to get...
6) Is it still considered sexual abuse if it happens between children who are only a year apart in age? Like when one child is 8 and the other 9. Does there have to be a big age difference for it to be considered sexual abuse or does age not matter? Is it less traumatic if they are close in age?
7) How do I know if symptoms of one mental illness is their own illness or just part of another? After watching your videos on Borderline and googling the most common symptoms myself, I mustered up the courage to ask my therapist if she thought I might have certain Borderline tendencies.

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Does a Narcissist know what they are? | #78 Sep 18, 2021

Ask Kati Anything ep.78 - Kati Morton's Mental Health & Psychology Podcast

1 (0:48) What's the best way to build self esteem after years of emotional and physical abuse? I was abused as a child and it feels like no matter how hard I try, my inner monologue/strongly held beliefs always...

2 (18:43) Did going to school to be a therapist bring things up for you? I just started my program and I’m loving it, but I’ve noticed that a lot of people in my program are struggling to an...

3 (24:17) Is it possible for someone with narcissistic personality disorder to be aware they have the disorder? It seems like a lot of therapists...

4 (30:44) Have your clients ever gotten mad or angry at you during a session? If so, do you ever get frustrated with them/ not want to work with them anymore? How would you go about it?

5 (38:29) In my last session with my therapist, she told me something that my mom told her. My mom doesn’t believe I was molested by my brother. Her exact words were “my brother and I used to be...

6 (45:21) I've been suicidal for two years and there's only been a few days when my severe depression and suicidality lifted a little bit. What would you say to someone who really, really doesn't want to live...

7 (51:45) Recently my therapist was talking about finding a way to release all the anger I have towards my childhood, not having the life I wanted and anger towards the ...

8 (57:11) I was reading up on HIPAA for school recently and was wondering: why can patients be denied access to their psychotherapy notes? It seems unproductive if we can't ...

9 (1:02:34) What is your take on those who believe mental illness isn't real? Any reasons you've heard to try and prove this statement? I've heard a few different arguments but ...

10 (1:06:45) Before I ask my question, I wanted to say thank you to you and Sean for putting in the time to do AKA. I think it helps a lot of us feel heard and validated, and helps ...

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ONLINE THERAPY

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#76 Why do I want to be sicker than I am? Aug 31, 2021

To order your copy of Kati's new book TRAUMATIZED please visit https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Ask Kati Anything, ep.76 audience question:

How to tell or show your therapist that you are doing worse than what she thinks. My therapist thinks I’m doing fine but I’m not, I feel like I’m dying from the inside.
I don’t know why I’m like this, but I want to be sicker than I am. Like, I know logically I probably only have anxiety and maybe autism, but I want to get diagnosed with a personality disorder...
I hope you are well. Can we please talk about what happens when depression starts lifting? I am starting to look back now and I feel so sad at all the time I've lost, at all...
As a therapist do you find it challenging to not wear your therapist hat in a regular situation where you’re not in that position of being a therapist?
Is it common to feel as though you are lying or exaggerating when telling your therapist things that happened in the past, or what symptoms you have, or how your week..
Hope you have a wonderful day and are OK! Seeing your video about your burnout made me worry about you, so I wanted to check in! :-) Now. Over the last year I've been going to therapy...
I keep seeing questions about being attached to a therapist or feeling sad, ect... if u need to move or something and u can't see them anymore...
A few weeks ago you talked about touch aversion, and I’ve been wondering about the other side of it: What if you’ve always had a need for touch and physical affection that’s...
Will a therapist always bring up transference? Or will they sometimes just notice it and use it as a tool to help heal. What are the signs a client is experiencing transference?
I noticed you don’t really have any videos telling parents how to help their children with mental health issues. How should parents go about supporting their children when their children.

Video version of episodes https://youtu.be/WG-j4vtcYIs
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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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Opinions That Don't Matter!
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EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL 1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B, Box #353 Austin, TX 78728

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#77 What causes us to invalidate our traumas? Aug 31, 2021

To order your copy of Kati's new book TRAUMATIZED please visit https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Ask Kati Anything! ep.77 audience questions

Can you give your therapist a ‘Summary of Me’ document so you don’t have to waste so many sessions getting through your whole life story? Or make your own trauma timeline to give to your new therapist instead of doing it in session?
How much thinking about therapy is too much? I find myself constantly analyzing myself and thinking about things I need to work on and things I need to talk about in therapy. The second I walk out of my session...
What causes us to invalidate our traumas? I experienced multiple traumatic events growing up. I know it happened but it seems like I always downplay those events....
In my last therapy session, I told my therapist about some trauma that I dealt with as a kid. After I told my therapist about it, she asked me some questions...
Do you have any tips for figuring out a healthy balance between helping others and excessive ‘people pleasing’? I feel like people-pleasing is core to my personality and...
What are your thoughts on a therapist pushing to cut back on sessions because, her words, “other people need therapy too”? A previous therapist told me “I think we should try every other week now”. When I asked her why, she said she was seeing...
How can you tell if you have an attachment to your therapist, transference, or just a healthy bond? And is it ever appropriate to ask your therapist for a hug or to sit next to you, assuming covid ends eventually and it’s safe?
If you could only afford medication or therapy, which one would you pick? I've been seeing a therapist, for social anxiety and depression, for about 8 months now, and I haven't been getting any better. I'll be going back to university...
Hey Kati! You have a new family member! Can we please hear all about Roxy?! Have a great week!

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#75 "What if you had a client who did very bad or shameful things?" Aug 17, 2021

To pre-order your copy of Kati's new book TRAUMATIZED visit https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Ask Kati Anything episode 75

What is/are the most common things where a client thinks they're the "only one", but really a therapist hears it ALL the time. What might be the most surprising?
How do you handle a client that appears to be really struggling at the very end of a session? As in about to burst into tears and very obviously just trying to hold everything together (but unsuccessfully)?
Why do I find the thought of my therapist comforting or feeling empathy for me so soothing yet so uncomfortable? I'm not sure about it being attached to her.
Is there any "real" therapy work in the beginning/ when the client comes in every session with a whole bag of stories...
What if you had clients who did very bad things or shameful things? Should they mask it when they go to therapy or just say everything into the DETAIL?
How do I be okay with being myself in therapy? I have social anxiety, so I always have trouble talking in session, even answering simple questions is hard. But last session, I was able to open up more than ever before and just be myself like...
What does a therapist have in place for their clients in case something happens to them (the therapist)? For example, a therapist dies or has a sudden emergency where they have to quit therapy? Do they have confidential information that is...
I’m wondering after a patient ends therapy how long do you keep their notes? What if they come back after that time?
Is it possible to have "symptoms" that aren't really symptoms? I feel like I am now hyper analyzing everything I do thinking that maybe it's a symptom but I wonder if...
I recently set up an appt with my therapist after a year of not seeing her. I’m a frontline healthcare worker and the burnout is real. I’ve been struggling with postpartum anxiety...

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#73 Intimacy After Trauma? Aug 12, 2021

To pre-order your copy of Kati's new book TRAUMATIZED visit https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Ask Kati Anything ep.73 audience questions:
1) Is fidgeting bad to do in a therapy session? I tend to fiddle a lot with my hands, lean forward and sit at the end of the seat in session. My therapist made me sit back and spread my hands and stop moving them, so I ended up bouncing my...
2) Has it ever felt strange going to therapy when you, yourself are a therapist? Does it ever seem kind of trippy, with their layers of perspective on top of yours? Or is being a therapist something you basically “shed” before your...
3) Is it possible to have symptoms of a disorder and not have the "full blown" thing? I struggle with fear of abandonment, attachment issues, self-harm and an unstable sense of self, but I don't think I struggle badly enough to have it classified as BPD...
4) This is a question about intimacy after trauma. I’ve been in therapy for almost 2 years. Several months ago we uncovered some repressed sexual trauma memories. It causes me to dissociate anytime we get close to touching those memories...
5)What do you do as a therapist if a client suddenly stops seeing you? I became bored with my therapist and I just want to never go again because I don't want to have to explain why I'm stopping...
6) How is it possible to handle doctor appointments (especially obygn) when sexual abuse has happened? I am so afraid that this will retraumatize me or that I will struggle with flashbacks afterwards...
7) I was wondering if an aborted suicide attempt could be considered as a type of trauma. I had one several years ago but never really thought about it much. Symptoms of my depression and...
Video version of episodes https://youtu.be/WG-j4vtcYIs
Kati's 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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Opinions That Don't Matter!
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MAIL 1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B, Box #353 Austin, TX 78728
PLEASE READ
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.

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#74 "Why Is It Terrifying To Be Cared For?" Aug 12, 2021

To pre-order your copy of Kati's new book TRAUMATIZED visit https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Ask Kati Anything episode 74

Can you talk about whether it’s more important to prioritize processing past trauma or working through issues in the present? It feels more important to prioritize the...
Can you just replay social situations over and over in your head without having social anxiety? I often find myself ruminating after socialising on what has happened, what I have...
How do you know if you’re being re traumatized in your therapy sessions?I’ve been working through traumas in therapy and I’ve been unable to stay present. It started as dissociation in...
Please can you give examples of what less severe dissociation is? I feel numb/ empty quite a lot of the time and like there is a part of me missing. When in therapy my mind can go blank...
I’m struggling to know when I should take a break from therapy? I’m very much a perfectionist which leads to me feeling like I constantly need to be bettering...
How do I tell my therapist I'm missing something in therapy? I've been struggling with my mental health (mostly burn-out and anxiety) for a while. I've been seeing my doctor...
Happy Thursday! Why is it terrifying to be cared for? A few years ago a car crashed into the store where I worked. I was able to jump out of the way but was hit by a desk and...
I was wondering if you have heard stories of people ending friendships or relationships around their negative views around mental health? A couple of years ago a friend of mine was ...
Is it normal to feel like my struggles with mental illness are immature and childish? I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety since I was about 12, and with the social anxiety...
How common is it to be victimized 2 times? I was molested as a child and then my ex raped me. She knew about my brother molesting me as a child however she still...

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#72 "Why is it physically so hard to talk about trauma?" Aug 03, 2021

To pre-order your copy of Kati's new book TRAUMATIZED visit https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Ask Kati Anything ep.72 audience questions:
1) I was wondering if a therapist would know if their patient isn't feeling that great or something's bothering them or their anxiety is a bit high...
2) Are therapists faking themselves in sessions? My therapist told me that she adapts to each client and is more mindful...
3) Can you please talk about why it’s physically so hard to talk about trauma? I want to try to talk through things in therapy, but I find that it’s physically hard to get...
4) Can you talk about chronic loneliness and what it is? I thought I had social anxiety, and maybe I do, but it's this feeling of being unconnected that has me feeling hollow...
5) I was wondering what inspired you to become a therapist? Specifically what made you want to focus on eating disorders and most recently trauma?
6) I’m always so distracted by what my therapist is typing or writing when I’m speaking. I know she’s just doing her job and that whatever notes she’s taking are probably pretty clinical...
7) Do you have any tips on how to force yourself to do the work? For example, lately I have been wanting to try journaling, emotion charts, and reading more self help books...
8) There have been a few times my therapist has overstepped in our relationship but instead of bringing these things up with her like I know I should, I actually find myself liking them and...
9) Is it possible to dissociate for extended periods? I had a major triggering event last summer and the entire last year is a blur. It’s almost as if someone else lived my life for the past...
10) Can mental illnesses ever be a choice? I often feel as if I have chosen my eating disorder, because when I was about 12 years old and really unhappy...
Video version of episodes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Kati's 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 https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Opinions That Don't Matter!
video https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
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BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B
Box #353 Austin, TX 78728
PLEASE READ
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.

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#71 Why is Feeling Good So Uncomfortable? Jul 27, 2021

Pre-order your copy of Kati's new book TRAUMATIZED here: https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Audience questions

Hi Kati, hope you're taking care of yourself. Can you talk about the boredom that comes with being okay? I've been experiencing extremes for so long, (manic/suicidal) that on the days/weeks where I'm more stable, I can't deal with the boredom of not having those extreme emotions, and often end up deliberately triggering myself to end the monotony...
Hey Kati, do you have any tips on how to live for yourself and not for others? As a chronically suicidal person, the only reason I’m here is to keep other people happy. I don’t want help or to be alive, but I do. I constantly flip flop between this and was...
Why is it there is such shame with sexual abuse/trauma? How can someone feel such shame and guilt about something that wasn’t their fault? (COMMENT: Hi Kati happy happy Thursday please answer How does a person know if they have any trauma because in my junior year of high a guy tried to take advantage of me but also a lot...
Do therapists sometimes provoke their clients into transference? My therapist says things like “if you were my daughter I would care how you felt and listen to what you have to say” and it makes me angry because she’s NOT my mom so it’s irrelevant. I’ve...
I was wondering why it is so hard to accept trauma. Recently I realized I was sexually abused as a child and I keep trying to justify my fathers actions. I keep telling myself I’m just being dramatic or that my father “didn’t mean it that way.” Even when it was very...
Hi Kati, I was wondering if you have any advice on how to discuss past sexual trauma in therapy. Do you really have to share and relive all the details in order to heal? I don't think I can say all those things out loud. I have come to realise that I was abused and repeatedly raped by an ex boyfriend....
My therapist has started to bring up that I’m doing better and the idea of ramping down therapy the last couple of sessions but every time he does it kinda freaks me out. Is this attachment or could it be the fear of losing my safety net? (COMMENT: Add on: my therapist is close to retirement age and it...

Video version of episodes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Kati's Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY... I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive a commission on referrals to BetterHelp.

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MAIL
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Box #353 Austin, TX 78728

PLEASE READ
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.

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#70 What is Touch Aversion? (plus 9 other mental health questions) Jul 22, 2021

Pre-order your copy of Kati's new book TRAUMATIZED here: https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Audience questions
1. How do therapists notice the non-verbal signals in their clients, what are obvious signals and what are less obvious signals?
2. Do you have any tips for people who feel like they have missed out on their teen years and early adulthood and would like to just be a teen again to experience what they feel they missed?
3. Can you talk a little about touch aversion? I grew up with almost no touch aside from physical abuse, and I have never learned to like touch - being touched or touching others. I do deal with MDD and GAD, and an avoidant attachment style...
4. I get really uncomfortable and anxious in places with loud music, lots of people talking or basically anywhere that is really loud. I also freak out and panic whenever I hear people yelling. I have never experienced any type of abuse or...
5. Any advice for talking to my therapist? I have a hard time saying much in general and normally only give 1-3 words answers, or just say I don't know...
6. I recently started dating and I'm having a hard time communicating my feelings and allowing myself to be vulnerable. I did a lot of inner child work in the past few weeks and discovered that I didn't really get my...
7. What would you think if a client changed their appearance dramatically in a short period of time? (Weight change, piercings, dyed hair, different clothing/style) I find myself...
8. Is it normal to have conversations in your head with your therapist? You know that they’re not there but can’t help but to have conversations about different things going on in your head...
9. I know I’m late so you probably won’t see this. My question is why can someone not cry. Personally for me my therapist has told me that I need to cry to help with the pressure I’m feeling. It’s so hard. I'm watching sad videos, listening to sad songs, think of all the abuse I was put...
10. How to get the benefits of therapy, meaning how to get the most from it so it helps you?
KATI'S BOOKS
TRAUMATIZED available for preorder in print, ebook & audiobook https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? in stores now http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Video version of episodes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Kati's Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY... I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive a commission on referrals to BetterHelp.

PATREON https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
Opinions That Don't Matter!
video https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B
Box #353 Austin, TX 78728

PLEASE READ
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.

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#69 Can Therapy Make Dissociation Worse? Jul 08, 2021

Ask Kati Anything episode 69
*** Kati's new book TRAUMATIZED is available for Preorder today! https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Audience questions:
1. If you're comfortable talking about it, have you ever suffered from mental illness? I know therapists often say they know better but don't necessarily always do better...
2. Is fear of crying during a session something that should be talked about? Every time I go to therapy I purposely don’t talk too much about things that get me teary or...
3. How do you know what is the most important thing to bring up in therapy? I have so much to talk about, so much that happens in between sessions and...
4. Can therapy make dissociation or any other symptoms worse? Is this just a part of "it gets worse before it gets better"? Ever since I've been working with my therapist on feeling more, I've started dissociating more intensely...
5. What’s your opinion on personality tests like the enneagram or the Meyers Briggs? I‘m an INFJ and an Enneagram 4 wing 6. Also my love language is mainly gift giving...
6. Why don’t I want life to go back to normal? During 2020 I was struggling again, but I was able to get some help this time. But now that things are slowly going back to normal in England, and everyone is very...
7. I have a question faced by many people how can someone overcome the fear of left alone and also overcome the void of loneliness (COMMENT: this matches to my bpd symptoms and also to...
8. I have been in counseling for about a year and half already and I can’t get myself to allow myself to feel emotions during session. Before and after session I could feel really anxious and like crap...
9. I don't think my question will ever get enough likes so hoping it will be picked at random. Can you explain more about the differences between RSD (rejection sensitive dysphoria) and BPD?
10. Thank you for your work! I hope you’re having a good day :) My therapist recently diagnosed me with CPTSD. But all I read about it online said that the traumas that lead to...
Ordering Kati's books
TRAUMATIZED
Available for preorder in print, ebook & audiobook
https://geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok?
In stores now: http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Video version of episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B
Box #353 Austin, TX 78728

PLEASE READ
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.

S --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#68 "What Causes Us To Have Attachment Issues?" Jul 01, 2021

Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything!

