Podcast appearances and mentions of kati morton

Shane Dawson and Ryland Adams join licensed therapist Kati Morton for an unfiltered and heartfelt deep dive into their relationship. From their awkward first date and sleep divorce setup to parenting twins and surviving cancel culture, nothing is off-limits in this revealing episode of Ask Kati Anything. We talk about love languages, fights, co-parenting, therapy breakthroughs, and how their relationship evolved from their first date to building a family. Shane opens up about his mental health, creative rebirth, and fatherhood, while Ryland shares how communication, trust, and humor keep their bond strong. Whether you're in a relationship, navigating parenthood, or just here for the stories—this episode delivers plenty of “OMG did he really just say that?” moments. *** PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK *** Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ

This week on Ask Kati Anything, Kati Morton, LMFT, answers your deeply vulnerable questions around eating disorder recovery, abandonment, and the grief of losing a therapist. If you've ever felt “too much,” stuck in self-sabotage, or rejected by the people who should've helped—you are not alone. In this episode: What to do when your therapist wants to cut back sessions but you're not ready How to move forward when your parents knew you were struggling but stayed silent Why ED behaviors change shape—and how to finally stop the cycle How reparenting work can trigger relapse (and what to do instead) Grieving the loss of a therapist you trusted Why your body can't accept the good things—and how to heal that trauma response

In this episode Kati sits down with Rosanna Pansino to uncover the powerful story behind her success. Rosanna opens up about growing up undiagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia, surviving a rough school environment, and how she turned academic struggles and self-doubt into creative power. From being told she “wasn't smart enough for college” to becoming a multi-hyphenate creator with millions of fans, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone who's ever felt different, discouraged, or underestimated. Together, Kati and Rosanna dive deep into: ADHD in women and late diagnosis Dyslexia and educational trauma The emotional cost of masking and people-pleasing How neurodivergence fuels creativity Sexism in school, religion, and business The surprising origin story of Rosanna's YouTube career What it's like to be your dad's “surrogate son” This is one of the most honest, validating, and empowering conversations we've ever had. Whether you're neurodivergent, a fan of Rosanna's, or someone healing their inner teen — you'll walk away feeling seen and inspired

Are repressed memories real? Can you recover them — and should you even try? In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed therapist Kati Morton dives into the complex topic of repressed and suppressed memories, why dissociation happens during trauma, and whether it's possible to retrieve lost experiences. If you've ever wondered why you remember some painful moments and forget others, or how to talk to a therapist about memory gaps, this video is for you. We also explore: • Why some traumatic memories disappear • The connection between dissociation and memory loss • How to safely work with a therapist to recover memories • Kati's personal story about grief and emotional overwhelm

In this quick episode, I share what has been going on with the podcast and why I haven't been uploading. The truth is, that I am taking a step back from the show. I explain why and what comes next. Part of the episode is me reading off a post that I wrote, which you can read below. ------ I think it's time to let go of my podcast. Episode 1 of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast aired on 3/16/2016. Nearly 450 episodes later, I think it might be time to let it go. When I began the show, podcasting wasn't cool. This was before Huberman Lab and Diary of a CEO. This is before every influencer had their own podcast. I certainly wasn't one of the first podcasts, but I was in the cohort of podcasters that were influenced by Pat Flynn, Cliff Ravenscraft, and Daniel J. Lewis. Podcasts were the up and coming way to generate an audience and scale your craft. For me, this was a way to bring mental health content to the masses. In 2014, I released my first book, Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety. I wrote this during my pre-doctoral internship at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. The book was written and published in a matter of a couple weeks, driven by my frustrations with the mental health field following my wife's hospitalization (more about that in my TedX talk). Since the market was not yet saturated with potty-mouth self-help books, it was a hit and quickly became my primary source of income. With the popularity of the book came emails and direct messages asking me questions. As someone who was working toward becoming licensed as a psychologist, it was important that I didn't give out direct advice to people in a private forum unless I had an established care relationship with the person. That's when I realized I could make my childhood dreams of having a newspaper advice column come true by starting a podcast. Truthfully, this was not my first foray into podcasting. I tried to start a podcast about the 90s with my friends called The Good Old Days, but that failed to launch. Then I had a podcast that ran for a good while called The Voices Among Us, in which I interviewed unhoused people on the street about their lives. Those experiences meant that I had the tools and knowledge necessary to launch the Hardcore Self Help Podcast. And man, has it been great. I have had the opportunity to answer questions about anxiety, relationships, sexuality, school, neuroscience, medications, abusive families, PTSD, depression, bipolar, autism, mushrooms, ketamine, queerness, blackness, multiculturalism, gender identity and so much more. I've been able have great conversations with Seth Godin, Dr. Andrea Letamendi, Kati Morton, Gary Bishop, Dr. Anna Yusim, Tiffany Jenkins, Jenn Harris, Dr. Patrick McGrath, Tony Weaver Jr., Dr. Judy Ho, Dr. David Burns, and many others. And yet, as the years of the podcast march on, the interest is waning. I will always have pride for being something of an O.G. in the mental health podcasting space, but as my wife said recently, it's important to make room for other voices and to not force something that isn't working. I wouldn't say the podcast isn't working, but it certainly isn't what it once was. At one point in time, I was getting enough listens to garner thousands per month in advertising revenue. These days, I'm lucky if an episode hits 5,000 listens in a month. To be clear, that is still a substantial amount, but for the hours that I put into the podcast, the decline in listenership over time becomes hard to justify at a certain point. Here's a graph from my podcast hosting platform so you can see what I mean:  I worry a bit about coming off as ungrateful or just chasing numbers. Hopefully it's clear that I am immensely proud of what I've been able to do with the podcast and so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have a platform like this. I have a folder in my email with feedback from people that I have answered questions for, and trust me when I say there is no better pick-me-up on a rainy day than reading through some of them. However, ultimately, I need to figure out the best path forward for myself, for my career, and for my family. Unfortunately, a lot of that comes down to income right now. I need to make more money. While I get many benefits from continuing the podcast, it is no longer lucrative, and it takes up a great deal of time and mental space to maintain. As someone who always has my hands in many pies, I need to take a step back every so often to re-evaluate my priorities. To weigh the pros and cons of each facet of my career and life and determine where I should be increasing or decreasing my focus. Between my clinical work as a neuropsychologist and therapist, podcasting, writing books, giving professional talks, and being a presence for my family and loved ones, there isn't an obvious answer. But there is one that I am begrudgingly starting to admit to myself. I haven't even made an actual change yet, and I am already starting the grieving process. This project has been so incredibly important to me and central to my life. It's like letting go of a child. In fact, as I'm writing this, my 10-year-old just came in and told me that he doesn't want me to quit. Sigh… these choices are never easy. I should know – once upon a time, I wasn't known as Duff The Psych, I was known as the ASMRtist, Justawhisperingguy. And just like there are some OGs out there who have stuck around since my first ASMR videos, there will be OGs who are still with me a decade from now that started following me from my first podcast episodes. So, all of this begs the question: What now? I don't think I am going to be cutting off the podcast cold turkey. For one, I don't have any interest in getting rid of the entire back catalogue, so I'm not going to suddenly stop paying for my podcast host. I also may occasionally come back to post something on the podcast feed if I record an interview or have the bug to make some content. My Youtube channel will continue to be the primary platform where I release longform content. But it's time to take a big step back. It's time to find another avenue to continue building and engaging with my audience. It's time to put some effort into marketing my next book. It's time to stop stressing out because the kids are taking a long time to go to sleep or are being too loud so I can't record. It's time to take a deep breath and step off into the next stage of my life and career. Whatever the hell that may turn out to be.   Love, Robert