How does a therapist feel when a patient gets mad at them in session? Nothing threatening or personal, but things like copping an attitude, getting sarcastic...
What are the things that can cause us to have attachment issues (other than abuse/neglect from our primary caregiver)? Can toxic friendships and having been bullied as a child and teenager cause us...
Can you talk about avoidant attachment style (or avoidant personality? What’s the difference?) stemming from childhood trauma? I thought I was doing fine looking at others going through the periods of abusive...
Can a singular "small" event, such as your dad kicking you as a kid, be considered a trauma? Or what if its combined with a bunch of small things happening occasionally over many years - like my dad slapping me, my parents yelling at me, telling me I'm stupid, worthless, etc...
I feel like I struggle to feel any feelings towards any other person. It's like I don't care about anybody and there is no emotional reaction when I see someone. Like I'd meet up with a friend but it wouldn't matter if I saw them or I...
I’ve just recently started talking about my self harm urges and self harm in therapy but I’m struggling to really get into it. How common is it to downplay how often the urges are, or how recently I’ve engaged in those types o...
How do I know if I need a break from therapy or if I should change my therapist? I've been with my therapist for over a year and while in the beginning I could draw a lot from our discussions...
Is it normal that after sessions with my therapist I spend a lot of time running through conversations in my head? It usually starts with things I may say or bring up, but I find myself answering for my therapist too...
How do you deal with „second hand“ trauma (if that even is a thing)? about two months ago I witnessed cops having to tell my friend and her mom that their brother/son committed suicide...
I’m wondering why I was never informed of my diagnoses even once after years of therapy! I wasn’t aware of my diagnoses until I downloaded an app where I can view my health records and I was shocked to find Gender Dysphoria on there...

Video version of episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B
Box #353 Austin, TX 78728

PLEASE READ
If you

My new book TRAUMATIZED is available for preorder! Order your copy today https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Su --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#67 "Is it possible that I have used sex as a form of self harm?" Jun 23, 2021

Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything!
1. I was wondering, do therapists have to like their patients? I always have a fear that secretly my therapist doesn’t like me, that I'm a burden to her and every...
2. Does someone actually “recover” completely from trauma or abuse that has occurred resulting in C/PTSD? Or is it actually having healthy coping mechanisms to...
3. How can a trauma survivor tell the difference between truly toxic behaviour and just human mistakes? Sometimes I'm wondering if people around me are truly toxic or if I'm just...
4. When I am experiencing the very low lows of my mental health I find myself in an uncontrollable deep dive into mental health educational content. I’ll re-listen to your podcasts...
5. Can you explain the differences (if there are any) between dissociation, the freeze response and panic attacks...
6. Can you talk about sexuality and how that can affect someone’s mental health? I grew up in a strict religion that views homosexuality as a sin. I left the religion when I realized that I’m a lesbian but sometimes it’s...
7. Why do I find it excruciating to feel my therapist's care for me? I don't like it when I make her cry or when she tries to connect with me or says anything kind...
8. Is it possible that I have used sex as a form of self harm without even realising? I am 24 years old and a lesbian. I am afraid of intimacy with women, I have internalised homophobia from the environment I grew up in and a lot of religious...
9. Lately my anxiety and eating disorder thoughts have gotten a lot worse. I feel out of control and I am unable to use the tools that my therapist has given me to...
10. s it normal to feel emotions so intensely? I feel like in a matter of days, I can go from self confident and sure of my goals, to major self hatred and using self harm to...
11. Do the urges to self harm ever completely go away? It’s been 5+ years since the last time I cut, but it’s still the first place my brain goes to when I’m having a bad day....
Video version of episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B
Box #353 Austin, TX 78728

PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#66 "The 5 Best Questions to Ask a Therapist..." Jun 15, 2021

Ask Kati Anything! #66 audience questions:
1. I recently started therapy but I'm not sure what we're really doing. I just spend the time talking about how miserable I am and not much else. I asked her what I should be bringing up in therapy...
2. Hey Kati, how are YOU doing? Do you still see clients for therapy or have you shifted entirely to Youtube? If so, do you plan on returning to clinical work?
3. I've been struggling with overthinking for quite a while now, I have really obsessive intrusive thoughts that are centered around my thought patterns. I have these obsessive thoughts...
4. What does being fully recovered from trauma look like and how do you know if you're there? Can you answer this question for complex trauma too if the answer is any different?
5. How would one start talking about trauma with a new therapist? There’s just this imaginary boundary that I can’t cross and even if I write it down I don’t show them....
6. Why do I always focus on the end of things? I'm getting treatment for anxiety, depression and social anxiety right now and I am already scared of it ending cause I feel like it's helping me a lot...
7. ow do you give yourself closure from feelings of grief? This week I lost my therapist of 18 months. (She resigned from her job.) I don't know if...
8. I've been suffering from a burn-out for four months. Two months ago I suddenly started getting anxiety. I don't leave the house besides for my doctors and psychologist's appointments. Going for a walk, talking to strangers, doing a small errand etc. is way too much stress for me...
9. I struggle to show or express my feelings. I know this arises from childhood conditioning and from how I've learnt to protect myself from the traumas I've experienced over the years as a child, adolescent and adult, including emotional, physical and sexual assault, bereavement, family estrangement and suffering workplace bullying...
10. What do you think are the best 5 questions to ask a therapist before starting treatment with them?
Video version of episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110B
Box #353 Austin, TX 78728

PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#65 "Dating and Depression..." | Ask Kati Anything! Jun 10, 2021

Ask Kati Anything! #65 audience questions:
1. Me and my boyfriend have been together for 2 and a half years. Overall our relationship has been great. I have depression, and when we first started dating, my depression almost...
2. I just finished undergrad this semester and will be starting grad school in the fall. Throughout undergrad, I have struggled to keep up with school because of my mental…
3. Recently I have begun to notice that my parents are more concerned about my sisters mental health than mine. for example when she is acting even the slightest bit different…
4. I went to a therapist not that long ago but I was so anxious that I couldn’t really open up to her and just lied to her to make her think that I was doing better even…
5. hope you are doing well. My question is about dissociation and suicidal thoughts. I'm 26 and for the first time in my life I have recently started talking about my experience with…
6. HI hope you’re doing well. I’m quite a severe procrastinator and I was wondering to what extent this ties into depression and/or other mental illnesses? It seems to be...
7. Do you have any tips on how to feel ok about taking antidepressants? I was on an ssri for depression and anxiety last year but stopped after about 4 months. I stopped it because…
8. I was wondering if as a therapist, what you do if someone brings up an issue in therapy that you have experienced? Is it hard or is therapy different? I’m starting grad school to be…
9. What advice do you have for adjusting to reentry/ the end of the pandemic? I’m very anxious to go places without wearing my mask. At work we had a meeting (with about 80 people) and I was…
10. I wonder what your thought is on seeing more than one therapist at the same time for different things? I have a therapist that I have been seeing for a few months for grief…
11. What are yours and other therapists thoughts and experiences on wearing face coverings in therapy sessions? Do you think it takes away from you being able to see what...
Video version of episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton)

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#64 "I realize that I might be autistic..." Jun 02, 2021

Audience Questions for Ask Kati Anything Episode #64
1. Hey Kati! You have talked several times from the perspective of kids where well meaning parents just weren't able to fill all of their children's emotional needs. Do you have any advice for the well...
2. I have recently been learning a lot more about autism spectrum disorder and realize that I might be autistic. I struggle with changes in routine, noise, connecting with others, eye contact...
3. I may be a little older than most of your listening audience. My husband has pushed me into going to a couple swingers parties. I dread them. I cry about them. Yet I go. He loves them. He ...
4. Hi Kati, if a therapist tells you you're showing signs of Trauma, does that automatically mean you have a trauma related disorder like PTSD, or does it just mean you're traumatized by what...
5. What are some lessons you've learned about the world or about people that you don't think you would have known about if you hadn't been a therapist? (Examples that you don't necessarily have...
6. Hi Kati, hope you are well! I would love to hear any advice and thoughts you have about my therapist crossing boundaries. I have been seeing the same therapist for about three years now, and...
7. What experiences with your clients have had the biggest impact on you? I know because of HIPAA you would have to be vague, but I'd love to hear some stories! (COMMENT: As a follow-up...
8. My childhood was quite unstable and I feel like I’m only starting to suffer the consequences. There were extended time periods where I didn’t have access to essentials including food, gas ...
9. I’ve been seeing my therapist for a couple of years, and I’m making progress. But even though I feel better, I still have a very long list of important/difficult things I want to talk about and ...
10. Hi Kati! What would you as a therapist think if your client told you that sometimes they turn into a little child, fearfully retreat into a corner and curl up there, fantasizing about the therapist being ...
Video version of episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton)

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#63 "Was I Sexually Abused & Completely Forgot about It?" May 27, 2021

Audience Questions for Ask Kati Anything Episode #63
1. My therapist told me that they would be surprised if i actually committed suicide, when i had finally got the courage to tell them about my suicidal thoughts in session. Their reasoning was...

2. How can I relax more during a session? I’m so nervous every time... Because of those nerves I answer all her questions with: “I don’t know”. This feels like failure...

3. My therapist and I are working on attachment at the moment and it's the hardest thing I've had to do. Part of me wants her close and wants her attention and warmth all...

4. How to stop self-harming when self harming is the only thing that keeps me visible? As a child, I was always left alone and nobody took care of me. I was in a lot of emotional pain but...

5. Could I have been sexually abused and completely forgotten? A few years ago, I found out that we had a high school male live at our house for a few weeks when I was a kid, and I don’t remember it *at all*....

6. I’m a 27 year old female and have been really struggling with deciding whether I want to have children or not. I’m definitely leaning towards the no decision and have lots of reasons against having them. A lot of these...

7. Is it possible to get to the point that the things we struggle with to go away completely? I feel like I have been working on ways to deal with my depression, anxiety and low self worth for years yet they always pop back...

8. I have a question about hyper vigilance and extreme self awareness. Whenever I leave my house, and even leaving my room if my family is home, I am incredibly aware of the fact tha ...

9. Why do some people feel offended when you tell them to go to therapy? It's like they feel we're underestimating their pain by offering solutions. I personally feel suffocated if I think what I'm going through is extremely...

10. How can you get yourself to a place to be comfortable going to a therapist? I feel most comfortable talking to someone I know vs someone I don’t. Obviously that isn’t...
Video version of episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

My new book TRAUMATIZED is available for preorder! Order your copy today https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton)

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#61 Complex PTSD & Trauma Apr 30, 2021

1. I’m kind of struggling to accept my sexuality. I know that I am only attracted to women but I still have a hard time to allow myself to be okay with it. I struggle with social anxiety...
2. I find it super problematic when people use words from the mental health field for everyday things. I can't think of a specific incident, but I mean things like...
3. A friend of mine with whom I was really close, decided to stop talking to me out of the blue. Like, one day we were talking about uni and everything was fine (at least I thought it was ...
4. Can you please talk about Complex PTSD and Chronic Trauma? My therapist recently told me I have both of these and it's really scary! Is the "chronic trauma"...
5. How do I remember things that are helpful for me? I feel like my brain just turns off when I think about things I can do for my mental health. With YouTube videos I can recognize things that I relate to...
6. Is it possible to recognize the beginnings of an eating disorder in yourself? I’ve noticed myself eating as little as possible and taking long walks (even at odd hours) to burn off most if not all of what I ate. I’ve also tried to purge but haven’t been able...
7. How do you deal with going to therapy and subsequently coming to the realization that things are actually a lot worse than you make them out to be? I started therapy about three months ago, and I thought that I would be working through anxiety and mild depression. But...
8. Do you have any advice for people who have "fallen off the wagon" in terms of mental health management and self-care? I struggle with depression and about a year ago finally found a way of coping and feeling "normal" through...
9. How do I deal with existential thoughts/depression brought on by isolation and trauma in my childhood? I feel impossibly alone in this, and no one I share my...
10. Could you talk more about nightmares connected to trauma? I'm diagnosed with c-ptsd and I have a lot of nightmares (when I was in high school I had them so often I was scared of sleeping and would sometimes sleep on a mattress in my parents' room), but they're not obvious flashback nightmares. Still...
---
Video version or episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (ht --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#62 "How Do I Stop Being Self-Destructive?" Apr 30, 2021

Ask Kati Anything #62 listener questions:
1/ Hi Kati, I'm 22 years old and have a rare genetic disease that is causing my body to fail. I've been sick since I was a baby. My digestive tract is paralysed so i have been tube fed for 3 years, with one tube going into my small intestine to give me nutrition, water, and medication, and another tube into my stomach to drain out the...
2/ Hi Kati! I would love to hear your thoughts on why therapists are so stubborn that their way of being a therapist is the only right way? For instance, I was watching another therapist here on youtube (don’t worry, I like your channel better) who was absolutely horrified, that a therapist in a tv show hugged a client at the end of a session, because she thinks there can be NO TOUCHING in the therapeutic relationship...
3/ Hey Kati, I've been in therapy for about 2,5 years and starting to finally feel like life is good and my brain doesn't spin off all the time (working on allowing myself to feel 'good' ) But I'm still struggling with my thoughts. They run so fast, trying to 'stop stop stop' them is like throwing a stop sign onto a highway...
4/ Hi Kati, Happy thursday! I'm just wondering if you could talk a little bit about being self-destructive and what that means in relation to our mental health. I always hear the word being ‘thrown around’ and I'm just wondering if you could explain...
5/ Hi Kati it been three months since I first asked this and I would really like an answer but I never get enough likes is it normal to put yourself aside and want to help others especially after a death of a loved one my (step) sister passed away last...
6/ Hi Kati. I have a question related to sexual trauma. Is it also called sexual abuse if it is done by someone you love and they didn't mean it badly or sexually? I had a parent who was very open about sexuality and wanted to break the taboo that...
7/ Hi, Kati. I’m embarrassed about asking these questions so I hope no one I know sees them! I had an emotionally unavailable mother growing up, when I was 16 I opened up to her about my male and female cousins sexually assaulting me on different occasions. I can’t seem to remember much about what her initial reaction was, but I remember she basically said I should let it go and I’ll feel better. Never again did I talk to her about anything, I suffered with depression, eating disorder, self harm, traumatic experiences, and suicidal thoughts for years! I’m now 23, and have come to a realization that throughout my life I have yearned for attention, affection, and love from older women who I tend to attract. These older women have been...
8/ Hi Kati! I’ve struggled with body image for five years. I was never fat or anything, other people actually liked my figure, but I just wanted to be skinny. I was eating really healthy and exercised moderately, but still I wasn’t skinny enough so one day I...
9/ Hi Kati. In your last episode with Cheryl Burke you talked about grooming and I was wondering if you could talk a bit more about the subject, including ways to heal if you've been groomed, especially if the situation with the abuser was better than with...
Video version or episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://try

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#60 “I’M TOTALLY OVERWHELMED!” Apr 30, 2021

Ask Kati Anything ep #60 audience questions:

Hi Kati! Do you ever suspect a patient of yours has gone through abuse in their childhood before they tell you?
How can one deal with not being able to work/learn their dream career? ( for context) Grades are fine but for other reasons the university won't let me (i want to be a teacher but i have a speech issue - minimal improvement in speech therapy in the past....
Hi Kati! Can you talk about being totally overwhelmed with the daily maintenance of adulthood. It's like a never ending list of things I need to do...
Hi Kati! I have recently got into my dream school for my dream career but I am unable to feel happy. Every time I achieved something great and have told my...
Hi Kati, hope you are having an amazing day! My question is how to deal with missing a therapist and does it ever even stop? I've been out of therapy for over a year now and I still miss my therapist and think about her...
Hi Kati! So, my therapist left for maternity leave in February and she’s supposed to be coming back in may. She said we were naturally getting close to the end whenever she left, so we went ahead and did all of the end of therapy things...
Hi Kati! I really like my therapist and trust her. But sometimes I wish she would prompt me more -- ask me more questions, as opposed to waiting for me to start speaking. There are frequent moments of silence in our sessions...
Hi Kati, how can we, as highly sensitive people, cope with the intense psychological pain, seeing myself and others suffering in wild loneliness? This sounds existential. Life is pain, despite all happiness and meaning. I don't take on people's...
Hi Kati! Does attachment to our therapist sometimes never go away? I´m scared I will never get over my attachment to my therapist. I struggled to open up to her at all in the beginning and now I´ve become overly attached to her for a long time. Not seeing her and not having sessions with...
Hi Kati, I feel like it’s a dumb question but I am going to ask it anyway. Do your patients always have something to talk about every time they come into therapy? Every time they come, do you talk about new things...