Whether you've struggled with anxiety, felt culturally misunderstood, or used humor to survive — this is an episode that meets you where you are. Comedian and creator Grace Africa joins therapist Kati Morton, LMFT, for a powerful conversation about mental health, cultural identity, TikTok fame, and the universal search for belonging. MY NEW BOOK IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, Grace shares her incredible journey from nursing school to TikTok stardom — and how growing up between Houston and Nigeria shaped her comedy, worldview, and mental health. Together, they explore: ✔️ Burnout in healthcare and the cost of being an empath ✔️ What it's like growing up Nigerian-American and navigating two cultures ✔️ The stigma around mental health in African communities ✔️ Comedy as a tool for healing, storytelling, and activism ✔️ The highs and lows of TikTok visibility and online identity ✔️ How it feels when people “pray against” your dreams — and how to rise anyway ✔️ Reclaiming your identity and finding where you truly belong

Kati Morton, LMFT sits down with Jordan Leigh—mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and fiancée of Montreal Canadiens NHL star Patrik Laine—for a candid look behind the scenes of professional sports and personal struggle. Jordan shares the unseen emotional weight of loving someone in the public eye: the fear of injury, the pressure to stay strong, and the mental health impact of being the steady one when your partner can't be. They also talk about her non-profit From Us to You, the mental toll of unpredictability, and how real support goes beyond just “being there.” Whether you're an athlete's partner, a high achiever carrying too much, or just someone looking for a truly honest conversation about love and mental health—this one's for you. Ask Kati Anything ep. 260 with Jordan Leigh | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK!Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses what makes a good and bad therapist, how to know if you're seeing a bad one, why we need validation from others, and the difference between anxiety and autism. She will also explain why people self-harm, what a block in therapy is and how to overcome it, how to find a good partner, and why trauma and bedwetting are connected. Ask Kati Anything ep.259 | Your mental health podcast AUDIENCE QUESTIONS 1. Hi Kati, I hope you're doing okay. I'm so thankful for all that you do. Your videos have been so helpful to me and sorry in advance for the loaded question. My question is do I have a bad therapist? for context im in therapy for a eating disorder and see a eating disorder specialist. i like her personality and we get along well but every session feels unproductive? i was raped a few months ago and when i told her about it we talked about it for a few minutes not in detail at all, then the next session she brought in my mom (without telling me she was going to do this before hand) talked to her about it and then we never talked about the situation again which is just weird to me. another situation was where she brought my mom in and told her i was still purging (even though i explicitly asked her not to as i just get grounded by my parents) and she told anyways and didnt even let me know she would be sharing this with my mom before hand. every session she asks what i want to talk about and i have a hard time thinking of things to say. i have already told her about the big problems in my life my eating issues, the rape, symptoms of depression , anxiety, and family problems. she knows about all of this but she never gives any homework, or solutions iv only felt worse as iv been in therapy. lm now scared to bring up other things with her like body image and self harm because its embarrassing and , i dont know what will be shared with my family, and she probably wont help with it anyways. im so lost in this situation can you give me some advice on what to do? sorry again for the long question and thank you 2. How do you get over needing validation from someone? How do you learn to be confident if you never get that validation? 3. Hi Kati, how do I tell the difference between what is anxiety related and what is part of my autism. Since my autism diagnosis a lot of things have been falling into place for me especially recognising that certain things I disliked wasn't me being weird it was due to my autism. But I'm still facing a lot of struggles at work, things I have struggled with in other workplaces too but I can't help but wonder how much of this is my anxiety and what is my autism? 4. Why do we as people self-harm? Who came up with the idea? Is it something with our society, or is our brain just so ill we do things to hurt ourselves? 5. Hey Kati. My therapist recently said I have a therapy block since I told her I don't see the purpose in getting better since nothing about my circumstances will change still. What exactly does this mean and does it mean I CANT get better until the block is removed? (Struggle with ED AAN /purging disorder, SH, GAD, MDD, and probably every other letter of the alphabet.) 6. Any advice on meeting a life partner and how to know if someone is the one to get serious with? 7. Trauma and bed wetting - I'd like to know if there's a connection between trauma PTSD / cptsd and bed wetting especially if it happens in children who age up to 18 MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? (pre-order) https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP 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 PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co

Thank you to today's sponsor Vegamour! Go to vegamour.com/kati code KATI for 20% off your first order! Join Kati Morton as she sits down with Ryland Adams from the Sip podcast to discuss his unconventional journey, navigating the world of YouTube, and the realities of online fame. Ryland opens up about his early days, from finding a roommate on Craigslist to pursuing an acting career in Hollywood, and how he eventually found his place on YouTube. He shares insights into the hustle, the burnout, and the importance of staying real while building a career online. Ryland also discusses his relationship with Shane Dawson, including how they met, collaborated, and navigated the challenges of online life together. The conversation dives into the challenges of dealing with criticism, maintaining mental health in the digital age, and finding balance as a content creator. Ryland also shares his experiences with marriage and parenthood. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in YouTube, online culture, and personal stories of growth and resilience. Ask Kati Anything ep. 258 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT https://www.youtube.com/@UCVe_RrR9AMeY6Z8ixOv5gtw https://www.youtube.com/@thesipwithrylandadamsandli5476 https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton #podcast #rylandadams #katimorton MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP 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 PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co

Kati Morton Interviews Shane Dawson | Ask Kati Anything Podcast What really happens when you're canceled online? In this powerful episode, YouTube icon Shane Dawson opens up about internet fame, public backlash, mental health, and becoming a first-time father.