---
Video version or episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.p --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#59 AKA with guest Cheryl Burke Apr 22, 2021

Cheryl Burke from Dancing with the Stars is on the podcast today! We discuss her experiences in therapy, how dance has been healing, overcoming trauma, addiction, and so much more!
Follow Cheryl's podcast & YouTube channel
Video version of episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"I can’t remember the first 12 years of my life - What does that mean?" #58 Apr 14, 2021

Ask Kati Anything - audience questions for podcast episode 58
1. I was recently diagnosed with depression by my therapist, but I struggle to tell people about it. When I have tried to tell people close to me, they seem to care but don't really understand what I am going through. When they ask...
2. How can you not compare your weight and size when you have a friend with an eating disorder? I do not have one, but hearing the way my friend talks has caused me to become more self-conscious. I still want to keep supporting her and would love...
3. I can’t remember the first 12 years of my life, does that mean I have been abused as a child? Or could I have just had a very boring childhood?
4. Is it best to work on the ‘original’ trauma to begin with, as opposed to working on its ‘symptoms’ individually i.e. anxiety, depression, eating disorder, OCD, PTSD etc in the hope that this will hopefully improve all?
5. Happy Thursday! Do triggers only work when you are in a bad mental headspace? Sometimes I can be around my triggers and be Ok and there are other times when I'm anxious to be around them.
6. How do you know when a relationship is beyond repair. What if you're prone to projection and so you don't know if you're thinking that this person is toxic or not...
7. I hope you're doing great. I wanted to ask, do you think talking to a therapist about all the details of the abuse I suffered for 3 years, would help me get over it, or make peace with it. I've never really talked in detail, about the abuse I sustained, with anybody, mostly because...
8. I haven’t talked to my parents for 2 and a half years because of the trauma that they caused me in my childhood such as emotional abuse and neglect. My sister's wedding is in a few months and I will have to see them there. I’m very nervous about it and I don’t know what...
9. How to prepare for the death of a terminally ill loved one?
10. I'm asking for a friend who's worried for her privacy: "What is considered incest? Is getting harassed as an adult by your own father so? I'm 24 and I've been back at my parents' due to covid crisis. The other day I was chilling on a couch watching TV as my father entered the room and started...
---
Video version or episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emer

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"I want connection & friendships but I push people away..." #57 Apr 07, 2021

Ask Kati Anything! audience questions from ep 57
1. Why is it that I can so desperately long for connection and friendships, yet I constantly mentally push people away and put up a mental wall? It's like I CANT connect, as much as...
2. Hey Kati! I feel like this isn't a topic talked about a lot in the world today. So, I am hoping this gets answered. What are your thoughts about children who have a traumatizing sexual encounter with another child? Such as inappropriate touching and fondling. Is this abuse?
3. Hey Kati! Do you 'always' have to try to get better? What if I don't want to get better? I know I am suffering but it's not consistent. On some days, I am all fine. I am not feeling my worst. My therapist says I'm...
4. How do I stop being so lazy? I'm not necessarily happy with my life (because I'm too lazy to change it), but mood-wise I'm pretty happy most of the time. So it's not depression or anything like...
5. Hi Kati, happy Thursday! Has a client ever shown you a song or a piece of music as a representation of how they are feeling or what they are going through or would you...
6. Hi Kati, My therapist told me she has a “desire to protect my heart” and that she loves me. Is this countertransference? I’m in trauma therapy...
7. Just curious, do patients ever bring in pictures of themselves as a child or of their family? Is that ever encouraged or discouraged and for what reason? Sometimes I've wanted to...
8. Hi Kati, how can we open up more in therapy when the therapist isn't sharing much about herself? In other relationships, we often observe how the other(s) behave and respond accordingly (to prevent over / undersharing; to avoid rejection or conflict, etc). Yet in therapy...
9. Hi Kati! I hold a lot of blame and anger towards my mother. She was emotionally absent throughout my life and made me feel like I was a burden when I was diagnosed with depression in high school. I feel like I was not helpfully...
10. Hi Kati. How do you know that you have actually experienced childhood trauma? I dissociated in my last therapy session when talking about the relationship with my sister, who has always been quite the bully. My therapist mentioned that...
---
Video version or episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Do You Think It's An Eating Disorder? #56 Mar 31, 2021

Audience questions:

As a therapist would you ever bring up or mention a client's weight gain/loss (a client who is not in treatment for an eating disorder)?
I'm actually a very shy/anxious person but I always push myself into situations I feel very uncomfortable in. Like taking part in conversations I would like to avoid...
I'm not sure what to do because I feel like unhealthy ways to cope are the only things that help me at this point.. when I'm not self-harming I use disordered eating habits to cope. I purge, restrict and get really obsessive, there are...
I am overweight and I've always struggled with food, eating, and body perception. My therapist however confirmed that I am not really suffering from an ED. Society seems to pass the message that everyone can just lose weight and be thin if they just...
I have always found it difficult to be sexually intimate with my fiance. I find myself faking orgasms to please him when in all actuality, I have never had one with him i the 6 years we have been together...
I have been struggling with hating myself since I could remember and I’m now an adult and I don’t know what to do and how to get better. I have been suffering from depression anxiety almost all of my life. Could you do a video on how to overcome hating yourself...
Hi Kati! Is it normal to have 'impulsive' suicidal thoughts? Sometimes my thoughts will build up over a period of a couple days. Other times though, (usually when I'm already feeling a bit down), anything can send me spiraling. For example...
How can I learn to make decisions? All my life I felt like I never belonged anywhere and everything I tried I failed miserably at. I don't know how to even trust a little that...
Hey So for a while now my therapy session have been moved to online. Before this crazy year happened my therapist would let me know well before if she needed to cancel or...
Can you talk about what would cause someone to have unrealistic expectations of themselves? I set extreme expectations for...

Link mentioned https://selfinjury.com/resources/how-to-use-the-impulse-control-log/
---
Video version or episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

#55 "Why Don't Therapists React With Shock, Surprise or Sadness" Mar 24, 2021

Ask Kati Anything! ep.55 audience questions
1/ Hey Kati, could you talk about why therapists sometimes don’t react with shock or surprise or sadness to things you might tell them like abuse, or they don’t give away any emotional clues about...
2/ Hi Kati, how is a therapist to react when a patient doesn't even trust them enough to tell them why they're here? Can such a patient even get therapy? Or would they be deemed...
3/ Hi Kati! How do you meet your need in comfort and reassurance, and why can one crave it? I have a strong feeling that I want someone to comfort me, tell me everything is going to...
4/ What can we do when the thought of having to calm yourself is triggering? You talk so much about being able to soothe yourself but what if you associate being calm with...
5/ How do I come clean about secretly recording our sessions to my therapist? I started recording them because I couldn't remember a thing about our sessions due to intense social anxiety. Also, being gaslit...
6/ Could you talk about the stigma around suicide and grieving deaths caused by suicide? I have recently lost 2 friends to suicide within the past few weeks, and...
7/ Hi Kati. I don't have anyone to share my feelings. No friends. No therapist. (I left my therapist, because our conversation was way too shallow.) I don't wanna watch TV anymore in my 'excessive free time'...
8/ Do you have any suggestions for someone who struggles with imposter syndrome? I have been at the same job for a long time and get nothing but positive feedback, yet I have this overwhelming fear I...
9/ Hi Kati. My husband was sexually abused by a family friend multiple times as a young child and "doesn’t remember how long it went on" he only has talked about it twice over the 3 years we have been together...
10/ Can you talk more about setting boundaries within and outside of therapy? I have trouble setting boundaries and constantly feel like I'm going to overstep them if I’m not constantly worrying...
11/ Hey Kati! I recently came out of a psychotic episode, however, I miss my voices. Even though I know it wasn’t real and they were mean as hell for the most part it felt as though I had someone to...
---
Video version or episodes
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest em

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"I LIED TO MY THERAPIST..." ep.54 Mar 18, 2021

Ask Kati Anything ep.54 audience questions:
1. I feel like I don't understand the point of our day. Not in a "what is the meaning of life" sort of way. But I struggle to not feel shame about being unproductive when I am not at work or working out. If I...
2. I wanted to ask if your clients are aware of your online presence? I am mainly thinking of clients with attachment issues. For me personally, I am super attached to my therapist but she does not have social media, or at least...
3. I was wondering why my suicidal thoughts often get worse when I am doing well instead of when I get worse. I struggle with anxiety and depression...
4. Struggling w/ physical intimacy. I have never been a very physical person. I struggle with the negative automatic thought that all men really want is sex. And everything else is just a means...
5. How do therapists handle clients who aren’t honest?? (either because they are too sick to see reality or not ready to face certain things). If a family member of a client like this called with...
6. Can you parentify yourself as a child? I seem to have learned from a very early age that I need to be strong and sort of hold things together. But I don't think that my parents ever...
7. Could you talk about self sabotage in relation to recovery from mental illness? I recently started antidepressants for the first time and thought that I was starting to feel more clear headed and more able to get out of bed. However, everything quickly spiraled when one evening I struggled with a series of really...
8. What can I do to build up more self confidence? I suffer from depression and had to quit my job a few months ago because of that. I went to university and got into financial problems as a result...
9. Is it normal for a therapist to not give any tools whatsoever? I've been with my psychologist since October(she's my first) and I feel like she never handed me any tools to cope with the anxiety and depressive symptoms. In January, because of AKA...
10. I am someone who struggles with being direct and I expect the other person to just know when they have caused unintentional hurt to me or crossed a boundary. When I don't communicate it to them, I end up getting...
11. What to do when everything around you is triggering? For example: music, movies, even workbooks that talk about the things I need to work on. How to...
---
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nea

Sup --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"...A Child of Emotional Neglect" ep.53 Mar 11, 2021

Ask Kati Anything - episode #53 audience questions:
1. I am a child of emotional neglect and I was wondering if you have any tips on how to stop minimizing and downplaying my trauma. Even calling it trauma makes me uncomfortable because it wasn’t overt abuse. I can’t stop feeling like my trauma is...
2. Hi Kati! I feel like I spend a lot of my time playing through scenarios in my head about different events. For instance, if there is a conversation I want to have with someone I will play through it in my mind before I...
3. Hi Kati! Can you talk about finding the root of your unhappiness or sadness? You frequently talk about how without resolving the root of the issues you cannot get rid of unhealthy coping skills. How do you know what is THE problem?
4. Hey Kati What's the difference between a very confident person and a narcissistic person? What's the line between confidence and narcissism?
5. Hi Kati! Why does my therapist say I suffer from fear of abandonment although I actually haven’t been physically abandoned by anyone before? My parents tried their...
6. Hey Kati, how do you get over social anxiety when you keep failing at conversations whenever you try? It doesn't matter how many times I try I keep failing at it, even though I know I have to keep doing it to get better. I don't...
7. hey kati! would you be able to talk about orthorexia a little more? how do i know if i have it? currently i struggle with ocd and i am having a hard time figuring out whether my unhealthy obsession with being perfectly healthy is just another form of my ocd...
8. Hi Kati. How important are dreams for therapy? I´ve been wondering about my dreams a lot lately and sometimes I mention them in therapy, but do you think dreams can play an important role to get somewhere in therapy...
9. Hi Kati! I've been feeling very 'meh' lately. I do college work online, and I seem to roll out of bed and onto my laptop. Sometimes even doing college work in my Pj's. I am not the most organised...
10. My therapist challenged me when I said I wasn't going to get super personal. He asked when I was going to stop holding him at arms length and allow him to be personal with me...
11. Can you heal attachment without having to do inner child work? Picturing myself as a child and pretending to talk to myself makes me deeply uncomfortable. I am autistic, for...
---
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency roo

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

How do I give myself permission to be ok with not being ok? ep.52 Mar 03, 2021

Audience Questions:
1. I remember in one of your videos a few years ago you mentioned that therapists notice everything. When I'm in therapy, I get distracted because I notice myself not making eye contact, being tense, moving my hands, smiling when I'm talking about something upsetting...
2. How do I give myself permission to be ok with not being ok? I’m afraid of allowing myself to feel as I’ve avoided truly allowing myself to deal for a long time. I’ve had to be strong, or fake being strong, hide the tears, and...
3. I find myself feeling really bad and crying in between sessions, but I can not cry in front of my therapist even though I really want to. It's like I'm blocking my emotions out in therapy, but...
4. I’m going to try again and hope this gets answered this week! My question is: How do I “heal” from anxious attachment? My anxiety surrounding romantic relationships is really making it hard for me to even...
5. I'm super attached to my therapist at the moment and I always have such a hard time between sessions because I miss her so much. I’ve talked to her about my attachment to her and we’re working on it in therapy...
6. I feel so stuck. During the day I try to maintain this unachievable image that I am always happy and bubbly. In my head, I get so critical when I don't meet this image. I feel like I...
7. I almost committed suicide this winter out of pure impulsivity. My therapist was very concerned - I wasn´t. I´m better now and don´t think about suicide all the time. However every now and then those thoughts come back. I thought I was getting better...
8. How should i respond to my therapist asking "how would you like me to accompany you right now?" I know this is about my need in that present moment. Sometimes I want a hug, but am too embarrassed to...
9. Happy Thursday Do attachment issues always stem from early childhood? I get intensely attached to older female authority figures, I have for a long time. I had a fairly 'normal' childhood, my mum was a...
10. How can someone begin the process of moving away from restrictive disordered eating if the thought of giving up the control which restriction seems to give feels terrifying?
11. Odd question. I was in counseling for a little bit because of my depression. For some reason every time my counselor used my name I had instant panic and a rush of anxiety...
---
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emerg

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

"How many therapy sessions are needed to start feeling better?" Ask Kati Anything Feb 24, 2021

Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything!
Hey! I wanted to ask for tips on building up emotional resilience and knowing when to self care and when to push yourself to be 'productive'. Last month I had something happen with my roommate which triggered me and caused me to have a panic attack in...
Hi Kati. I was wondering if you could explain why talking about past childhood trauma makes me feel so much worse? and I also wonder why I feel worse now than I did when the trauma happened? I stared talking about a sexual abuse 3 weeks ago and...
Hi Kati. How do I stop “what iffing” myself to death? How do those of us terrified of people get help? I’d say my anxiety is mostly Catastrophic Thinking, but everything I’m afraid of keeps actually happening...
Hey Kati, how many therapy sessions are needed to start feeling better? I've had 12; 1 about every 2 weeks. So far the only change is getting very nervous before each session and frustrated after...
How can you manage feeling like life is a long series of traumas when your diagnosis is C-PTSD? It has been exhausting recently to feel like I’m really just floating along between traumas, trying to catch my...
Hi kati! I feel like my parents are influencing what my therapist thinks about me. What should I do, and what can I tell my therapist? For more background context, basically I called the suicide hotline. Earlier that day my parents had told me that I would need to start doing less therapy because of money...
Is it bad for me to want to show my therapist things I’m proud of? When I make art or music that turns out well, I really want to show her. I don’t NEED to show her in order for me to be happy with it, but hearing her give me praise for my hard work is...
Hi Kati! Many times I think when I get fully better... I'll start my 'real life'...(maybe go back to school, start dating etc) But why can't I do it now?? How does one learn to manage one's life while their mental health is...
Hi kati, I'm not actively suicidal right now, and I can recognize that there are reasons to hold on. However, when I am feeling suicidal, I can't see any of those things. I'm scared that I will...
How does one deal with what feels like a "block" to making progress in certain areas? I've been working with a therapist on these issues, but I just can't seem to get past them. Things like getting an adequate amount of...
---
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions: https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the neare

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

What if I actually don't want to get better? Feb 17, 2021

Ask Kati Anything audience questions for episode 50
1. What if I actually don't want to get better? Sometimes I catch myself being 'happy' that I have a mental illness. I experienced childhood abuse from my grandma and probably because of that I developed BPD...
2. I've always been curious about what you would do if one of your patients has completely opposing views to you? For instance, what would you do if they turned out to be...
3. Is there a way for me to open up in therapy? I have a great T, which is very supportive, but there are sessions when it’s really hard or even impossible to talk about certain things...
4. Any tips for not being so nervous in therapy and being able to open up. I started getting worried about some of the homework she was giving me to say hi to someone as I walked by, so she had me do Square breathing as...
5. I've been struggling to have calls ever since I remember. I've been working on my social anxiety and fear of talking on the phone and tried to have calls which I needed to do and it took a lot to get...
6. What does it mean when you get triggered so easily? i would be lying in bed ready for sleep when my brain suddenly hits me with these haunting, embarrassing memories that make me feel so bad...
7. How can I deal with loving and hating my parents at the same time? How do I know if I’m doing enough to help them and they just ask for too much or if I’m not doing enough? I struggle with GAD, quiet BPD...
8. Happy Thursday! I have a friend I confide in with a lot of my mental battles because she "gets it" - she's been there for the majority of my times of crisis and has been crucial within my support network. She's also a HSP...
9. How do I be comfortable with being in the grey area? I'm so used to being in the black and white area where I have been conditioned to be when I was younger. I can't seem to be comfortable with the grey area and I would feel anxious worrying...
10. Ever since I walked in on my sister's suicide attempt 2 months ago, I've been seeing hallucinations at night. I wake up to my sister's voice whispering my name, see a figure of her in the corner of my room, or see police lights...
11. I know you've talked about maladaptive daydreaming in the past, but can you still have it if you haven't had any trauma in your life. I have social anxiety and depression and...
---
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emer

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11 Important Mental Health Questions Feb 10, 2021

Ask Kati Anything!
1. How can I stop avoiding life? I’ve finished university and have been struggling ever since. It took me so long to finish my degree and I don't even like anything about it. I´m scared of starting to...
2. Can you talk about the differences between panic attacks, anxiety attacks, meltdowns and just general overwhelm? I struggle to tell the difference and feel it might be easier to deal with...
3. In a previous AKA, you mentioned giving yourself time once a week or so to just cry. But what if I can't? I've tried listening to sad music, watching sad videos or reading emotionally tugging stories. But later, I'll find myself bursting into tears...
4. What can I do in and outside of therapy if I struggle with connecting? Sometimes I just feel out of touch with reality and out of touch with...
5. Why do I struggle with not feeling sick enough because I’ve never had to be hospitalized for a...
6. why would I find it hard to just share what's exactly in my mind with other people? I always feel like I can't find the 'right time' to talk about...
7. I'm just wondering what counts as suicidal thoughts/ideation and when/if you should bring it up in therapy. I have thought about if I were to do it how would I do it, and ranking best to worst options. For example, taking pills, and the general idea of where I'd do it, but not figuring out how much of what...
8. Is there anything I can do to switch off that desire in my head to ‘want’ to look very thin? I’m 8 months in recovery, and I have a naturally athletic build. I’m getting my personal training certification, and the way I’m eating and working out, I have put on a lot of muscle. But while I look my fittest, I still wake up every morning thinking I should...
9. Are some people unhelpable? I know some of the things I need to work on, but they feel too big and entrenched to change. I don’t know where to start, or if...
10. Any tips for when searching for a therapist? I've been having a hard time finding one due to time (i can only do after office hours), cost and poor administration staff. What can we do when things have gotten bad enough that we decided to seek...
11. What if I'm the toxic one in relationships and friendships? I feel like I'm the person that self-help posts always tell people to cut out of their lives. I keep being too much, act needy, probably come across as jealous and clingy, and even...
---
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergen

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep48 How can I feel safe in my own skin again? Feb 03, 2021

Ask Kati Anything, questions for episode 48
1. What IS a crisis? There's a lot of talk about, "If you're in crisis call and reach out and do this or that," but no one ever explains what that means. In light of last week's second question, it seems pertinent to discuss what "crisis" means...
2. Hi Kati! My therapist will regularly ask me to rate my anxiety from 1 to 10 but I never know what to say. I feel like I just say random numbers as I don’t really know how I feel. Sometimes I think that saying a high number will make it look like I am not improving but...
3. Hi Kati! I hope you are taking care of yourself. How can I feel safe in my own skin again? I’m on high alert all the time, any sudden...
4. Hi Kati! If a client were to ask for more frequent sessions, how do you tell the difference between that person really needing more care or having an attachment to their therapist? Or can it be a mixture of both? For context, I am an ACoA (adult child of an alcoholic) with CPTSD from...
5. Hi Kati, Does long term emotional numbness ever fully go away? I am 24 years old and I have been pushing down all my feelings and emotions since I was 11 years old, for multiple reasons. I am completely numb. I don't feel anything and when I do feel something I have no idea what it...
6. Hi Kati. Could you please explain what exactly counts as physical abuse? For example, I know that unfortunately, it's not uncommon for parents to...
7. Hi Kati. I wondered if you could please explain the rules surrounding sexual assault for minors. I know in other videos you've talked about it being the client's choice whether to report it or...
8. Hi Kati! What exactly qualifies an experience to be traumatic? Growing up I went to a doctor who made me feel that the pain I had was “fake” telling me not to think about it, and it would go away. Since then I...
9. hey Kati, what should someone do if they can't ask for help? For the longest time, I was suffering, and was offered therapy but refused, I couldn't admit that everything that happened was hard for me so I yelled at everyone I...
10. Hey Kati, hope you’re well. I was just wondering, is it normal, after working on childhood sexual abuse in therapy and feeling okay for a month, for everything to fall apart again...
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://tryonlinetherapy.com/katimorton
I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately t

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep47 "Why do I sometimes fantasize about horrible things happening to me?" | AKA Jan 28, 2021

Audience Questions for Ask Kati Anything episode 47
1) Hey Kati, How long does it take you to "read" your clients mood if they don´t say anything? Can you see if they are struggling a lot or is it harder to see? I always wonder what techniques a therapist uses to adjust to each client's...
2) Hi Kati, how do YOU keep yourself from judgment towards your patients (and us)? You always say that nothing is weird and we can say everything to our therapist, but don’t you ever find things weird, or stupid? Is our shame never in place? Isn’t it human to...
3) Hi Kati, Why do I sometimes fantasize about horrible things happening to me? Sometimes I fantasize or almost wish something awful would happen to me...
4) Hi Kati! I was wondering if you've got any tips on staying motivated. Recently, I've been having trouble getting things done such as schoolwork and other necessary tasks throughout the day. I've always been a straight-A student in the past, but recently I've...
5) Hey Kati, do you have any tips with figuring out sexuality? I thought I was fairly certain that I'm straight, however, I constantly want to be around my female best friend and prefer spending time with her than with my boyfriend. I also admire girls but...
6) Hi Kati, I have a curious question. Why do you always use "we" when explaining something? For example you say things like "when we are traumatised" or "when we suffer from BPD" or "when we feel abandoned" etc instead of "people who are traumatised" or...
7) Hi Kati! I have a bad habit of apologizing for everything, for example, I've said sorry when my coworker bumped into a bookcase and I witnessed it, and I have tried replacing it with thank you but it didn't...
8) Hi Kati! I noticed I've become SO awkward in casual small talks (I stumble with words much worse than I did before) and I don't even want to get in conversations with anybody...
9) Hi Kati, How can I keep trying when every time I try things get immediately harder? I´ve been battling anxiety, depression and my social anxiety for so long, I don't remember a time without it. I take my medication, I go to therapy but it takes so...
10) What would you say if a client asked you what you think of them? Would answer or ask why they want to know. I always worry about what people think of me...
Connecting with Kati

Are u ok? Kati's book is in stores now!

Kati's Amazon Suggestions

PATREON is a great way to help support the creation of mental health videos

Journaling Club - On Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself!

Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

ONLINE THERAPY

I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ

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.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep46 "Will the pandemic create generational trauma?" | AKA Jan 20, 2021

Ask Kati Anything! Audience questions for episode 46
Hi Kati, How do you know if you’ve truly “gotten over” a particular trauma? I feel I’ve worked through my big ones, but sometimes when I see...
Any advice for someone who is having a hard time accepting themselves as a lesbian? I was raised in church being taught that it is wrong and so after a while you start to feel wrong. I know I’m gay and want to be able to...
I get distracted super easily working from home which means completing a task takes longer than it should, which sometimes means working later into the evening. My productivity has...
Will the pandemic create generational trauma over time? If so, how can we be aware of that towards the future? (COMMENT: OMG YES! I think about my grandma, who lived through (and raised a child in!) the Great Depression and her response to food and hunger throughout her life. Dementia patients, in general, struggle with appetite loss and...
Hi Kati! I hope you’re taking care! Are gaps in childhood memories always related to trauma and abuse? I’m always in awe when people tell elaborate, detailed stories from their childhood, but for me, I don’t remember very much at all. In fact, I didn’t develop a strong narrative-like memory of...
Hi Kati, When does someone need a safety plan, and do you legally have to make one if you need it?
Hey Kati, I've recently started going to therapy, and was given homework, which kinda sucks. Anyways I was asked to write a letter or at least think of what to say to my inner child. I was told I have social anxiety, and that I should think of things that I could say to my inner child that would...
Hi Kati! In my last therapy session I was very down, and asked my therapist what if working through my trauma won't help, what if I'll resolve my trauma but keep being depressed. She replied that she thinks I asked that because I'm still minimizing my...
Hey Kati happy Thursday. I was in a session with my therapist a few weeks ago and it was nearing the end when she asked me if I had anything else to share that was on my...
Hi Kati, As a therapist how would you feel if a client you had been seeing for 4 months suddenly gave you a list of things they have been struggling with but keeping from you? I binge eat, I pick my skin and I have intense intrusive...
Connecting with Kati

Are u ok? Kati's book is in stores now!

Kati's Amazon Suggestions

PATREON is a great way to help support the creation of mental health videos

Journaling Club - On Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself!

Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

ONLINE THERAPY

I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ

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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep45 "I'm going through my own stuff while in school to become a therapist..." | AKA Jan 14, 2021

Ask Kati Anything! Audience questions for ep.45

Hi Kati, every time I see my therapist look at the clock I get nervous that I am boring her and she's just waiting for the session to finally be over...
Hello Kati, hope you're taking care of yourself. As someone who has always had suicidal ideation and just a general feeling of not wanting to exist, how do you talk honestly and openly about it with a therapist without being put in a facility or put on suicide watch?
Hi Kati! What is the best way to stop extreme nervousness before a zoom call or any social interaction? I always think of the worst that can happen...
Hey Kati happy Thursday! Has any of your clients had panic attacks during a session and if so what did you do about it in the moment?
Hi Kati, hope you're doing well. How can I stop believing I have nothing interesting to say or contribute in a conversation? I find myself wanting to say something in response to a person but before I can say it my mind starts to worry about how the other person will react...
How do I stop placing judgement on going through my own stuff while in school to become a therapist? Every time I have a bad mental health day, I think to myself “how am i supposed to help others when I don’t even have...
Hey Kati! What are your thoughts on adults seeking therapy who were suicidal as children (not self harming necessarily, just wanting to no longer be alive). It feels like such an impressionable age to be feeling such deep feelings of hopelessness and...
Hey Kati, If a client asked you if you experienced any countertransference with them, or what feelings came up for you during session with them, would you be honest? I noticed that when talking about my child abuse my therapist took a very...
Hi Kati :) I hope you are doing wonderful! My question for you has to do with journaling. When you read a client's journal do you feel like you are invading their privacy, or do you think it is fun to get all the insider information? Also is it important for clients to share their journal with...
Hi Kati! I know you don’t do much therapy with teens or people under the age of 18, but I would still like to hear your answer for this question! You say that people have to be willing to get better/want to put in the effort, but...

Connecting with Kati

Are u ok? Kati's book is in stores now!

Kati's Amazon Suggestions

PATREON is a great way to help support the creation of mental health videos

Journaling Club - On Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself!

Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

ONLINE THERAPY

I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ

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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep44 "What are some things you would never say to a depressed person?" | AKA Jan 07, 2021

Audience Questions for Ask Kati Anything!

Hello! Can emotional abuse or neglect lead to complex ptsd, hypervigilance and dissociation? I have experienced this during my whole childhood but..
Hi! How do I in the best way allow myself to be honest in therapy? Many times I make something sound less bad or not truly express how I feel or how bad it...
Hi Kati, do you have any advice on choosing what to prioritise in session when every week it seems there's something more important?
Do you believe it’s always possible for a patient to overcome an attachment to the therapist? In these past few weeks, my brain has brought me to believe that I’ll never get over my attachment to my therapist and have a normal and happy life. Thoughts like this have...
Hey Kati, how can I take constructive criticism? Every time someone criticizes me I feel deeply offended. I know people just want me to do better but I still feel bad when someone...
Hi Kati! You always talk about how we should bring up childhood traumas in therapy but what exactly would happen when...
Hey Kati, What are some things you would never say to a depressed person?
Hi kati! I hope you're doing well! So when I was 16 years old I went to a party to celebrate the beginning of uni. I got really really drunk and later I learnt that they put Rohypnol on my drink, I don't remember much, but I remember the pain...
Hey Kati, How can I deal with my therapist suddenly being on leave? She was going to tell me she was pregnant 2 months before she expected to give birth, however, her baby decided to come very early so I had no warning before she left, how can I deal with this sudden change?
Hi Kati, How do you stay positive during another lockdown, without falling back into a negative spiral that 2021 is going to be as bad as 2020? I love sport( specifically water polo) but I haven’t been able to play for a year and I can’t stop thinking things will never be okay or be “normal” again. I’ve also been really sick and had an operation a few weeks ago, so everything feels very overwhelming. Sorry, I hope this makes sense. Thank you for all you do, you’ve helped me so much! Love from Zimbabwe.

Connecting with Kati

Are u ok? Kati's book is in stores now!

Kati's Amazon Suggestions

PATREON is a great way to help support the creation of mental health videos

Journaling Club - On Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself!

Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

ONLINE THERAPY

I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ

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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep43 "How Can I Stop Blaming My Past Selves?" | AKA Dec 31, 2020

Questions for Ask Kati Anything
1. Hey Kati! How can I know if I am still attached to my therapist or if it started to be a healthy bond? Also, How do I know that everything I feel towards my therapist isn't just transference? How would I...
2. Hey Kati! Hope you are doing well. How does one get over having to switch therapists and process the loss of that relationship and having to start a new one? Thank you for your content!
3. Hi Kati! I hope you're doing great. I wanted to ask: am I ever going to make peace with what happened to me as a child and the collateral damages it has created? I was sexually abused from the age of 6 till I turned 8. I've been in therapy on and off...
4. Hi Kati, How do you get through social anxiety during therapy sessions (when therapy triggers it much more than any experience ever has), anxiety leading up to sessions, dissociation during...
5. Hey Kati! What impact does having a surgery as a baby have on our emotional development? I was wondering if my fear of abandonment is connected with a surgery I had at 6 months old. I recently found out that it...
6. Hi Kati! I have a very hard time coping with change, I seem to be seeking comfort and stability all the time and the slightest change in my life brings me a lot of fear and anxiety, sometimes to the point that I...
7. Hi Kati, You’ve mentioned in the past about listing what you had in a relationship vs. what you needed from that relationship and grieving the difference. I’ve never quite understood what that meant. What does “grieving the difference” look...
8. Hi Kati. How can you start dating when you struggle with fear of intimacy (especially regarding romantic relationships and sex) and tend to use avoidance as a coping...
9. Hi Kati happy Thursday! How can I stop blaming my past selves? I always feel like I had so much potential as a 17-year-old and I feel so angry with her for not...
10. Hi Kati! Thank you for all the content you're posting! My question is: how do you know if you need therapy or if you can cope on your own? If I compare myself to my past self I think I'm doing quite well, I'm able to study more regularly...
11. How important is it to have a clearly formulated goal that you want to work on before your first appointment with a therapist? I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to say...
Connecting with Kati

Are u ok? Kati's book is in stores now!

Kati's Amazon Suggestions

PATREON is a great way to help support the creation of mental health videos

Journaling Club - On Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself!

Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

ONLINE THERAPY

I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ

If you or someone you

My new book TRAUMATIZED is available for preorder! Order your copy today https://geni.us/Bfak0j

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep42 "How do you deal with feeling discouraged when symptoms of mental illness return..." | AKA Dec 24, 2020

1. Hi Kati, how do you deal with feeling discouraged when symptoms of mental illness return despite doing everything to prevent it? I have been taking medication for depression for over a year and consistently go to therapy, but my symptoms...
2. Hi Kati! Why is it so hard for me to bear my therapist's silence in sessions? Is it part of me wanting to hear her opinion, so I don't have to be confronted with my own...
3. EDIT!!!! Hi Kati! Why do I feel so responsible for other people's words/actions? I am often on edge when around others because I feel responsible for their words/actions and if they say or do something offensive or hurtful, I can feel super...
4. Hey there! :) What is an appropriate gift for my therapist for the holidays? What gifts have you gotten and what gifts have you had to decline?
5. Hi Kati, I am a frontline healthcare worker and I am so beyond exhausted, I’m not sure how much more I can take. It is so heartbreaking to watch people so sick and dying every shift and it seems nothing is helping. I started having panic attacks at work but I cannot...
6. Hey Kati, could you please say some calming therapisty things, in your therapist voice? I often listen to your podcast to calm down and remind myself of my own therapist in between sessions. But recently my anxiety levels are...
7. Hi Kati. I feel scared. The therapeutic relationship/emotional closeness is making me terribly afraid. I've known my therapist for years now and I am terrified because all I can think about is "eventually she'll leave. Therapy has to...
8. How can I wire my brain to do something despite my fears or negative thoughts? I struggle with executing my plans because I am terrified that something might go wrong. I always end up stuck in going through the motions, lose motivation and interest, and go back to square one of...
9. Dear Kati: Please accept some socially distanced holiday cheer, and my personal gratitude for all that you do on both of your channels. My question is about the working alliance between my therapist and...
10. Hi Kati! I hope you're doing great. I wanted to ask: how can I deal with being attracted and falling for older people. I was sexually abused as a little girl, since the age of 6 till I turned 8. I've been in therapy on and off since I was 11. Now that I'm 21, I...
Connecting with Kati

Are u ok? Kati's book is in stores now!

Kati's Amazon Suggestions

PATREON is a great way to help support the creation of mental health videos

Journaling Club - On Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself!

Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

ONLINE THERAPY

I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ

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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ka --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.41 How Do I Find Meaning In Life? | AKA Dec 10, 2020

Ask Kati Anything audience questions:
1. Hey Kati! Thank you for all that you do! My question is how do I find meaning in my life? I struggle...
2. Hey Kati happy Thursday! My dad left when I was 8 and recently he reached out to me for the first time in ten years. I repressed the feeling for so long that I truly lived in a happy delusion of believing my dad leaving had zero effect on me...
3. Do therapists really mean it when they give you compliments or are they just saying it to build the therapeutic relationship? I've had therapists say things like "i'm in awe of you" or "I was completely blown away when you said...". I find my inner voice saying...
4. Hi Kati! I was wondering, if you're around a narcissist for a long period of time (dating, married or grew up with one etc) can their narcissistic qualities rub off on you making you display their...
5. Hey Kati, what is a healthy amount of control? I tend to feel all or nothing is the only approach. I try not to control others, but I feel like I’m the only thing I can control, so I can be a...
6. Hey Kati, I hope you’re doing great. I’m a pretty shy person and I struggle to make eye contact with people in my daily life. The only person I can look in the eyes without feeling embarrassed is my therapist. When I started therapy I thought I was gonna struggle to...
7. Hey Kati! How can I stop replaying the bad parts of my last therapy session in my head? I feel like my thoughts spin round and round like on one of those teacup rides - it's nauseating - and with my appointments being every fortnight, it's exhausting. I told her about a new intrusive thought that...
8. Is psychosomatic pain a real thing, if so, how could one differentiate psychosomatic pain from a physical pain? Or just chat about psychosomatic symptoms..
9. Hey Kati! Happy Thursday! Every once in a while, I have a feeling of intense anxiety or feeling down for no reason at all. I feel like I have to have a reason for why I feel the way that I do or else I will overthink it and I don't like not having a reason...
10. Hi Kati, should I and how should I approach the topic of touch starvation in therapy? I struggle with touch starvation and didn’t really have that need fulfilled as a kid but I don’t like to talk about it in therapy because it’d be weird knowing that my therapist...
Connecting with Kati

Are u ok? Kati's book is in stores now!

Kati's Amazon Suggestions

PATREON is a great way to help support the creation of mental health videos

Journaling Club - On Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself!

Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

ONLINE THERAPY

I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ

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.