Kati Morton discusses psychedelic-assisted therapy with experts Dr. Alexa Altman and Shira Myrow, licensed therapist. This episode of Ask Kati Anything explores alternative treatments for various mental health conditions, including depression, trauma, and anxiety.   Discover how psychedelic therapy differs from traditional talk therapy, the importance of preparation and integration, and the potential of medicines like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin.   We discuss the role of self-awareness in treatment, the concept of ego softening, and address common concerns about safety and potential negative experiences.   Whether you're curious about the therapeutic use of psychedelics or seeking alternative solutions for mental health challenges, this conversation offers valuable insights and information.   TIMESTAMPS09:29 How psychedelic therapy differs from traditional talk therapy.13:35 The role of the facilitator in psychedelic therapy.18:28 Discussion on MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine.23:12 Characteristics of a good candidate for psychedelic therapy.28:52 Importance of safety and protocols in psychedelic-assisted therapy.32:58 Ketamine as a fast-acting treatment.39:52 Redefining “bad experience” in psychedelic therapy.01:08:16 Challenges in couples therapy and the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy.01:12:08 Advice against self-administration of psychedelicsAsk Kati Anything ep. 256 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFTConnect with Alexa & Shira https://www.i-psychedelic.com/MY BOOKSTraumatized 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 PARTNERSHIPSLinnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

Today I'm joined by the one and only Lauren Riihimaki—aka LaurDIY—for a deep, hilarious, and refreshingly honest chat. You've seen her build an empire with glue guns and glitter, but in this episode, we go way beyond crafts.Lauren opens up about growing up with anxiety, navigating emetophobia (the fear of vomiting), panic attacks, burnout, and what it's like trying to stay authentic as an OG YouTuber in a world that rewards perfection.We also talk about therapy, medication journeys, the pressure of being online, marriage dynamics, wedding hacks (yes, really), and how life changes when you stop performing and just start being.If you've ever struggled with anxiety, emetophobia, or just being a human on the internet—this one's for you.Ask Kati Anything ep. 255 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro1:30 – How LaurDIY started10:00 – Public breakups & parasocial relationships20:00 – Emetophobia & anxiety unpacked35:00 – Medication, therapy & finding the right fit45:00 – The pressure of creator life55:00 – Weddings, burnout, and boundaries1:05:00 – Advice for living with anxiety

We're joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton to uncover society's most common hurdles in mental health, and how these issues can present themselves in relationships. From overanalyzing conversations, to mismatched emotional needs that couples face, Kati sheds light on how to address these issues and apply practical insights to nurture a healthier connection.Find More of Kati on YouTube!Send us your questions at the WT9HOTLINE@GMAIL.COMFollow Wild Til 9 on Insta: @WildTil9Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: https://bit.ly/WildTil9Watch Wild Til 9 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WildTil9See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton will explain how we can get comfortable expressing our anger, how long is too long to stay with one therapist, and if it's possible to be too close to our mom growing up. She also explains why looking up our therapist on social media can make us feel bad, and whether or not binge listening to this podcast is good or bad for your mental health. Ask Kati Anything ep. 253 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. How do I get more comfortable expressing my anger? I have a problem expressing anger. I can feel it but then I don't know what to do with it. A lot of people have said they find it hard to know what I'm feeling because I can say that I'm angry or pi$$ed off but I don't look it or sound it. Although I can say I'm angry I can never say it in the moment or to the person I'm angry with. My therapist on the other hand knows instantly. I can tell her I'm doing good and she will give me that therapist look that says “I know you're lying.” Or I can say I'm angry in a normal tone and she will say something like “I can see you're angry, shall we talk about it.” At this point I'm... 01:10 2. How long is too long to stay with one therapist? Is it healthy to stay with one for many years? (It's been close to 6 years) I know at some point things could change as people leave. I'm worried all the time things will change and I'll feel like I'm in mourning when it ends. 13:38 3. Is there such a thing as being too attached and close to your mother growing up? Can it cause a child to grow up to be codependent or rather, overly dependent? I find that I always ask for my mom's opinions and reassurance and approval for everything because she is so intelligent and insightful, so I've learnt my whole life to trust her opinions more than my own. I wouldn't call my mom a helicopter parent in any other way apart from this aspect of being very eager to jump in and provide her opinions and thoughts and insights. I wish I was more independent and had more confidence in myself. What are your thoughts on this and how can I work on this? 16:40 4. I have found that I occasionally look up my therapist on social media…I am not able to see much, but I am able to see some things because we have some mutual friends. When I see that they're happy in their marriage, laughing in pictures, or they have friends they're spending time with, why does that make me so sad? I usually get anxious and want to cry. I don't have a spouse or a family of my own so I wonder if it's just that I so badly long for that and fear I'll never have it…but then I also wonder if it's just because I wish I could be my therapist's friend and they liked me outside of session. I know this isn't ethical so it won't happen, but I don't know why just seeing them happy makes me sad. I don't feel that way when I see other people so happy. Why does it bother me?! And how do I not let it? I often fear that I am “too much” and have a hard time seeing/believing the good about myself. I want to just be happy when I see people so happy. For context, I was emotionally neglected, bullied, and physically & sexually abused. I do have CPTSD, I am obviously in therapy. I fear I'll never get to a point where someone will want to be in my life. 24:08 5. I recently found your channel, and I can't stop binge listening to your podcast. Can doing this be an unhealthy coping skill to avoid my own thoughts and feelings? Or do you think this could this be something else? 31:27 MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL @Katimorton 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) PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