Support the show (ht --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.40 Can you Choose to be Emotionally Neglected? | AKA Dec 09, 2020

Ask Kati Anything audience questions:

Hello Kati, I've had such a horrible week despite my efforts to bring my mood up. And get myself feeling happy I've just been so tired every day, drained even with sleep. I've been unable...
How do you tell the difference between feelings of loneliness, being alone, and being an introvert or “lone wolf”? I really struggle to tell where one starts and the other...
Hi Kati! I'm gonna just get straight to the point here - I feel like I always have a desire to be the victim. For lack of a better term, I've experienced a "rush" at the thought of it. I feel uncomfortable if I...
Hi Kati, ethical / therapy-related question here. I opened up with my therapist about part of my past sexual abuse, and I told her that I first realized it was actually sexual abuse when, recently, a friend told me of a similar situation and we both found it disturbing and unacceptable. At the end of the session, my therapist asked me...
Hey Kati, is it possible to choose to be emotionally neglected? A few years ago I noticed that I grew way too attached to my singing teacher for it to be considered normal. It led me to believe I have some attachment issues caused by my mother. I thought I...
Hi Kati! I hope you're well. I have a random question about therapists and their clients. Is it legal to treat a family member? For example, if your aunt/uncle or...
Do you have any recommendations for someone who has multiple conditions they need to work on? I have such a hard time even finding a therapist because I don’t know what to bring up or what is more important. I struggle with anxiety, OCD, ADHD, self-harm (not self-diagnosed), and I...
Hi Kati, Is it possible to have a “favorite person” as it is described in relation to BPD, without having BPD? Since adolescence I’ve...
Hi Kati, Since it’s encouraged for people in mental health industries to see their own psychologist from time to time, do you find it hard to “switch positions” and be...
Hi Kati! I am a woman who has survived CSA and I have a question: is it normal to be aroused/turned on by the idea of being sexually assaulted? This is never something I would want in real life, but I have daydreamed scenarios of sexual assault often. I am currently in therapy but have never...

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ONLINE THERAPY

I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ

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.

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ep.39 Rebecca Zamolo | Ask Kati Anything Dec 03, 2020

ep.39 Rebecca Zamolo & Kati Morton
Audience questions
1. Hi Kati, please ask Rebecca how she manages to still have hope and faith after such a trauma. Maybe this inspires someone...
2. Hi Kati, I have multiple chronic illnesses including autoimmune disorders, Celiac Disease, Fibromyalgia, pain disorders, chronic fatigue, etc. My doctors have tried to tell me to stop working for many years, but it's unrealistic. I also don't...
3. Hey Kati and Rebecca! Can you talk about how to improve social skills (and maybe social anxiety) and learning how to improve/develop relationships? I'm an introvert with social anxiety...
4. Hi Kati and Rebecca! Can you talk about trauma, and how it can affect your overall health? I experienced trauma as a child, and I think the stress has had a negative effect on my overall health. I often have symptoms of anxiety, I have a high resting heart...
5. Hi Kati, Can reading articles on mental illnesses make your symptoms worse? Ever since I’ve searched up things about suicide, self-harm, depression, anxiety, ARFID, and complicated grief, my symptoms seem to...
6. Hey Kati. Why is being sensitive viewed as a bad thing? Can sensitivity be a good thing? I'm a sensitive person myself and I often get criticized for it. I know others who get criticized for being sensitive too. I try to be less sensitive but it's...
Rebecca Zamolo Social Media
Instagram
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Twitter
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MOST COMMON TYPES

Crohn's disease: A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the lining of the digestive tract.
Ulcerative colitis: A chronic, inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the digestive tract.

For informational purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice.
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others.
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Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.

BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

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ep.38 "How do you know that you're ready to start talking about your trauma?" AKA Nov 25, 2020

Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything ep38
1. Hey Kati, how do therapists deal with things that trigger their own mental illnesses? I want to be a therapist, but I struggle with anxiety and eating disorders myself and I’m afraid that there will be a patient who triggers me, potentially even to the point of relapse.
2. Hi Kati! Is it weird that I really want to cry in therapy but never can? I’ve always been someone that suppresses and ignores my emotions because I grew up thinking they were a sign of weakness. Because of this...
3. Good day, Kati! Why do I keep pushing my friends away when I’m in a depressive episode? I know that’s when I need them the most and I need their support, but I just push them away and...
4. How do you know that you're ready to start talking about your trauma? I keep telling myself I'm not ready but what if I just don't want to? A couple of months ago i got some really strong flashbacks from what might have been...
5. Hi Kati! Do you think therapy is necessary for everyone? I spent three years in therapy but I stopped going a few months ago and I feel so much better since I stopped! Is there something wrong with me? I know deep down there is some stuff I...
6. Why can't I tell my parents that I love them or hug them? I obviously do love them but saying that is nearly impossible even though we used to be very affectionate towards each other when I was a child. When my mom tells me she loves...
7. How do I get over the feeling that I’m “faking” it. I feel like a fraud like I’m faking my way through life. I’ve accomplished a lot in life. But I can’t shake the feeling that I’m faking it!!... HELP. Appreciate all you do.Much love
8. Hi Kati! Is it normal to feel like I need to prepare a lot before therapy? Before each session, I read through my journals and think about everything I want to say, as well as how I will answer any potential questions that my therapist might ask...
9. Can someone be resistant to therapy because one sees through the strategies of the therapist so that they don't work?
10. Hey Kati. I’m 19 years old and in the last few years, I’ve found myself getting strongly attached to female figures who are older than me. It’s almost like I’ve got a little hole inside of me and...
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ep.37 "I Was An Emotionally Neglected Child & Teenager" | AKA Nov 18, 2020

Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything ep.37

Hi Kati, what does a healthy attachment to your therapist feel like for the client? I am constantly wondering whether my attachment is healthy, for example, is it okay to be excited to tell them something that has happened to...
Hi Kati! I’m just curious to know if therapists “stalk” their patients on social media? I would find it so tempting to want to know more about my patients if I was a therapist and I feel like I would want to look through their Instagrams and...
Hi, Kati! I have a question. I’m 21, and I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety for several years. I’ve tried therapy on and off starting when I was 14. I would always just talk with a therapist about how I was feeling, but it never really went anywhere. I eventually stopped because it wasn’t helping. I feel...
Hello Kati, Do you think “birth order” may play a role in mental illness, and have you seen any trends in your counseling sessions? (such as depressed middle children, eldest children facing too much pressure, youngest who might have been smothered) I’m...
Hi Kati! My therapist and I both independently came to the conclusion that I was emotionally neglected as a child and teenager, but almost a year later I'm still struggling to see how it could have been bad enough to cause such severe mental...
Dear Kati, Why do I feel the need to google or research things? Whenever a topic or item is posed that could be relatively related to me I find myself compulsively looking it up. I’ll spend hours reading about a topic and get a brief sense of relief, however...
Dear Kati, How can I experience the emotional charge of trauma memories at the "right time"? My brain is very protective of me; it still treats the trauma as if...
Hey Kati, what is the difference between social anxiety disorder and avoidant personality disorder? What do you have to work on with clients with AvPD vs...
Hi Kati, why do I miss the old times when I felt bad and can't accept that it's good that I don't self-harm anymore. I miss feeling bad and that's crazy...
Hi Kati! How do you take care of your own mental health when having to be a caretaker for your parent that has a chronic illness? I’m only 23 and feel completely burnt out from having to take on all of the household chores...

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ep.36 "How Do You Cope With Feeling Lonely?" | AKA Nov 11, 2020

Intro with thoughts about Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard & his relapse.

Audience questions:

Hi Kati. How to deal with being a later-in-life virgin? I'm 21 and I'm getting to be requested to talk about it in therapy. It all started when we were talking about my poor interpersonal skills...
Do therapists get bored if a patient doesn't give new information in sessions? I usually answer with 'nothing happened' when she asks how my week went, because I can't recall anything...
Hi Kati. How can I cope with feeling lonely and seeking connection and validation while simultaneously being incredibly stressed out by human contact? I am easily triggered in conversations...
Hi Kati! Is avoiding deep and hurtful emotions a sign that a person lacks empathy or the opposite- that they have too much of it? Is it healthy to keep avoiding sad/hurtful emotions? For example, I do everything to avoid things to do with tragedies like wars, Holocaust, or other disasters where people or animals get...
Hi Kati! I have a tough question... My 16-year-old daughter (who is a virgin. Never had a BF, not even a first kiss yet) recently told me that her cousin (MY sister's son) sexually assaulted her 2 years ago, when they were both 14 years old...
Hey Kati! Why is it bad that I intellectualize in my sessions? I know it's a defense mechanism, but I don´t understand why my therapist doesn't want me to say things like "I experience depersonalization". In the end, it doesn't truly make a difference if...
Why is it when you have trauma happen multiple times does your brain want to just block it out? With me I’ve had trauma multiple times in my life that I just block it out and feel like I have to push it down, I feel like it doesn’t matter and I have to...
Hey Kati - so my anxiety does this thing where I can't do things in front of other people. At first, I'll shake and get stuck in a panic state, then I'll dissociate and shut down. It makes things like cooking while other people are in the room, doing group work at...
Hi Kati, can you please talk about how to deal with concentration and memory issues because of anxiety? I feel like I can't really make good experiences to...

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ep.35 "Any tips on how to become less body-focused / more body-positive?" | AKA Nov 01, 2020

Ask Kati Anything audience questions:
1. How do therapists feel when their client talks about something really traumatic? I mean, therapists are people too and really terrible things happening to other people...
2. A friend of mine received a phone call from the school psychologist because her 10-year-old daughter used her school computer to google “How to commit suicide.” My friend recently...
3. Hey Kati! Could you explain a bit more the science behind false memories ? I do not know if my abuse was made up because it became a problem in my life only a few years ago when I started learning about psychology in college and I started remembering stuff from...
4. Hope you're doing great. Can you talk about hiding things we want to talk about but are ashamed of or scared of. I've been meaning to talk about more of my sexuality (being gay) and traumas I've...
5. Hi Kati! Why can’t I be okay with the way I feel for my therapist? I told my therapist about imagining having her as my mother, really liking her. The fact she doesn't give me any kind of reaction makes me feel miserable and like what I feel is wrong, even if it...
6. Hey there! How do we keep going towards a goal when we're seeing no encouraging feedback yet? It may or may not be "working", but we can't see it. It's so easy to quit at this...
7. Hey Kati, how do I ask for help? I have really been struggling lately and I haven’t told anyone about it. I want to ask for help but every time I try the anxiety is...
8. Any tips on how to become less body-focused/more body positive? My eating disordered and low self-esteemed mind cannot follow the progress my body made during the intuitive eating journey I've started in January this year. To this day I've become calmer around food and stopped hoarding it as much since binging/purging cycles, but I'm having a very hard time with...
9. Hi Kati. All of my therapy sessions at the beginning are silent. I know that I have to start talking about whatever I want but the problem is I don’t know what to say, what is my problem at this moment. Everything seems unimportant, small and silly and I should be...
10. Hi Kati hope you are doing well. How do I let go of my past self? I've been trying to move past my depressed and traumatised self but I can't seem to...
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ep.34 "Am I Sick Enough For Help?" | AKA Oct 28, 2020

Ask Kati Anything audience questions:
1) Hey Kati!! I beat myself up a lot over not being able to self harm severely. I'm suicidal in my thoughts, but my actions aren’t always reflecting that directly. Every time I ask those around me for help (regarding these suicidal thoughts), because I’ve not...
2) Hi Kati, how do we actually "process" any emotion/situation? I never know how long to sit with hard emotions, I end up crying for a few minutes and then just saying to myself "okay time to do something...
3) Hi Kati, have you ever needed to take time to grieve when a client has finished their sessions with you? I know you've said before that we as clients need to...
4) Hi Kati! How can I ask my therapist about a specific disorder without seeming like I'm self-diagnosing? I have done a lot of research on my specific symptoms and I would like to ask to be evaluated for a specific disorder or...
5) Hi Kati! Why do I feel the need to hear from my therapist that I am sick enough and/or that she is worried about me? Why do I constantly crave that validation?
6) Hey Kati. How do I stop covering my trauma in humour in therapy? In today’s session, I shared a really hard story and at the end, I just made light of it and made a joke, and my therapist said...
7) Hi Kati. How is talk therapy possible, when I can't talk about feelings without crying & basically can't talk when I just cry all the way through? For me, crying in front of others is associated with helplessness, rejection, and out of control...
8) Hi Kati! Is it possible to feel worse after therapy? I have recently started working with my psychologist on processing childhood trauma as my parents were emotionally neglectful, although unintentionally...
9) Hey Kati! I was wondering which Personality Disorders are the hardest for you to treat? Or which clients with Personality Disorders are most rewarding to work with overtime? Also to what degree is it possible to heal from PD’s? I have Avoidant/Schizoid Personality Disorder and I feel like I am annoying to my therapist, even if she says...
10) As someone who has trust issues, how do you find a therapist you trust? The few I've tried recently felt like they were just running through a script and not engaging with my personal issues. I need serious help but...
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ep.33 "I don’t know how to say HELP ME" | AKA Oct 21, 2020

Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything ep. 33
1. How come I feel really bad during the week but then I go to therapy and seem like the happiest person ever. I don’t know how to say help me?
2. Hey Kati, I've been in therapy for a while now and have this thing where I'm always looking forward to the next session but when the day actually comes I dread going. In between sessions, I think about what I want to bring up next but I always end up feeling like I'm overreacting right before the next session. I usually warm up after a while but I was just wondering where this feeling comes from even after...
3. Hi Kati, what do therapists think of adults who self harm? I know your opinion might not be representative of all therapists, but I just want to hear your...
4. Hi Kati! What’s the best way to take care of your own mental health if you have loved ones with serious mental health problems? My brother is a recovering addict, and both of my parents have pretty serious...
5. Hi Kati. Hope you're doing great. Can you talk about having a hard time naming things? I tend to surround things I want to talk about, I rationalize them, but when it comes to putting a name to them, it gets really hard. This happened to me in therapy while trying to talk about my...
6. Hi Kati. How can you differentiate between feeling that something is wrong or off and being anxious? I had many times felt that way and something inevitably went wrong, even though I didn't...
7. Hi Kati! I hope you're having a great week! Does an eating disorder have to be about body image and weight? I have recently been struggling with anxiety and depression but lately (for a month) I am never hungry, or I’ll...
8. Hi kati, How do we stop avoiding things and at the same time start to listen to what we want more?? I have cptsd and am a big avoider; so I am told by my treatment team that I should be more gentle with myself, but also that I...
9. Hi Kati! How do you deal with parents who aren’t supportive of you going to therapy? The thing is, I’m stuck back home after studying and working in the family business. I make my “own” money working during...
---
Connecting with Kati

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ep.32 "Why Am I So Attached To My Therapist" | Ask Kati Anything! Oct 15, 2020

Questions for Ask Kati Anything!
1. Hey Kati, how can I calm down in therapy? Most of the time I feel really anxious and nervous in session and it really bothers me because I feel as if I am not able to think and talk about my issues very well and I tend to push all of my feelings away and just feel empty or dissociate. I am not really able to...
2 .Hi Kati, what do I do if I feel like my therapist doesn't always believe me? There are times when I feel like she dismisses my problems, or doesn't realise how much they are truly impacting my life. I will want to...
3. How can I draw the line between coping & coddling myself too much? Sometimes, I feel like I am being too forgiving with myself when I am trying to cope. It almost feels like I am using 'coping' as an excuse to get out of..
4. Hi Kati! Is it normal to feel triggered by someone being soft with you? Sometimes I get triggered by people like my therapist making me feel vulnerable but it’s weird because I...
5. Hi Kati, how can I begin to work through trauma when I don't know what it was that traumatised me/when I barely remember anything? Thanks!
6. Hi Kati! I was emotionally neglected my whole life and that explains why I am emotionally extremely walled off and at the same time extremely attached to my therapist. I feel like I am still a little kid on the inside that is stuck in...
7. This question almost made it two weeks ago! (40+ likes) Hi Kati! Is it normal to feel like your life is split in two "eras" or seasons when something traumatic happens? f. e. 3 years ago my parents got into a huge fight because my...
8. Is it possible to improve suddenly in several mental health aspects? One day I'm attached to my therapist, I'm very anxious around people, I feel suicidal, I sleep a lot, and one day all of the above seem to have disappeared...
9. Hi Kati, ever since I talked about and tried to deal with my problems (suicidal, insecurity, stress), are always on my face and in my heart. I don't feel I'm really happy even though I still...
10. Hey Kati! How do you feel about clients telling you, they really care about you? I am really attached to my therapist and I wish she would be my mother. I have been feeling so much hurt because of the intensity of...
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Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.31 "How Can I Learn To Communicate My Anger?" | Ask Kati Anything Oct 07, 2020

Audience questions for ep.31 of Ask Kati Anything!
1. Hi Kati! Can your depression change over time? I've been depressed for about 10 years but my depression feels different now (I'm 22) to when I was younger, for example around 15. It feels like...
2. I have this faulty belief that I am not as good as everybody else. It is so deeply ingrained that I'm starting to witness myself sabotage myself. No matter what I do, I start by looking at myself then to a person who does...
3. Hi Kati! Is there any advice you can give to help people who have no way of affording therapy right now? I lost my job due to COVID and haven’t been able to find another one. I have dealt with anxiety issues for a long time...
4. Hi Kati, I hope you are doing well. What do you tell your clients when they want to give up? I have had so many periods where I’ve discovered a lower rock bottom than I could ever imagine, and every time I think “it really does get worse”...
5. Do therapists lie whether they experienced a similar event or feeling to reassure clients? Do they make up harmless stories like they were bullied too, to make clients feel heard? Maybe not lying, but...
6. Do therapists test you even outside your appointment? Is that part of their job? For example, when you meet them before the session, and they say sorry for being late because of traffic, do they pay attention to how you react? Are you empathic...
7. Hi Kati I hope you’re having a happy day. I’m curious about your experience with patients working through C-PTSD. Do you feel like it’s generally a slow progression of healing, with people becoming a little less symptomatic here and there...
8. Hi Kati, how can I learn to communicate my anger? Growing up I learned to never be angry because my parents often got loud and I still get a lot of anxiety around people whenever there is a confrontation or people shout at each other. I feel uncomfortable around most men because of...
9. Hi Kati, why do painful memories trigger self-harm urges? I’ve recently been trying to process painful memories from my childhood and it’s making me want to...
10. I've always romanticized death. My whole life has been about running away from everything, escaping. I want to change that. I think I don't know how to live. I feel so lost and disorientated...
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Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

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ep.30 Alison Rosen on Ask Kati Anything! Sep 30, 2020

On ep.30 of Ask Kati Anything! we have writer & podcaster Alison Rosen, the host of Alison Rosen Is Your New Best FriendandChildish with Greg Fitzsimmons. Alison’s roots are in traditional media, having written for Rolling Stone, the NY Post, Vibe, Spin, Maxim, the Village Voice, People, Seventeen, and Elle, among others.
Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything!

Hi Kati and Alison! I would love to hear what’s your go-to activity when you're having a shitty at-home mental health day, and similarly what’s your most enjoyable form of self-care in pandemic times. Big fan
Hey Kati can you talk about “helicopter parenting.” Whether it is beneficial to a child or not. And what are some effects it can have on someone going out into the world without the knowledge of alcohol, drugs, sex, etc?
Hi Kati, could you maybe talk about what exactly nightmares are? I recently started wondering because pretty much every night (or I usually have them in the morning) my dreams involve fear and anxiety and leave me with these feelings when I wake up. For example, a recurring theme is being chased and having to run for my life, being harassed by my abusive ex, or dreams involving abusive family members or.
How do I trust, open up, and be more honest with my therapist? I realized the more upset I am, the more silent I become since I learn from young that it is better to not just express your feelings. This makes it hard for me to...

How to find Alison

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Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

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ep.29 Coping Skills, Dissociation & Isolating | Ask Kati Anything! Sep 24, 2020

Audience Questions for ep. 29 of Ask Kati Anything!

Hi Kati - can you please talk about ways on how to communicate our needs and hurts to our friends without feeling like an exposed nerve when we do it? I grew up in a family that was great at being practical but was somewhat terrible at communicating honestly and being...
What do you recommend for those who tend to isolate themselves when they’re feeling down or depressed? I push everyone I know away, and ultimately it...
Hey Kati I am well into my 30s now but still, feel stuck in a very childlike brain. I feel very incapable of doing adult things...
Hi Kati, how is it 'normal' to want your therapist to worry about you? I certainly don't exaggerate my issues but I just constantly crave her attention and it makes me feel...
Hi Kati! I’m wondering if there’s anything I can do to stop having intrusive memories. I’ve always looked at past memories with a feeling of dread because I would always recall memories with...
Hi Kati, what can we do when positive coping skills just feel too exhausting, too much, too uncomfortable, and too boring? I feel like there is so much I need to do to keep my physical and mental health and I...
Hi Kati! What is the difference between dissociation and brain fog? I often (most of the time) feel cut off from the world and unable to take in reality. I "zone out", especially when...
Hi Kati, can you talk about having an emotionally unintelligent parent and how that might affect us? I have been going to therapy for about 4 months now and know now that my mom is emotionally unintelligent. She can be very...
Hi Kati - I'm a sexual abuse survivor who is currently in therapy. I've addressed the trauma, confronted my abuser, and gotten rid of the triggers that used to occur during sex itself, but I still have one nagging issue that I can't seem to get rid of...
What does it mean when my therapist asks me to imagine or think back to something, and I can only think about the fact that I need to imagine or think back to something?
Hey Kati! How do therapists feel when a client tells you that they are having suicidal thoughts?

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Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency roo

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ep.28 Toxic Relationships & Boundaries w/ Christina P. | Ask Kati Anything! Sep 17, 2020

Today's guest is Christina P., a stand-up comedian, writer, TV personality & host of the WHERE MY MOMS AT!? podcast. It's the show by the Moms for the Moms. An open place to admit no one really knows what they're doing.

Twitter @christinap
Instagram TheChristinaP
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheChristinaP/

Audience questions:

Opinions on not wanting a previously absent, neglectful, and sometimes abusive parent ever in your life again? Is it okay to not accept the love and presence that they are now offering? I want her to stay away because it's too late and frankly I don't NEED it. People seem to be struggling with the guilt and all but I personally don't think I feel bad at all. I think I've just resented her too much.
I'd be curious to hear both Kati's clinical perspective and Christina's comedian perspective for this question: Why do so many comedians/artists have mental health 'issues'? And which came first, the mental health abnormality or the art? Or is it a matter of personality? Inquiring minds would love to know any thoughts or insight as I...
Hi, Kati.. + mommy ✌🏼 I’m a 29-year-old, single parent. I adopted two children from foster care. They came to me at 6 and 8 and were adopted at ages 10 and 12. I love them with my entire body, and wouldn’t change any of the decisions I’ve made...
How healthy is it for people to be "best friends" with their moms? And at different ages, i.e. when they're still minors and growing up OR when they're both adults.
I would love to hear about Christina’s experience of having a mother with BPD (as I do too), and if she has any tips for healing and/or detaching.

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ep.27 Setting Boundaries With A Toxic Parent | AKA Sep 09, 2020

Here are this week's questions for Ask Kati Anything!

Is it possible to have depression, but not feel terrible? For me, I think I feel fine, but I can't seem to clean my room or take care of myself as well as I should, and I have...
Hey Kati, you know how we're supposed to set BOUNDARIES WITH A TOXIC PARENT. So I did with my dad. We barely...
Happy Thursday Kati! Can you talk about indecisiveness? Why do I have such a difficult time making decisions? Can this be...
Hi Kati! Could you talk a little bit about emotional flashbacks, how do you know if you’re having them, how intense would they be, how to recognize them in the moment and stop them? I believe that I have been...
Hey Kati :) Is it weird that I never feel proud of my accomplishments? I usually just think "thank god that's over" and feel relieved that everything worked out. I would love to...
Hey Kati, How do you stop feeling like you only deserve bad things in life? I have a lot of guilt and shame related to past abuse and PTSD, and I feel like...
Hi Kati! How do you have difficult conversations without crying? Even when the conversation is completely respectful and calm, whenever I have a difficult conversation, it feels like my body just reacts by becoming tearful and my throat...
Hi Kati. Hope you're doing great. Can you talk about being unable to express feelings and rationalizing everything. I find it hard to...
Dear Kati, Intimate relationships have always been a trigger to me, probably because of the attachment system that it activates... When things happened, I might relapse and it's like I've...
Happy Thursday! Do I need to like my psychiatrist??? I have a therapist who I really like, but I’m not a fan of my psychiatrist. I trust him, and the medication he has prescribed has been helpful, but I dread...
Hello Kati! How can we deal with the grief that is never-ending? I have been grieving the emotional neglect I have experienced in my childhood but I feel like it never ends and creates resistance in therapy even though I am taking antidepressants. I feel very...

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ep.26 "How do you decide whether a relationship is toxic?" | AKA Sep 03, 2020

Here are this week's questions for Ask Kati Anything!

Hi Kati! I’m wondering if you can tell when a client isn’t being authentic with you (and themselves) during session? Does this happen often? I found myself leaving session with my therapist and being frustrated because...
What is the difference between coping skills and straight up ignoring signs of mental distress? I’ve been SO stressed lately. I lost my job with COVID six months ago and...
Hi Kati! Do you ever have patients that don’t seem to get better after trying every possible treatment plan? I suffer from depression and generalized...
Hi Kati, I know that there are intrusive thoughts, but are intrusive emotions a thing? I have these painful emotions that hit me at seemingly minor incidences or while I am having a...
Hi Kati. I wanted to ask you about how could I know what is therapy-material. For example, I'm bisexual but I think it's not something that, on its own, bugs me in any special way, but even so, I'm from...
I want my therapist to be proud so I stop self-harming, I stop acting on my impulse. However, I myself indeed don't really care about hurting my body. I wonder if my motivation is all wrong. If then, does it really matter? Or it's fine as long as...
Hi Kati, hope you're doing great. Can you talk about how to go through with the need of going to the gynecologist, but at the same time not having been able yet to deal with even thinking of going. I was sexually abused since the age of...
Hi Kati. Can you talk about getting blocked at session when talking about something that you really want to talk about but that it's really hard or shameful? I was sexually abused as a kid for two years. I've been in therapy on and off for ...
Hey Kati, how do you decide whether a relationship is toxic and you should leave, or that you should be supportive and get that person help? For example, if a family member has been extremely toxic and verbally abusive for a long time but has a...
Hi Kati! Is it normal to feel jealous of your therapist's other patients? I often find myself ruminating on where I stand in the pecking order...

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ep.25 "I was @ Ariana Grande’s concert (there was a terrorist attack) & now suffer from severe PTSD" | AKA Aug 26, 2020

Audience Questions
1. I was wondering how therapists decide it’s time to stop therapy. Is there a point you decide that they’re either fully recovered, or no longer benefiting from therapy, and then tell the client they don’t need...
2. Do you get tired of hearing the "same" stories/issues over and over again? I imagine it feels almost like solving and answering a certain type of math question over and over and over again...
3. Hi Kati, I have been struggling with becoming overly attached to female teachers/ other school staff for a few years now. I often find myself fantasizing about experiencing a traumatic event like being raped or experiencing a murder. I think it’s because I crave their attention and care but don't know how to get it to the level that...
4. How do you deal with the grief that comes with losing people? (not necessarily by death, I mean yes sure but also rejection, neglect, friendships drifting apart and...
5. Why do I feel like I always need to have control over everything? I panic and get super triggered and overwhelmed (like I would cry and have actual meltdowns) when I’m unsure of something when I FORGET when...
6. I was at Ariana Grande’s concert when there was a terrorist attack and now suffer from severe PTSD and depression from it. I was 16 at the time of the attack and now...
7. Is there anything better not shared with a therapist. I've been seeing my therapist since COVID started and I feel way more comfortable with her than...
8. Recently I have been creating "false memories". I am convinced I have had conversations with people that apparently never happened, but it seems...
9. When is the line crossed between being helpful to your parents and being a parentified child? As a daughter of immigrant parents, I was often told...
10. I am thinking about reporting my father for the sexual abuse in my childhood because I am afraid he might abuse other children too, now that I got to...
11. How can people, especially therapists (because they are always against suicide in my experience) not understand that death can sometimes be a rational decision that should be accepted?
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Where to get Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest e

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ep.24 "Is it weird that I would secretly really like to be diagnosed with something?" | AKA Aug 13, 2020

Audience Questions for ep24 of Ask Kati Anything!

Hey Kati, is it weird that I would “secretly” really like to be diagnosed with something?? I’ve been struggling mentally for about 8 months...
I see my therapist once a week, but after each session I find myself already longing for the next session because it feels so nice to talk to her. The 6 days in between appointments feels like forever! Is this a sign of good therapy, or an unhealthy attachment? Does it mean I should ask for more...
In what way are therapists 'responsible' for you? If you commit suicide or homicide, how can they investigate how much you told your therapist about your plans?
Hi Kati, is it normal to feel abandoned/rejected when your therapist has to cancel a session? Recently we had a hurricane in NJ and...
Hey Kati! I have been diagnosed with GAD for a while. Whenever I’m trying to concentrate, whether it’s reading something, or trying to do school, my brain won’t stop thinking about...
Do you think it can be traumatizing to hit a child for discipline?
Hi Kati. How can I avoid building an unhealthy relationship with my therapist? I decided to try out therapy and I've been pouring my heart out to him. The thing is...
Hi Kati, I hope you're doing great. I wanted to ask you how to bring the topic of sex to my therapist and how to better deal with it. I was sexually assaulted by my...
Hi Kati! Will dissociation always be a part of my life? Considering that it’s a coping skill that I honed since...
Hey Kati, I told a friend that I struggle with self harm and an eating disorder. At the moment things are really bad for me. I often see the person who abused me because of Corona. He doesn’t do anything anymore, but...
Hi Kati. How can I find out what I truly want? I always seek my therapist's opinion; she says it's all somewhere inside of me, but I can't see it. I always think other people know better what I need or want so...
Hi Kati, I fear the day that the people I care about will pass away. When I think of this, "What if I just die before they're gone, I wouldn't hurt that much." is what I tell...

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ep.23 - "Do you ever want to tell a client to just STOP complaining?" | AKA Aug 12, 2020

Audience Questions for ep23 of Ask Kati Anything!

Hi Kati! I’ve heard of repressing bad memories, but is it possible to repress good memories? I had a traumatic childhood and have a lot of bad memories as a result, but as hard as I try, I can only recall a couple of good memories...
Hi Kati, Is it normal to be defensive and sad without knowing why? In front of people, I’m always snappy and mad. Everything is so...
How can you tell the difference between enough self-care to get through your day, and being too focused on yourself? I've been accused before of being too...
Hi Kati, I have a paper/picture-perfect family. Problem is, I have never felt loved or cared for. I know my parents love and care for me, but I never feel any of the love, care, and support I’m supposedly...
Dear Kati, I hope you are well. My therapist pointed out that I put a lot of effort into trying to stay a step ahead of her. I see what she means...
Hi Kati! How can I forgive my parents for emotionally neglecting me as a child? Ever since I realized it happened, there is a lot of sadness, anger and disappointment I feel towards them...
I was wondering which mental illnesses are chronic vs temporary, and why this is the case. Which can you fully recover from and which must you learn how to manage?
Hey Kati! Is it normal to feel reluctant about talking about sex-related trauma with my male therapist, and do you have any tips to make it easier? I don't get a choice of therapist, as my therapy is through the NHS...
Hi Kati! Do you ever want to tell a client to just stop complaining? I feel like I have this never-ending sequence of circumstances in my life that when...
Hi Kati, is it normal to feel some sort of obsession with your therapist? I want to talk to her more often, I want to know more about her and I really really miss her right now as she is on holiday. Sometimes I even feel like I love her (though not in a romantic way!)...
Would a therapist ever ask to see their client's journal, and why?

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JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Where to get Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (ht --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.22 "How can I stop judging myself for feeling the way I do?" | AKA Aug 05, 2020

Audience Questions for ep22 of Ask Kati Anything!

How is a therapist generally trained to respond when they notice their client getting teary in session?
Hi Kati! I really struggle with feeling responsible for other people's emotions, including my therapist. I constantly analyze people to ensure...
Hi Kati, I have this problem that nobody seems to understand. It has to do with time and my feeling that I wasted my whole life so far...
Is it normal to feel exhausted for weeks at a time? Things still mostly get done but...
Hi Kati! A little question about morals/ethics. My mom slept with my therapist. They were ‘friends’ before he became my therapist and I walked in on them...
Good morning! How do you deal with people that are in therapy and have trust issues? Therefore, it's hard to open up to a therapist and afraid to talk about sensitive issues. Thanks from San Francisco, CA!
Hi Kati :) I sometimes struggle with the end of therapy sessions because I have the feeling we discovered a thousand more problems I have to deal...
Hi Kati!! Am I a weirdo for still missing my old therapist after a year and a half? And how do I stop comparing my new one to my old one?
Can bulimia be only anxiety related? Or is it then considered self-harm etc? I've been having binge-purge episodes throughout this year. I guess everything else would...
Hi Kati! How can I bring up something that a friend does that bothers me without hurting their feelings? I have a friend who when he's...
Hey Kati. How can I stop judging myself for feeling the way I do? It took me a long time to somewhat see how I feel, but I still feel like I shouldn't feel the way I do. I get really frustrated that I can't feel the way I'm "supposed to". I fight myself all the time and it is really exhausting. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!

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ep.21 "Are nightmares after therapy normal?"| AKA Jul 29, 2020

Audience Questions for ep21 of Ask Kati Anything!
1. I wonder if therapists ever get ''desensitized'' to sad stories and get less empathetic after listening to so many of them from clients? Also, does listening to so many sad stories affect your...
2. I've heard you talk about how important it is to set a treatment plan in therapy. Can you give some examples of a treatment plan you set with clients, how you went about it, and...
3. Usually, after a therapy session, I feel great and much better than when I came in. But once in a while, I feel shitty and frustrated after a session because I feel like...
4. How can we learn to trust ourselves when our mental condition leaves our ability to get things done unpredictable and we have often said that we would do things that turned out to be impossible for...
5. Is it normal to not feel any connection with my parents after realizing that I...
6. Any suggestions on tackling a therapy session when I’m not even sure what I’m feeling or what is bothering me? I’ve been in therapy for about 8 months. I started after getting laid off, and I had a clear idea of what was causing my...
7. Is it common to feel like becoming aware of, understanding and expressing your emotions made things even harder and to miss the times you were able to just...
8. How do we improve teletherapy when working on trauma and dissociation? What are some things the therapist can do to ground clients during telehealth sessions and what are some things we as clients can do to stay present? I struggle with...
9. I noticed this weird pattern about myself which - to me - doesn't make sense. Since I was in 1st grade I always found myself looking for trustworthy adults outside of...
10. Is it normal not to tell your therapist everything right away? I know the more you tell your therapist the better they can help you but once you open up will they be upset that you hid something...
11. Are nightmares after therapy normal? When I talk with my therapist about things that remind me of situations from my childhood (it happened to be abusive) for the next few days I have nightmares about these memories...
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Where to get Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the near

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ep.20 "I feel like I can't cry & I'm emotionally numb. What can I do?" | AKA Jul 22, 2020

Audience Questions for ep20 of Ask Kati Anything!
1. I hope you are doing okay. I was wondering if you could talk about emotional numbness and not being able to cry. I have always found myself struggling with showing emotions while...
2. Why do I constantly have suicidal thoughts? Whenever something happens my initial thought is always along the lines of it want to kill myself etc...’ despite not actually wanting to do it or...
3. Why can't I let myself see and accept that I am making progress in therapy? My therapist keeps telling me I actually do make progress but I can't let myself see it no matter how much I..
4. I have never been a hugger (people have commented many times), and tend to go very still, pull back, and do a lot of “bro hugs...
5. Do you have any tips on how to stay calm during a task that makes you anxious? I know how to calm myself down before or during breaks...
6. I’ve been feeling suicidal and extremely down lately however I've been convincing myself that I'm fine. I've also been clean from self-harm for a few months but...
7. When I was 17 years old, I got blackout drunk at a party hosted by my best friends. The morning after I realised a Guy had sex with me. I woke up naked next to him. I feel like my choice was taking away from me, I was so drunk I couldn't even keep my eyes open and sit up straight. I was not able to say yes or no. I know this, because my friends filmed me while I layed on the floor. I feel like I don't have the right to feel like shit and To feel like I've had sex against my will. Mainly because I was sooo drunk...
8. What are emotional flashbacks? why do we only have the feeling, but do not have a real memory of the traumatic event? And how can we cope with them?
9. Is it possible to unconsciously take on the symptoms of a disorder after having made loads of research about it? It took me a long time to accept I was suffering from...
10. I’ve always been pursuing “perfection” (always being the best, being “thin”, getting good grades, ...). That ends up making me unhappy because it’s never enough...
11. Sometimes when I'm having a good day/ week I feel like I've made up all the attacks, sadness, mood swings etc that come with depression. It makes me want...
12. How can we cope with being a slow, introverted, easily overstimulated person in this fast-paced world? I always get so stressed about everything that...
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join

KATI'S BOOK
"Are u ok?"
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. Please visit: MORE INFO
I 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/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com

S --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.19 "What do you recommend for someone without a support system?" | Ask Kati Anything! Jul 15, 2020

Audience Questions for ep19 of Ask Kati Anything!