JVN sits down with Kati Morton, a licensed therapist and bestselling author, to dive deep into the world of people-pleasing. Together, they unpack why people-pleasing isn't just about being nice—it's about discomfort with other people's discomfort, and why it leaves so many of us feeling invisible, drained, and resentful. Kati shares her expert tips on breaking free from the cycle, including practical strategies like “opposite action” and learning to set boundaries without guilt. They discuss why saying no doesn't make you selfish, how to rediscover yourself when you've been lost in pleasing others, and why finding the courage to be disliked might be the most radical act of self-care. Kati Morton, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a highly sought-after public speaker in the field of mental health. Starting with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, she has built a vast & vibrant online community.  Her YouTube channel - with over 1.4 million subscribers and 130 million views, has made her a prominent figure in translating complex mental health concepts into accessible language. Through her dynamic presence on social media and appearances on top-rated shows such as The TODAY Show, Dr. Phil, Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy, E! News, CBS The Doctors, and The Dr. Drew Show, Kati successfully spreads awareness, reduces stigma, and empowers individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. As an accomplished author of two best-selling books "Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health," and “Traumatized: Identify, Understand and Cope with PTSD and Emotional Stress”, Kati's dedication to dismantling barriers to mental health services and fostering a supportive global community is unmatched. You can find Kati on Instagram and Tiktok @katimorton and on YouTube @KatiMorton Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to join the conversation. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN. Transcripts for each episode are available at JonathanVanNess.com. Find books from Getting Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn. Our senior producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall. Our theme music is “Freak” by QUIÑ; for more, head to TheQuinCat.com. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains why we can have a hard time believing we aren't a horrible person, the effects of having a sibling with mental health issues, and what it really means to “get better.” She also explains what it means to have a “nervous breakdown,” and finally how to cope with emotionally immature parents. Ask Kati Anything ep. 252 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. I have a really hard time believing I am not a horrible person. My therapist asks me why I can't accept the good things about myself, but I just can't. It isn't that I want to continue to think shitty thoughts about myself, I just can't break them. How do I do that? I worry I am going to push my therapist away because I can't seem to break these beliefs about myself. I fear I am wasting her time. For context, I have CPTSD, was emotionally neglected, parentified and have a narcissistic parent…on top of other trauma. Thank you for all you do and for answering our questions! 01:00 2. Could you talk about the effects on the sibling of someone (both same age) who has struggled with severe self-harm for years and suicide attempts (non-violent and luckily not successful) eg. the trauma and what that could look like for the sibling who witnessed everything, the “mental preparation” for believing that they are going to someday be successful at their suicide attempt, the core beliefs formed from it all, the neglect due to a high needs sibling etc. Any and all thoughts on the effects and anything else you can think of would be so appreciated. Thanks for all you do, Kati!! (COMMENT: as an add on, can it affect the person who is struggling when they know a sibling knows? // As an add-on if this relates…can you talk about how witnessing a sibling being physically abused impacts you? Then in turn how being abused by that sibling impacts you? I was bullied a lot outside of the home (my sibling joined in on that), but they were also physically and verbally abusive within the home. I understand they had a lot of big emotions and I was an easy target, but I still wonder how all of it has impacted how I view myself. // As an add on if it relates: I have been in therapy for years but struggle to talk to my siblings about the abuse from our childhood. Any ideas how to open that conversation?) 07:12 3. Hi Kati! It is a weird question, but I am not asking for the specifics: When we say it eventually will get better, what is the broad definition of "get better"? The thing is, it is true that it relatively got better, but it is still so hard, and some aspects become harder, I started to feel like I am in a loop where every time I feel like: I am at the end of the rope now, there is more, I am losing my patience and it is terrifying. 19:16 4. What exactly is a “nervous breakdown”? Is that term outdated? When do I know I'm having one and what should one do? 24:15 5. Hi Kati, how do you cope with parents who were emotionally immature/neglectful/abusive when you were a child, but treat their grandchildren entirely differently..aka giving them the childhood you did not have? I feel like I was treated as an adult when I was a child, and now a child as an adult. Many thanks. (as an add on, if they are still bad for you but are good for your children, should you still allow them to be in your life(ves)?) 26:53 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) PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains why compassion can sometimes be triggering, how exposure therapy works, and whether or not she has ever lied to a client. Then she talks about internal emotional conflict, the stages of eating disorder recovery, and how we are impacted by our subconscious mind. Ask Kati Anything ep. 251 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. Why do I get an anxious adrenaline rush every time someone shows any sort of compassion or pity towards me? Whenever friends or even my therapist shows compassion or empathy or when she says things like “I'm so sorry- that must've been so hard”, I feel simultaneously really good and acknowledged and cared for, but also very anxious and uncomfortable. Growing up, I... 00:36 2. If the point of exposure therapy is to expose oneself to the anxiety inducing situations in order to prove to ourselves that it's not that bad or as bad as we think, how is that supposed to work if the situation IS as bad or even worse than what we anticipate? Like if someone has social anxiety, and making a phone call or meeting a friend for coffee is super scary because you worry about saying or doing something embarrassing or not having anything to say or your mind going blank etc., what do you do if every time without a fail you somehow do manage to embarrass yourself and have so many awkward silences and not know what to say? 08:23 3. My question is have you ever lied to a client? Would you ever condone it if you were to lead other clinicians?? When is it hardest for you to be honest with clients? 12:52 4. I'm curious on how to deal with always feeling emotionally internally conflicted. Sometimes I feel great like nothing is wrong with me and then other times I just want to lay in bed and do nothing because everything feels pointless. What happens when this causes you to not fit certain diagnostic criteria? I often feel like I'm asked questions like “what has your general mood been?” or “do you have negative thoughts about yourself?” I have trouble answering because I feel so confused about the conflicting emotions I have. It's like sometimes I'm confused by how I could even be having negative feelings/thoughts because of how contrary I feel at other times (but not consistently in any sort of pattern). 16:46 5. Hi Kati! First, I'd like to thank you for the wonderful and helpful work that you do. It's all very much appreciated! After 15 very long years, I've finally been able to give up my eating disorder. I'm happy to say that I've been behavior free for just over a year. However, I still have body image issues and it certainly doesn't help that I happen to be overweight (I realize weight loss isn't the answer). I'm 58 years old and can't seem to stop the anxiety associated with eating, body size and weight. I grew up in a larger body and experienced trauma associated due to that fact. I'd like to be able to say I'm fully recovered in the new year and never again be triggered by photos of myself. What can you suggest that might help me get the rest of the way? 22:10 6. Hey Kati! I hear a lot about “the subconscious mind,” but more from a spiritual context. Can you talk more about the subconscious mind and how it affects us? 26:32 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 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