How do I stop feeling like I don't need anyone or anything? Deep down I know I need people and that I need to be vulnerable because it's human...
What do you recommend for someone without much of a support system aside from their therapist? For example, having no friends or...
Hey Kati, I'd like to know: What can I do to deal with multiple unfortunate events? I had 4 breakups, followed by multiple rejections on job search and rejected by multiple Master's degree scholarships. It really traumatized me...
Hi Kati! Could you talk about the difference between intrusive thoughts and actual suicidal thoughts? Is it possible to have both? I’m diagnosed with...
Hi Kati, these last few weeks I have been feeling a lot of self-hatred. It has always been there but now it's so much worse...
Hi Kati! How to accept that someone can be gentle with me or make me feel seen without getting triggered? Sometimes in session...
Hi Kati, hope you're doing well? I wanted to know, do you sometimes analyze the people you meet in your free time without really wanting, or can you just...
Hey Kati. I am 14 and feel SO lonely. My parents don’t believe in therapy ( they are so nice other than that ) and I think I am suffering from...
Hi Kati, I'm wondering if it is true that I make myself more depressed. This thought comes to my mind frequently lately. I'm thinking if I...
Hey Kati. Ever since year 3, it’s like I’ve been afraid of people I know. Whenever I see someone I know outside of...
Hi Kati, How do I stop comparing myself to others? Sometimes it's random people, other times its specific people or a specific person, but either way, it's frustrating, and it doesn't help me. It just makes me feel...

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ep.18 "When Do Therapists Give You A Diagnosis?" | Ask Kati Anything! Jul 08, 2020

Audience Questions for ep18 of Ask Kati Anything!
1. Happy Thursday! I’d like to know: When do therapists ever get a break? How do therapists avoid burnout from working so much? How does a therapist coordinate going on vacation or...

2. Is it normal to have episodes of extreme sadness and hopelessness before and during your period? I have considered self-harming during those times. Do you think it’s just the mood swings? OR Could it also be my body’s need to...
3. Do I have to believe therapy will work in order to get better? I’m depressed and not super hopeful, but I am trying. I just can't imagine wanting to live...

4. Hi, I wasn’t sure where to leave this for a request for a video on sibling emotional abuse/ bullying, especially in adult siblings - this is a very real and underlooked issue by society and mental health community, in general, the that is extremely hard to find support for as it’s often misunderstood as...
5. What do you recommend for someone without much of a support system aside from their therapist? For example, having no friends or anyone who...

6. Hi Kati, When do you know it’s time to switch therapist OR If the kind of help you’re getting is not enough?

7. Hi Kati! How do you make sure what you’re saying in therapy is clear? Sometimes I don’t think that I’m doing a good job at explaining what’s really going on...

8. Hi Kati, How bad do body image issues have to be considered body dysmorphia. I struggle with body image issues and can’t even look at myself in the mirror or in a photo without heavily criticizing myself, sometimes I feel so bad about myself that I...

9. Hi Kati, I would like to ask you about trauma memories. I was sexually abused in my early teens. I understand now that I was traumatized by it, and I'm diagnosed with c-ptsd, but I still have...

10. Hi Kati! I was wondering when therapists usually give a diagnosis. I realize it will probably be different for everyone, but is there an estimate? I've been seeing my...

11. Hi Kati! I was wondering how emotional numbness and romantic relationships interact? I numb out almost all of my emotions and was wondering if that could cause me to...

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ep.17 "My anxious brain NEVER EVER RESTS" | Ask Kati Anything! Jul 01, 2020

Audience Questions for ep17 of Ask Kati Anything!
Hey Kati. My question is about why therapists don’t just TELL US when they can see something in our story that we don’t see ourselves? I’ve been in and out of therapy over...
Hi Kati, I hope this makes sense, but how would you identify the line between worrying or being anxious about something (where it would help you prepare in a good or productive way) and being too anxious where it would be...
Hi Kati, Any tips for dealing with rumination? My anxious brain NEVER EVER RESTS. Something could belong in the...
Do you have any advice for how to get into the habit of living like a productive functioning adult?
Hey Kati, Do you think there are some jobs that are magnets for people who struggle with mental health? I was really shocked to learn how...
Hey Kati! How can I stop letting other people's opinion of me affect my emotions? I recently started to stand up for myself, after 26 years. I've been in therapy and realized that...
Hello! Have you ever dealt with someone who deals with chronic suicidality? A few months ago I was officially diagnosed with major depressive disorder and moderate GAD, but I can trace melancholy back a decade. Suicide has been in my thoughts nearly since I can remember as well, altering between passive and active thinking throughout my life.
People always used to describe me as outgoing and overall v social. but ever since I started struggling with depression I have become socially very VERY awkward. I stutter a lot, feel anxious and...
Hi Kati! How do I help a friend deal with a significant amount of self-hate. They take every opportunity to but themself down to the point where they have had a near suicide event. They are not currently getting psychological help and I like to...
Hey kati! I'm still trying to get an understanding of the whole transference thing. I was wondering what your answer is about transference in the therapeutic relationship when the therapist is the same sex as the client?
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Where to get Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.16 "I sometimes feel as if my existence doesn't matter." Ask Kati Anything! Jun 24, 2020

Audience Questions for ep16 of Ask Kati Anything!
Hey Kati, Is it normal to not want to tell your parents about anything that’s going on in your life? I have really nice supportive parents. I just don’t ever feel like I can open up to them about how I'm...
Hi Kati, Ever since childhood, I've had a difficult time crying in front of others. I don't like showing my tears to other people since I want others to...
Hey Kati!! Just wondering how therapists hide their emotions during a session. For example, if a client mentions something that is hard to hear details about or shocking and your mind is thinking WTF, how do you...
Hi Kati, Do you have any advice for people who find it hard to accept that there are things that we have no control over especially the future. This is something that I have struggled with since I was...
Kati, do you hug your client? I have been receiving trauma therapy for past abuse. With the transference of my therapist, I wish so much she could be my mom and hold me in her arms. However, my therapist refused to give me a hug or even...
As a Psychology student as well as a patient with complex PTSD & OSDD, I wonder if I can ever be competent in being a therapist. As you know, traumatic stress in childhood has profound and ingrained impacts on the brain and body. I feel like I am...
Does being sexually abused when you were younger change your preferences? I had something happen to me when I was 9 and now I’m in my early 20s. I’ve known for a few years now that I like and am attracted to women way more...
Hi Kati, I was sexually abused when I was 6 years old and didn’t fully awaken to it until I was around 13. Since then all I can do is torture myself with it, I purposely watch programs or read things to do with those types of...
Hi Kati, I sometimes feel as if my existence doesn't matter. Regularly I will go through bouts where all I can think about is disappearing, and I don't have any enthusiasm or motivation for...
Hi Kati, How do I stop self-sabotaging my sleep schedule? I'm anxious all day and use night time to distract myself on my phone for hours to get some...
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Where to get Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Suppo --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.15 "Can depression alter your brain permanently?" | Ask Kati Anything! Jun 18, 2020

Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything #15
1. I was wondering how to cope with grieving the loss of therapy and not seeing one's therapist again (assuming that one wouldn't be able to go back to therapy at least for a while)?
2. I moved into college 7 weeks ago and have been full-on relapsing into anorexia since then. I have been telling my therapist about it, but I don't want to go back to recovery at...
3. What would you say to your patients/clients if they came in and told you they felt like they were wasting your time? Here lately I feel like I’m...
4. Can depression alter your brain permanently? Even after a depressive episode is over it feels as if my mental capacity is not the same as it used to be. As though I've lost parts of myself...
5. I just wanted to know if seeing a male therapist after not having any kind of relationship with men, (because of trauma) therapeutic in itself? I know part of my therapy was...
6. Hi Kati, recently I realized during therapy I was emotionally neglected since the age of 6. I know my parents did what they could with the knowledge/skills they...
7. If somebody is feeling like they don’t deserve help or feels extremely tired of trying to fight and therefore distances away from their therapist and maybe begins to miss appointments and ...
8. Hey Kati! My therapist hasn't given me a diagnosis yet, and it makes me wonder if maybe I don't really have anything going on to be diagnosed. I don't know how to ...
9. Huge struggle I have and I really hope this gets in the video!! How can I know if I'm really suicidal or just feel hopeless that day and not wanting to live..
10. Why does no one like shy people? And why do honest and kind people get exploited or ignored and those with a certain "ego" and the ability to sell and present themselves...
11. What to do when you already had a lot of therapy and you would get along with yourself a lot better but you still are unable to...
12. Hi, I have been seeing a therapist and I feel like I overshare, and then when I am out of her office I regret everything I say.
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Where to get Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.14 "An Existential Crisis, Brain Fog & Toxic Parents." | Ask Kati Anything! Jun 10, 2020

Audience questions for Ep 14 of Ask Kati Anything!
1. Hi Kati, I have trouble focusing/concentrating almost all the time. I worry a lot about the past and how it's affecting my future. This leads me to try to ...
2. Hey Kati! I’ve been going through what feels like an existential crisis since my grandmother passed away last year and I struggle with dp/dr, anxiety, OCD, and depression. Ever since she...
3. Complaining can feel validating especially when the listener is empathetic and agrees with your troubles. Although some degree of complaining is good, what are some ways to know you...
4. Hey Kati, How do I shake the guilt of distancing, or 'cutting contact', from toxic parents? I am/was a scapegoat child who dealt with years of emotional and verbal abuse. More recently I've recognized this and have begun taking...
5. Hey Kati. You are calling yourself a fashionista, so I was wondering how does your favorite outfit look that you own right now? Do you have any “rules” when it comes to...
6. Hey Kati, I self-harmed for a long time and stopped a couple of years ago because I couldn't hide anymore. Is it normal to still want to do it and do not see it as something "bad"? The only reason I don't is that I...
7. Hi Kati, do you think it is hypocritical to be studying to become a mental health professional while having a mental illness? Sometimes I feel like such a hypocrite, at school, and at my internship, because of...
8. Hi Kati, It is okay to numb my feelings as long as I can still function properly, RIGHT? I do not have to pay attention to any of my problems and emotions, RIGHT? I am allowed to laugh and smile while talking about...
9. Hi Kati, I used to struggle really badly with anxiety and would be terrified to leave the house. I saw a therapist a few years ago and it really helped but I occasionally still struggle. Because of lockdown, I’ve been unable to leave the house and put myself in situations that force me to...
10. Hi Kati, My little brother is going to college soon. He's been really down on himself the last few years and struggling to eat enough. He's already really thin, and he looked like...
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Where to get Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the ne

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.13 I'm Anxious & Worried, I Feel Like a Failure" | Ask Kati Anything! Jun 03, 2020

In episode 13 of Kati Morton's podcast Ask Kati Anything! ep 13 she answers these questions:
1. How can I deal with the anger, frustration, sadness, powerlessness of seeing Black people killed every day for no good reason? I'm sick of things and the system not changing. I'm anxious and worried for my Black friends' safety. I can't sleep; I can't focus; I can't stop crying…
2. Can you talk in-depth about intellectualization? I learned about it in therapy as I talked about childhood trauma...
3. Hi Kati, I always struggle with the start of my sessions. My therapist usually starts with asking 'how was your week?' It feels impolite to launch into how I've been, I feel like I should ask her....
4. Is feeling like I don’t deserve therapy or crying because other people “had it worse than me” is a sign of emotional deprivation schema? What is this emotional deprivation schema anyway?
5. how to not look like a complete failure when you run into acquaintances and you don't want to explain your bad mental health? I dropped out of college last year and in the ...
6. Hey Kati, what can I do to stop internalizing anger? I don't even realise it anymore when I get angry at someone and I'm turning against myself instead.
7. Since we can ask you anything... What are your hobbies?
8. Hi Kati! I have anxiety and depression, and I can never shut my brain off during the day or at night. My question is, how can you control constant worry thoughts that come out of nowhere? Also, some of the worry thoughts are about opening up to ...
9.Hi Kati. I know it's normal, but is it HEALTHY for a person who experienced numerous sexual traumas in the past to completely lose interest in sex? If such person doesn't want to engage in any sexual nor intimate relationships - does it mean they're still processing the past trauma and they will get back their interest in sex once they fully heal? Or would you say that it's possible and healthy for such person to fully heal from the past abuse, yet never be able to engage with someone sexually ever again, and they just need to accept it? xx
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Where to get Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Su --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.12 Counting Calories, Irritable Outbursts, Feeling Down and Anxious... | Ask Kati Anything! May 27, 2020

The audience questions for Ep 12 of Ask Kati Anything!
1. How to stop irritable outbursts that come all of a sudden when you’re feeling fine? Like I don’t feel any kind of emotion but all of a sudden a...
2. How to stop counting calories? I won’t let myself eat over a certain amount each day now and I feel like I’m becoming a bit obsessed and it’s led to me binge eating every...
3. Hey Kati, I have been feeling down and anxious lately as well as not being able to get to sleep or concentrate. Because of this, my school work is getting worse which is adding to the stress. I have tried to talk to people about it but it’s too...
4. My therapist seems burnt out. I’ve been with him for three years and I’ve never seen him like this. For the past few weeks, he’s seems checked out during sessions, mixing up names of people in my life, forgetting big things that happened to me. I totally get that we’re all going through a lot right now, even him. But I just don’t know what to do about ...
5. Hi Kati! I’m thirty and not “adulting” very well, is it too late for me to start down the path of becoming a therapist? I know it’s a decade long process, but is it ever too late to...
6. Is it normal to feel guilty about not recovering "fast enough"? I know everyone's journey is different, but sometimes I feel like I shouldn't still be burdening people with my...
7. How to break unhealthy attachment style patterns. I recognize them, but when I opened up to the person in particulier and expected a certain reaction and this wasn't met, I had the urge to run so far away from that person, but I still fight against my...
8. Hi Kati, I really don't think I have the ability to feel angry, I just get tearful and then feel really overwhelmed and feel like I can't...
9. Hi Kati, how do you maintain concentration during work during this pandemic? I’m really struggling! I have also been struggling to sleep at night, do you have any tips that would help with...
Connecting with Kati

Are u ok? Kati's book is in stores now
Kati's Amazon Suggestions
PATREON is a great way to help me support the creation of mental health videos.
Journaling Club - On Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself!

Opinions That Don't Matter! (Kati's second podcast)

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.11 "How Do I Learn To Trust Again & Open Up?" Ask Kati Anything! May 21, 2020

The audience questions for Ep 11 of Ask Kati Anything!

Hi Kati, is there ever a time when you think by yourself in a session; "Well, you didn't need to share THIS. But okay...??" every Sunday I send my therapist an ..
Hi Kati, "happy thursdayyy!" I was raised in an environment where I stopped opening up to my parents very young. I can't remember telling them anything emotional or ...
How does it feel when the videos that blow up on your main channel are about you? Since your Kati Morton channel is for education, does it feel...
I have my exams in less than a month...and they will determine if i get to college or not. I feel really sad and can't focus at all. I feel like my negative emotions overpower my...
Hi Kati, how do I learn to trust people again? Growing up everyone I trusted stabbed me in and back and eventually I stopped trusting everyone. This caused me to bury all of my emotions. On the outside, I look like I'm happy but on the inside, I'm not. Nobody knows I'm hurting on the inside because I...
Hey Kati! I’d love some more info on maladaptive daydreaming. I can lose hours a day lost in my own mind. I’m part of a Reddit community with over 35k members...
Hey Kati! What do you think of people changing their names as a response to trauma? Ive heard of some people doing this when...
Hi Kati, How do you deal with being uncomfortable being vulnerable in session and talking about your past? I feel like if there is a...

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.10 - "Is it common to fantasize about going through a traumatic event?" Ask Kati Anything! May 14, 2020

The audience questions for Ask Kati Anything ep.10 are:

Hi Kati! I was wondering if it’s unhealthy or weird that I go to my teacher to vent and get advice instead of my mom or family? I feel like it’s so weird, but I’m more comfortable with her, is that messed up? Thanks!
How to help a spouse get help. Working on myself has been a process but finally getting my anxiety and codependency and trust issues in order but if we’re both not healing and bettering ourselves it’s not going to work. My spouse desperately needs to work on opening up, communication...
Hi! I sometimes have a hard time telling the difference between letting yourself feel an emotion, just let it pass through...
Is it common to fantasize about going through a traumatic event? Does this only happen among...
What is the etiquette if your therapist goes through a loss in their family? I have my first session with my therapist since his mom died, and I'm really nervous. I feel like my struggles are nothing in the face of....
How to deal with “touch starvation” during quarantine when there isn’t anyone at home available or safe enough for it and social distancing is being encouraged?
Hi Kati, how do you get people to open up? I am one of those people who never talk about their feelings and what is going on. I think it has a lot to do with my...
Hi Kati, since you have a significant social media presence and share some of your life online, what do you do if your clients know more about you than they should? I know...

JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Where to get Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/

BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.9 "Are Depression & Anxiety on The Rise?" Ask Kati Anything! May 06, 2020

The audience questions for Ask Kati Anything ep. 9 are:
What can one do if small tasks feel impossible or out of reach? Simple things like getting out of bed, basic hygiene, making a decent meal, etc.
How do you tell your therapist you are super depressed if she thinks you have been doing so well?
I really struggle to make decisions, even small silly ones. How can someone get better at decision-making, especially if they have anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses that add to the difficulty?
Hey Kati, can you talk about depression/anxiety getting worse with the coronavirus and how to prevent mental health from getting really bad again with all the stress going on?
Hi Kati, I identify as a Christian and there seems to be a big stigma of "hide your mental health issues" in various religious communities. What are some ways that those of us in these different religious communities can help to reduce that stigma?
Hi Kati, I'm currently in school to become a social worker- as I enjoy helping people out. However, I often get frustrated with myself because I feel like I can’t truly help others when I can't even help myself. My question for you would be… Do you struggle to help others when you're going through a rough time yourself? If so, how do you cope with that?
Why when I’m an adult and I seek my parent's approval and permission on things? It’s like I want to do what I want because I am an adult, but at the same time, I feel guilty for not listening to them.
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
Where to get Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton

ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/

BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.8 "You Are Leading A Double Life?" | Ask Kati Anything! Apr 29, 2020

Audience Questions:
1 My therapist talks about herself a lot. I kind of want a new therapist but I don’t know how to tell her that. Is there any advice you can give me?
2 What is your take on cutting toxic family members out of your life? I feel like it is really stigmatized in our society (especially when it comes to mothers) and I'm also not sure how to go about actually doing it (in a nice way if possible), thanks!
3 Hi Kati. I'm a college student with BPD that lost my apartment and is now living with my family while doing college online. Do you have any tips on asking for more space during this pandemic?
4 How can I cope with my parents being toxic to each other all the time??
5 What types of experiences are considered traumatic? For an experience to have been traumatic, does a person have to fear for their life or can it be things that are just emotionally/psychologically distressing?
6 How can I stop imagining terrible situations and reliving embarrassing moments, please
7 Is it normal to constantly wonder what your therapist thinks of you? Or to replay a session in your head and think about how you should have said more or said some things differently?
8 Hi Kati, I was wondering how you recommend dealing with the feeling that you are leading a double life? Specifically in the sense of being around family who don’t know about your mental health issues (such as anxiety, eating disorders, trauma) and your sexuality. I know that I am keeping this information private for a whole host of reasons that pertain to my family’s role in my mental health issues but I still feel incredibly guilty for lying. I also am struggling because it is really draining having to keep so much secret when I am home from college.
9 What to do when therapy gets too hard? I have certain topics I just cannot discuss for no obvious reasons, they're just bad childhood experiences I could never get over. I tried many times to talk about it in therapy but I always end up retreating and running away from therapy all together when I push myself. I'm just completely stuck, I've been like this for over a year now. :(
Video Version of this Podcast
https://youtu.be/DC7g8v2h0jg
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.7 "How Can I Set Boundaries?" | Ask Kati Anything! Apr 23, 2020

This week on Ask Kati Anything, we're going over some great mental health questions! Put your headphones on and spend a little me time :)
1) How does a person regain confidence in themselves to do a certain job, when employers think they are worthless?
2) Hey Kati, I have been seeing my therapist for a little over a year now. I struggle with depression and my therapist said it may be time to see a psychiatrist. At this point, I'm tired of feeling shitty so I'll try anything. I'm so afraid of medication side effects though. For example, weight gain is a common issue but I have body image issues already and if I gain weight these issues might worsen.
3) How to set up healthy boundaries during this time?
4) Do comfort and solace have to come from within? If so how the heck do you do it? I think one of the reasons I binge eat is to provide myself comfort because I have no one to provide it to me (dealing with pdd and childhood emotional neglect). I’ve been trying to build my support network but I am wondering if the piece I’m missing is what I need to be providing myself.
5) Please talk about dealing with hypersexuality as a result of childhood sexual abuse. Most stuff that I've found on the topic always assume bipolar disorder. But I'm not bipolar so I find it difficult to relate to their advice.
6) How do you deal with the fear and anxiety of growing up? I just turned 19 and I feel very overwhelmed. I'm not the best at living in the moment because I'm so desperately trying to hold onto the things that brought me happiness in the past. I know it sounds morbid but I feel like I wasn't supposed to make it to this age like I'm never going to do something important enough to 'earn my spot' like at this point I'm just taking up space
7) I was diagnosed with CPTSD and I’m having trouble remembering the details of what happened. How can I process it if I can’t remember the details?
Video Version of this Podcast
https://youtu.be/DC7g8v2h0jg
Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.6 Highly Sensitive People, Intrusive Thoughts, Toxic Family | Ask Kati Anything! Apr 16, 2020

Audience questions:
1. Hi Kati! When I talk about my parents/ my childhood, I’m constantly worried I’m making things up / remembering it wrong / not being objective. How do you deal with this? How can you help someone understand their childhood when all you have is some blurred memories from only the patient’s perspective? Thanks and take care x
2. How to cope with being a highly sensitive person, especially when someone's just discovered it, within the last week or so. Also, how to think positively about it, if the discovery is causing grief.
3. How does a therapist find giving online therapy? You’ve talked about how we might find it, but if you are doing this during the lockdown, what’s it like for you?
4. How to deal with self-harm intrusive thoughts during quarantine? Being constantly at home and not working is making my intrusive thoughts more loud and persistent, which often drags me to anxiety attacks. Any tips on how to calm this down?
5. How to deal with your trauma when you feel like it's all out in the open because you were triggered and started talking about it in therapy, but now therapy is on hold because of corona... It feels like this wound is cut open and no one to help me close it because it's not physical, and not Corona related, so not urgent.
6. How to deal with toxic family/people I live with at this time? Not sure if you've answered this before
7. The more isolated I am, the less I want company. Since quarantine started I even stopped talking to people on social media. Why and how to fix it?
8. Mental health-related: Would it be treating you depression to quit things? I used to love gymnastics but lately, I don’t. Should I quit since I don’t enjoy it and it’s kinda stressing me out or should I continue because I used to love it and probably still do besides my depression? I have always wondered how anxiety and depression can be related. I mean I believe it’s true, I have been diagnosed with both, but anxiety makes me worry about everything and depression makes me not care about anything. That kinda contrasts feelings and I’m super confused about it. Not mental health-related: If you were not a therapist what would you like to be? What are some of your hobbies? And what were your hobbies when you were young?
9. How do you find a fitting therapist? Like how do you determine, if you want to see a man or women, older or younger, etc. - and how to distinguish between what you want and what you 'should'.....
Watch this episode on YouTube HERE
I'm Kati Morton, a licensed therapist making Mental Health videos!
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday I post a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
MY BOOK
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
My Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
PATREON
Do you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

Support the show (htt --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.5 "I think I have Bipolar Disorder..." Ask Kati Anything! Apr 09, 2020

Audience Questions:

Is it common to go backward at the beginning of therapy? I've found that when I first begin therapy, after being away for a while, I always feel worse for a few weeks before getting better.
Hey Kati, I recently realized that I was parentified when I was a child and may have also been emotionally abused. My therapist suggests that I try to forgive my parents to ease some of the resentment I hold, but I don’t know if I’m ready to do that or will ever be ready. Do you have any suggestions on how to handle this?
How can I prepare for online therapy sessions via skype? I feel very nervous about it...
How can we know if we had depression in the past? I know I'm not supposed to self-diagnose but I am fairly sure about it.
During this pandemic, how can we cope with having all appointments canceled? It's been really difficult to suddenly have no support while I'm struggling the most with my ED and mood
Hi Kati, Do you have any tips for dealing with your own failed suicide attempt? (Thanks for your videos they really help and have literally saved my life)
I think I have a Bipolar. I've researched a lot about it and most of the things says in the importation is exactly what is happening to me. I started thinking that I might have one cause I saw this Show where this character have a Bipolar, and I was so confused that I experienced what the character has going through in the show. It all started when my Grandfather and Auntie died a year after year. I was so confused, until now. And I told my parents about this but they didn't believed me, they said I'm just so lazy and I don't have a dream that's why I'm like this. But, my question is : Is it possible that I'm making all these Mental Disorder just to escape from things? Or be just like lazy at the time?
Should I tell my therapist about my suicide ideation that come again even though I survived from it?
On an ethical/moral level Do you believe that in some cases suicide is okay? Or is it always evil
Some tips for insomniacs and how to improve sleep? When to go to the doctor about it?
How to balance reintegration from a burn out with the stress from COVID-19 (especially when this brings extra pressure in your daily job). I feel like these are exceptional times where we need to step up and work together and I really want to do my part. But also, I feel that my recovery takes a hit.

Watch this episode on YouTube HERE
I'm Kati Morton, a licensed therapist making Mental Health videos!
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday I post a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join
MY BOOK
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
My Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
PATREON
Do you want to help me support the creation of mental health videos? https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/
BUSINESS EMAIL linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.4 I find it really hard to talk about my feelings as a result of abuse/trauma - Ask Kati Anything! Apr 02, 2020

1 I find it really hard to talk about my feelings as a result of abuse/trauma, I'll often just shut down and not be able to make eye contact...
2 For long-term depression that has been deemed medication-resistant, what are the best next steps?
3 My first therapy session was supposed to be this week but it was canceled because of coronavirus. I just feel like I can't handle a whole month in quarantine dealing with ....
4 Any advice for students (who are still learning virtually in the pandemic) on how to stay focused doing day-to-day reading, assignments, etc.? Between the stress of the situation and distractions of...
5 I’m currently in high school and I want to pursue a psychology/therapy kind of profession. What would be the best types of classes that I could take in school or even out of school??? Also what colleges should I ...
6 What are the ways to maintain connection and feeling safe in video therapy/telephone sessions? My therapist has switched to video sessions to...
7 I would love to hear what self-care looks like for you as a therapist. How you keep work life at work/what you do to decompress/how you know it’s time to see your own therapist/what energizes you/etc.
8 Do you think it’s possible to get better on your own without any professional help whatsoever? I don't even know if I have a mental illness because I've never reached out for help because I strongly believe my...
9 I would like to hear more about self-compassion. What are the techniques?
10 I'm wondering about how to prepare and deal with (video) call sessions with my therapist. It makes me so anxious. Like in real life I have the tendency to get scared and not ...
11 Can attachment styles change over time? And if so can it be done in a way to improve mental health? (if we heal and work on ourselves it can, and it can also switch from one unhealthy attachment style to another which if I think...

I'm Kati Morton, a licensed marriage a family therapist answering your questions about mental health!
JOURNALING CLUB
Every Tuesday & Friday Kati posts a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/join

Ordering Kati's book
Are u ok?
http://bit.ly/2s0mULy
Kati's Amazon Suggestions
https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton
ONLINE THERAPY
I do not currently offer online therapy. BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor. I receive commissions on referrals to BetterHelp. I only recommend services I know and trust.
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! (2nd podcast)
video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs58xfxPpjVARRuwjH8usfw
audio: https://opionstdm.buzzsprout.com/

BUSINESS EMAIL
linnea@toneymedia.com
MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
EMERGENCY?
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimort --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.3 - Quarantine & Self-Isolation as a Teen? Disruption to Our Daily Lives? Ask Kati Anything! Mar 24, 2020

Welcome to Ask Kati Anything!, the podcast where Kati Morton, LMFT answers your mental health questions and talks about psychology.
Audience Questions:
1. Why do some people never recover from mental illnesses that most people make a recovery from (e.g. depression, rather than a chronic mental health condition such as bipolar)? Are some people just unfortunate in their brain chemistry etc or is this a reflection on our healthcare system and/or the way society views mental health?
2. Hey Kati: When you're in quarantine or self-isolating, how do you take care of your mental health as a teenager if you rely a lot on social stimulants to keep you going??
3. In light of current events: What strategies can people use to cope with sudden, massive disruptions in their daily lives? Yes specifically those with emetophobia
4. Do you have any tips for people with OCD? With everyone talking about washing hands and cleaning due to the coronavirus how do you make sure you don’t fall back into old rituals?
5. At what point does positive self talk like - Everything will be okay, I'm beautiful, I'm successful, start to become delusional?
6. While I hope I will be doing fine, I'm pretty sure some other people will struggle with this. During these crazy times, where your social life might be shut down for months potentially trapping you in your home, how can one avoid falling back into a dark place after beating these emotions only a few months ago? Social contact and going out in public would be the answer but that isn't possible right now and while Skype might help, it just isn't the same.
7. Everyone says you should be confident, whether that’s approaching someone for a date or going into a job interview or whatever. But my question is how exactly do you “be confident” how can you change yourself from a state of no confidence to a state of very confidence?
8. I tend to binge eat when I’m home. That means I’m finding it hard to be home all the time now and turn my focus away from the only thing that I find comfort from.
9. What does it mean if I want to talk to my therapist more? I find myself throughout the day wishing I could just text them about certain things. I like having the feeling that I have someone to talk to and that someone hears me.

JOURNALING CLUB Every Tuesday & Friday I post a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! Join Here!

Ordering my book Are u ok?

My Amazon Suggestions Often I'm referencing books and other items that people find helpful. MORE INFO

2nd PODCAST Kati and her husband Sean are talking. They have opinions but mostly, Opinions That Don't Matter!
VIDEO AUDIO

BUSINESS INQUIRIES
linnea@toneymedia.com

MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.2 How do you maintain your mental health when you are in physical pain? Ask Kati Anything! Mar 09, 2020

Welcome to the second episode of Ask Kati Anything!, a fun podcast with Kati Morton, LMFT where she answers your mental health questions and talks about psychology.
Audience Questions
1. How to deal with atypical anorexia how to deal with feeling not ill enough?
2. How do you deal with clients who don't make progress or continually self-sabotage? I'm BPD and so many therapists have gotten frustrated and irritated with me for this and basically made my BPD reactions and outbursts worse by seemingly 'abandoning' me.
3. Is it truly possible to fully recover from a mental illness or is it like asthma where it's always there but can be managed? So you always have to be aware of it but there are times where it doesn't flare up and you can live a normal, healthy life? Or can it fully go and someone can come to live life fully without having to worry about depression, anxiety or an ED again?
4. How do you maintain your mental health when you are in physical pain?
5. Could you do a video about PTSD being passed down generationally? Is the Holocaust the only example of this or is it present in other instances?
6. What do you do if a client has a plan to kill themselves in the future? Like not any time too soon but they have a plan for the next month for example?
7. Is there ANYTHING practical/tangible that a person can do when having a terrible body image moment or day? I need something more effective than just repeating affirmations... there must be something that can help! It’s the biggest roadblock to my ED recovery, I cannot tolerate my body so I give in to behaviors.
8. Can you recommend any tips to help stop painful past memories from suddenly popping into my head at random times of the day & night? I'm fed up & exhausted from reliving all the sad emotions it brings up.
9. Medication vs talk therapy for depression?
I'm Kati Morton, a licensed therapist making Mental Health videos!
JOURNALING CLUB Every Tuesday & Friday I post a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! Join Here!

Ordering my book Are u ok?

My Amazon Suggestions Often I'm referencing books and other items that people find helpful. MORE INFO

2nd PODCAST Kati and her husband Sean are talking. They have opinions but mostly, Opinions That Don't Matter!
VIDEO AUDIO

BUSINESS INQUIRIES
linnea@toneymedia.com

MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

ep.1 Do you ever get frustrated with clients not making progress? Ask Kati Anything! Mar 09, 2020

Welcome to the first episode of Ask Kati Anything! a fun podcast with Kati Morton, LMFT where she answers your mental health questions and talks about psychology.
Audience Questions
1. Have you ever lost a client to suicide? If so how did that make you feel?
2. When can therapy be more harmful than beneficial?
3. Do you ever get frustrated with clients not making progress? How do you address that issue?
I'm not sure if this has been asked before, but what is the process for clients if a therapist dies? I feel like it would be very traumatic and a setback.
4. How to access and fix unconscious negative beliefs that have formed in early childhood and strengthened during growing up?
5. How can you open up and talk about your feelings if all you feel is numbness? For me, I don't know how to describe my emotions... What do you think this means? Thank you!
6. What made you want to become a therapist?
7. How do you improve the feeling that you’re stuck in your routine, and the day to day just isn’t as interesting or fulfilling anymore?
8. How do you know what should be dealt with through therapy and what should be dealt with chemically?
JOURNALING CLUB Every Tuesday & Friday I post a journal prompt to help keep you motivated and working on yourself! Join Here!

Ordering my book Are u ok?

My Amazon Suggestions Often I'm referencing books and other items that people find helpful. MORE INFO

2nd PODCAST Kati and her husband Sean are talking. They have opinions but mostly, Opinions That Don't Matter!
VIDEO AUDIO

BUSINESS INQUIRIES
linnea@toneymedia.com

MAIL
PO Box #665 1223 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403

PLEASE READ
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.

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/katimorton) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

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