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton offers ways to increase our resilience and tolerance to life's stressors, why it's important to speak up in therapy, and why we can sometimes wish our therapist could read our mind. She then discusses the reasons we can struggle to talk about our issues in therapy without feeling full of shame about it. Ask Kati Anything ep. 250 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. Can you provide any tips or techniques to increase resiliency and tolerance to life's stressors? 00:58 2. Is getting a therapy appointment about once a month (due to extremely limited availability at college clinics) worth it even if it doesn't feel like it's helping? What can you do when your insurance deductible is really high and you're a college student working multiple jobs just to make rent, food, etc? Especially when parents won't help pay. I've tried medication but nothing feels like it's working. Hope this gets answered because I feel like there are lots of people in this situation. 06:15 3. You often say that if something your therapist says or does bothers you or triggers you, you should bring it up and talk about it with your therapist. But I often feel like if I say something to them and they stop doing/saying whatever it is, then I'm not really learning how to deal with similar situations in the real world. Realistically, I can't go around telling the world to not say or act a certain way so I feel reluctant to say anything when it happens in the therapy room. But then I spiral out and get frustrated with myself for even being bothered by something that I clearly understand was not done intentionally. I also don't want to make my therapist feel... 10:56 4. I'm not sure if I'm the only one who does this, but I've noticed that in therapy I often expect my therapist to be able to read my mind. But I know this is impossible and unfair to her. For example, I told her the other day that I had written down some thoughts I had after the previous session and I told her I wasn't sure if I should read them to her or not. Her response was “It's up to you.” By her saying it was up to me, I know she was just respecting whichever decision I made and she didn't want to force me to read it if I didn't want to. But for some reason I just assumed she could read my mind so when she replied in a respectfully neutral way, I felt a bit let down and I thought to myself “okay but do you REALLY want to know my thoughts?” In that moment I really wanted HER to WANT me to read them to her. Like I suppose in a validation type of way I wanted to feel as if she really WANTED to know my thoughts and inner experience.. to feel like she really cares and is invested in me and my experience. Obviously I know it's unfair to expect her to have read my mind though...I do this quite often. And I end up feeling frustrated and disappointed and let down. Why do I do this? 24:28 5. How can I learn to manage the shame I feel talking about my 'issues' in therapy? I have CPTSD and I intellectually know shame is a large part of that, but that doesn't stop me feeling overwhelmed by shame having discussed things with my therapist. I go for days thinking that she must be disgusted by me and cannot possibly want me as a client ... and I feel too ashamed to talk about this shame! 31:56 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 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

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton offers her thoughts on using AI chat agents in between therapy sessions, why trauma can be hard to move past, and what it really means to be willing versus just trying. She also talks about wanting friends while being a socially anxious introvert, and why our therapist telling us she cares about us can be triggering. Ask Kati Anything ep. 249 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. I'm currently seeing a therapist (cognitive behavioral therapy with a focus on trauma). Since the sessions can be emotionally intense, I've started to use ChatGPT between appointments to help process my thoughts and manage difficult emotions. I had previously tried journaling, but it felt more like a monologue and wasn't as helpful. Using ChatGPT, however, has allowed me to engage in a dialogue, which has been more effective in organizing my thoughts and gaining clarity. When I shared this with my therapist, she expressed concern. She mentioned that using AI in this way might be similar to seeking support from another therapist, which could interfere with the therapeutic process. She also cautioned against the risk of isolation. My question for you: From a psychological perspective, what do you think about using AI as a supplemental tool between therapy sessions? Could it hinder the healing process? If so, what alternatives would you recommend to help navigate emotionally challenging periods between sessions? 00:36 2. I've noticed a lot of talk about repressed trauma on the podcast. I, however, remember everything. I'm currently working through some of this with an EMDR therapist. I'm having some difficulty letting go of these incidents, mainly because I feel like this invalidates them. Also, I feel the need to keep them in my back pocket- so to speak- so as to justify my hurt whenever I need to. My question is- what does it look like to work through trauma, while still recognizing that it was awful? As a separate note- why am I having an extreme physical reaction (shaking, almost convulsing) in the midst of EMDR therapy? 04:51 3. What does it really mean to be willing vs just trying? My therapist says I need to stop trying and start being willing, but I don't understand the difference. In my mind, wanting to get better, going to therapy, and putting in effort is being willing. It sometimes feels like he's suggesting I'm not trying hard enough, which is frustrating. For context, I have CPTSD from significant childhood emotional neglect and abuse, which has continued into adulthood. Thanksgiving was especially traumatic, and I'm working hard to... 10:43 4. I'm a very socially anxious introvert, which causes me to avoid a lot of social situations and interactions. Sometimes I feel lonely and “friendless” but I am very close to my mom and my sister which feels like enough human connection to me. But is that really enough? 6:49 5. How do I stop being mad at my therapist for telling me she cares about me? Every time she tells me she has been worried or that she cares about me I get this voice in my head screaming at me that it's fake and that this relationship is not a real one. I feel like she says this stuff only because it's... 21:50 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

This week licensed therapist, Kati Morton discusses how to know if we are doing therapy “right” and why it can feel so unstructured at times. She then dives into why we can want certain people to worry about us, how isolation can help us and also hurt us, and the effects of having a narcissistic mother and being the eldest daughter. Ask Kati Anything ep. 248 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. I just started therapy at my university, but whenever I think about what I discussed with my therapist and replay the whole conversation after each session, I always wonder whether I'm doing it right. It just feels kind of messy and I feel like I'm all over the place when talking to my therapist. I have never experienced therapy before and I don't know what it's like, so I really don't know if it's going the way it's supposed to. It also feels like I'm... 00:38 2. Why do I want certain people to worry about me? I always have a person, usually it's only one person at a time, that I get super obsessed with and that I think about 24/7. This is not in a romantic way, it could be but not necessarily. They are all I think about, and I crave their attention a lot, and I also get really jealous when they spend time with other people and I am super sensitive to how they treat me. They can make me feel super happy or really sad. I also want them to worry about me, I think because I ... 08:20 3. Can you please talk about how traumatized ppl use self isolation as a coping mechanism, but that sometimes becomes a negative cornerstone of their personality making connection harder…. Also could you share some tips as to how traumatized individuals can begin updating that personality trait to become engaged and open to the world. 14:07 4. My question contains a lot of context so please bear with me and I'm sorry in advance for the essay. I've been struggling A LOT for the past two years with binge eating, anxiety, depression, and dissociation. After a previous attempt to seek therapy, which didn't go well (because I was 16 and my mom freaked out and was so stigmatized and when I also talked about it to one of my closest friends and my friend suggested that I go to therapy, my mom happened to read at the texts and told me "see, now your friend thinks you're crazy!"), but anyway, I finally took the step to seek therapy as I've turned 18 and started university and I had 2 sessions so far, and it's all started after my prof encouraged me to go down that path and honestly, she is the sweetest person ever and she is the only... 19:45 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 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

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about why we can sometimes think we are in love with our therapist, ways we can get unstuck in life, and what to do with our passive suicidal thoughts. She also talks about feeling safe after surviving a trauma, and how to deal with transference and attachment in therapy. Ask Kati Anything ep. 247 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. Kati I am in love with my therapist. I know you will probably say that transference is happening but I feel so madly in love with her. Everything about her is perfect and she's the most beautiful person I've ever seen. I feel like no one I'll meet will ever even come close to how amazing she is and how much I feel for her. How do I stop having romantic feelings for my therapist? 00:00:32 2. Could you please talk about how one can get unstuck in life? I feel like I am reliving the same day over and over again, and not growing/evolving anymore. I'm so used to just watching life on the sidelines, like a movie, as opposed to actively participating in it. For reference, I do suffer from depression and I'm on medication for it. Thank you so much for everything that you do! 00:09:28 3. Hi, could you talk a bit more about passive suicidal thoughts. I almost got run over by a truck when crossing the street (he stopped in time at the end). I basically didn't care, no shock, nothing. I just thought „ first of all, embarrassing, second of all this death would have been very welcome, sadly he stopped in time“. I went about my day as usual thinking about how chill I reacted not even caring if I would have died or not. I do have a past when it comes to suicidal thoughts and depression. 00:16:06 4. What does it mean to 'feel safe'? I have CPTSD and am hypervigilant. I get relaxation induced anxiety. I have tried following steps for reducing this but they often ask you to 'visualise somewhere you feel safe' or 'someone you feel safe with'. What does 'feel safe' mean? Is it a feeling in the body, or is it just the absence of overt fear? Or is it just an expression for some concept, like saying something is an 'act of god'? I expect my issue has the same root cause as my inability to feel happy / positive emotions. 00:20:29 5. What happens if transference and extreme attachment is not worked through in therapy and then therapy ends? This has happened for me and I am so overwhelmed by my emotions 24/7. I know how to work on attachment stuff by myself now from your videos but I just don't know how to get closure if that makes sense. I miss her so much and it takes everything in me not to text her. Therapy ended a few months ago and I still miss her like crazy and I am so sad about it. Will that ever get better? Also can you feel “worse” in a way if you don't work through issues (e.g transference) that came up in therapy? 00:24:44 6. In your opinion is this important to get a proper diagnosis? I was in therapy but I've never received a proper diagnosis. In my country only psychiatrists are allowed to diagnose you. I think I have quiet BPD among other mental illnesses and... 00:32:12 #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) 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

In this episode, Anupam Gupta discusses the structure and the contours of the Coaching Industry with Deepak Jayaraman, an Executive Coach who works with CEOs, Founders, Investors and other growth minded leaders and helps them play to their potential. Together, they explore Deepak's journey into coaching, the origins and evolution of the profession, and its current landscape in India, including the rising demand and competitive dynamics. They discuss pathways to accreditation, the diverse client profiles, and the nuances of the coaching process. The conversation also delves into the financial aspects of coaching, from fee structures to the costs of accreditation, and highlights the thought leaders shaping the industry today. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on coaching, personal growth, and professional development! Get in touch with our host Anupam Gupta on social media: Twitter: ( https://twitter.com/b50 ) Instagram: ( https://www.instagram.com/b_50/ ) LinkedIn: (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anupam9gupta/ You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts website at https://www.ivmpodcasts.com/ You can watch the full video episodes of PaisaVaisapodcast on the YouTube channel.Do follow IVM Podcasts on social media. We are @ivmpodcasts on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we talk about sitting with our feelings and dealing with anxious thoughts, why self-harm is often talked about only in relation to teens, and why we can suddenly have suicidal thoughts. Then we get into whether or not we can do inner child work by ourselves, how to get ourselves to realize things aren't as bad as they seem, and if therapy can be harmful. Ask Kati Anything ep.246 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. I have learned how to feel my feelings and emotions in therapy, and I also realized that before that I used to not allow myself to really feel my feelings. I have bad anxiety and a lot of times my thoughts spiral out of control and then I end up worrying about all kinds of things and feel so much more anxious. I have realized if I don't give in to all my thoughts, I feel a lot less anxious but is this avoiding feeling my feelings? Shouldn't I be able to sit with my fears and uncomfortable feelings without pushing them away or avoiding to think about them? 2. Why is self injury usually talked about in relation to teens? I feel like I rarely hear it talked about as a coping mechanism for adults. Is it something that is more concerning if an adult does it? I am 37 years old and I have cptsd, adhd, anxiety and depression and have been in therapy for 5 years. I have been good at refraining from self injury but when things get too overwhelming it still is my first go to thought and unfortunately sometimes the way I cope (for example the outcome of the US election). My therapist is aware but I have a lot of shame because it feels “childish”. What are your thoughts? 3. So a few weeks ago I got this sudden urge to write a goodbye letter. I've dealt with suicidal thoughts on and off, but that idea has never really come up until now. Would you know why this suddenly happened? Should I be concerned? What should I do? I haven't written anything down on paper yet, but a draft is being formulated in my head and the urge is still present. 4. How can I do inner child work by myself (therapy ended) when I dissociate 24/7? I remember you said you can't process trauma when you are dissociating. When I was in therapy I was also dissociating in basically every session. When I try to do inner child work or journal for example, I sometimes feel it's not so helpful because I feel so disconnected from it and I am not actually feeling what I am writing. 5. What are effective methods of realizing things aren't as bad as they seem? I would also like to see a video about lost time that comes with depression and other disorders, and how to deal with and prevent losing so much time. 6. Can therapy be “harmful“? I sometimes feel like therapy makes my thoughts spiral more. I am very self aware and analyze everything about my thoughts and behaviors constantly, and therapy has made this so much worse. I love therapy and learning more about myself and analyzing where everything came from etc. but I also feel like I am very obsessive with it and it occupies my mind 24/7 and as a result I feel worse. I also feel like I consume too much psychological content but I find it so interesting. 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 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

This week we are talking all about getting a diagnosis. Why we might want one, why we might not agree when we finally get one, and my thoughts on self-diagnosis. We will talk about assessments and what it means to get a proper diagnosis. Finally, we will dig into labels as a whole and whether or not they can be stigmatizing. Ask Kati Anything ep. 245 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. Why do I feel the need to diagnose myself or “pathologize” myself with a name for a mental illness/disorder? If I discover a diagnosis I could potentially have, I do sooo much research on it (almost to the point of it being obsessive because it's all I can think about). I really want to have the diagnosis, but why? Why do I have to put a name to it? I feel like I need to be “sick” in order to be seen and for my experience to be valid. My mom (who is a therapist) doesn't like that I do this because she says labels don't help me move forward and it becomes my whole identity. And she says that... 00:37 2. What are the pros and cons of having a label or diagnosis for a mental illness? I know it can be validating but can it ever be detrimental? Like for example, even though I KNOW I struggle with social anxiety, I really want to be professionally diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. To me it feels like a way to prove my suffering to the world but I also am worried that I will... 10:51 3. I sincerely wanted to know Kati, do labels not cripple people further? Where it almost becomes an excuse for people to act in certain ways with little accountability. So instead it should be more of behavioral patterns we acknowledge with the intent of trying to assist people in a more CBT approach? I hope I'm making sense, thank you!! 18:30 4. Hi Kati, I've been wondering for a long time how to get diagnoses for a bunch of stuff since my family is quite opposed to the idea of me being autistic, or having ADHD, and other stuff they don't even know about like a dissociative disorder, OCD, and a possible eating disorder. Do I just have to wait until I become an adult if I can't get support in my home? Thanks for the podcast, it's so informative and, in my opinion, enjoyable! 22:28 5. Hey Kati! Is it possible to be DID/osdd without knowing, even if you don't remember any significant trauma? Thanks! 26:57 6. Hi Kati, I'm someone who has had undiagnosed ASD until this year. I'm having trouble accepting this new identity. How can people learn to accept this? What do people do with it? 31:17 MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/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 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 #podcast #psychology #katimorton --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about dealing with loneliness and how to cope with feeling isolated and alone. She also explains the reasons behind us being immature, how to let ourselves be genuinely happy, and how to know whether therapy is working or not. Ask Kati Anything ep.244 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. I'm struggling with feeling incredibly lonely and like I don't matter, even though I logically know there are people who love me. It's hard to shake the feeling that others might be happier without me around. Most of the time, I'm alone outside of work, and I often see others spending time together, which only deepens that feeling. I try to reach out ahead of time and let friends know I'd love to join if they make plans, but when the time comes, I don't get invited—and then I find out they still got together without me. This has been a pattern for as long as I can remember, and it's hard not to believe that it's because there's something wrong with me or that I'm unlovable. How can I break out of this rut and start to believe I'm worth connecting with? While I'm safe and won't act on it, it's sometimes really hard to keep battling the thoughts of whether I still want to be here. For context, I was significantly bullied as a kid, have CPTSD, am in therapy (both EMDR and talk), and have a history of emotional neglect and abuse from most of my family. Thank you for reading and for any advice you can offer. 00:54 2. How do I deal with being alone? My boyfriend of 6 years is moving away for a few months for his university placements before I join him later in the year for our permanent move. I'm terrified of being left at home by myself. I know I can talk to him every day but it just won't feel the same. I'm very affectionate and love physical closeness so being physically distant feels heartbreaking. How can I cope if traveling to see him isn't an option due to the need to save money for the move in the future? 07:23 3. My therapist recently told me I was emotionally immature (it's true, but it still hurt to hear it). Even though I have a lot of other issues (I'm a highly sensitive person, I have low self esteem), I want to work on improving myself. Do you have any tips or tools to improve my emotional maturity? Thanks for your amazing podcast, you've had such a positive impact on my life. 13:05 4. Why won't I allow myself to be genuinely happy? I have been diagnosed with MDD and GAD. I go through depressive episodes that last a few days to about a week and they happen every few months. It used to last much longer and come more frequently but meds, therapy, and PHP have brought it down to where it is now. However when I am not in an episode, I still feel like I am existing and not living - it's like my mind won't let me be happy. It is a point I feel stuck with in therapy. 21:56 5. I have been in therapy for a couple years and I still can't figure out if it's working or not. Some of my symptoms have faded, I feel more functional, and my physical symptoms have minimized. However, I feel more suicidal then I ever have, I struggle with self harm, I always feel horrible about myself, and the only thing I look forward to is therapy. It's like my whole life just relies on therapy and my therapist. 25:48 #podcast #psychology #katimorton 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 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/katimorton/ PARTNERSHIPS Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

This week we discuss not getting better in therapy, when we should give up, and if it's up to us to know what we want to work on in therapy. We will also talk about depression and how to come to terms with it, and how to know if we are burnt out. Ask Kati Anything ep. 243 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. I think I realize why I'm not getting better in therapy. I've been going to therapy for almost 10 years on and off. I don't want to get better. I want someone to save me. Some people may argue that now that you're an adult you have to save yourself. I'm tired of saving myself. I've been saving myself since I was eight years old. I am 29 years old now and struggle with so much self harm including addiction, and disordered eating. I just want someone to scoop me up and save me. How do I stop this mentality? I feel like I'm too old to be doing some of these things to myself. 00:36 2. My counselor told me ‘I can't really help you if you don't bring anything to our sessions'. I have already explained that when I come into a session and she says, ‘what do you want to talk about today?' It stresses me out and I don't know what to say, so a couple of weeks ago I wrote a list of stuff that is the biggest issues I have and stuff that I am finding the most difficult to deal with at the moment and I gave it to her and we went through that for a session so she has an idea of the stuff I want to work on but she continues to ask every week ‘what do you want to talk about today?' 16:23 3. How to deal with (come to terms with, accept) depression? How do I get over feeling so useless, unable to function as an adult??? 19:32 4. I've been in therapy for 3+ years now and I don't know it's getting any better. I've been diagnosed with MDD and although functioning, I can't seem to find joy in my everyday life. I've also spoken to my therapist about it and even told her about my want to stop therapy because I feel like I'm wasting her time. My therapist assured me I'm not wasting her time, and also gently persisted about continuing therapy since therapy is the only consistency right now that doesn't malfunction (note: every other consistent routine doesn't seem to stick even if I tried). What can I do to get out of the rut? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks for all that you do. 24:12 5. Hey Kati, could you possibly talk about burnout? What could it look like? Would someone with depression already be more susceptible to burnout? And why might it be so hard to admit it and get help? I think I am either completely burnt out or close to it. I work a lot of overtime and can't just take a break because I don't have anyone to cover my position (head/only full time chef and kitchen manager at a residential school) I organize the whole week of meals for out students and to be able to take my “normal” days off, it requires so much extra work. I don't know how to stand up for myself, how to rest when I do have small bits of time and even on my days off there are usually texts or calls to answer from work. I'm leaving my job in 6 months but that feels like a long time to just try and hang on. Any information, help or advice would be so appreciated. Thank you for everything. 27:37 6. Why do the Pollyannas keep telling me "it gets better" when it's painfully obvious that it only gets worse? 38:06 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 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

Today I chat with with licensed marriage and family therapist and best-selling author Kati Morton for a deep dive into the fascinating world of birth order and its impact on personality, mental health, and family dynamics. Together, we explore how birth order shapes parenting styles, sibling relationships, and even the way we navigate life's challenges. Kati also shares practical tools for overcoming postpartum anxiety and OCD, offering hope and clarity for new parents. Plus, don't miss her expert tips on setting boundaries and breaking free from people-pleasing—just in time to survive the holiday season with your sanity intact!Her YouTube channel - with over 1.4 million subscribers and 130 million views, has made her a prominent figure in translating complex mental health concepts into accessible language. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Kati talks about child on child abuse, and if being abused as a child means that we will abuse others. She also explains what trauma processing looks like and whether or not talking out our trauma could itself be traumatizing. Finally, she discusses reparenting and what it can look like, why we want to push our therapist away, and how we can process all we have been through. Ask Kati Anything ep. 242 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. Hi Kati, I am wondering if a child who abuses other children will become an adult who abuses children? I ask because my brother (5yrs my senior) molested me from the time I can remember up to about age 5, when his friend took over. He's since moved far away (we are adults now) but has had access to young children. I worry about the safety of those children. Could he really still be abusing children so many years later? 00:42 2. Could you talk about bit about child on child sexual abuse? When is it considered normal child exploration and when is it abuse? And is 4 years old too young for it to be considered abuse? When I was about 4 years old, a boy in my class (who used to bully/tease me sometimes) (also 4) “touched me” (I won't go into the details). He somehow convinced me to let him and... 04:09 3. Can you talk about trauma and processing it? Why do I feel like I have to talk about events in therapy more than once? I already talked about it, why can't it just be a one and done? I shared it once, isn't that enough? 12:28 4. I am wondering why after almost a year in therapy and on the cusp of being honest and opening up about my childhood trauma, I am questioning everything my therapist is doing and trying to push her buttons? I seem to want to put conditions on the things I share or do. I don't mean to do this but can't seem to stop. Is this normal or a part of the process? 16:40 5. I was wondering if you can explain how reparenting is supposed to help? I have done it a few times with my therapist or on my own and it just feels like I'm shoving down my feelings and telling myself it's ok and I'm safe when it's like the opposite of what I'm feeling. Although, when others do it it's helpful. it's just weird because I'm giving myself something that I should or should have gotten from others? Isn't the point of community to get feel good messages? Like how can I be my own parent? My parent wasn't the parent I needed and I can't fill that void. I don't think one person or thing fills that void. I think it's multiple things and relationships. Anyway, I couldn't be my own parent as a kid, so how can I now be one as an adult? I don't know if that makes sense. 21:07 6. How do I emotionally process a lot stuff that happened this year, example doing splits shifts to getting a new job along with family stuff sprinkled in all within a few months and going to a wedding? I've felt like I've been on auto pilot and not dealt with it. 29:14 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support

Compulsions, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and OCD. This week licensed therapist Kati Morton will discuss what compulsions really are, whether our intrusive thoughts can pop up in our dreams, what causes us to develop OCD, and how to better manage the physical symptoms of OCD and anxiety. Ask Kati Anything ep. 241 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. Is it possible that my self harm and self sabotaging behaviors are compulsions? I usually tell myself I'm not deserving of help or nothing is actually wrong in less I engage in x behavior. So then I engage in the behavior and feel almost like self validated but also I feel too ashamed to talk about it and guilty because if that was my thought then is it even real and can't I just stop. And then the cycle continues. It's like I want to stop but I can't because then I think I'm not worthy of getting help but I can't even get help because I think I'm making it all up anyway. It doesn't make any sense but I don't know why I keep getting stuck in the cycle and I don't know how to get out. 00:30 2. Can harm / sexual based ocd intrusive thoughts come up in dreams?? I had a very horrible, sexual based dream and now I'm feeling so much shame. Like what if I like that, what if I'm actually a horrible person. (COMMENT: As an add on. Is the same true for agoraphobia? I dream of getting kidnapped if I go outside or when I am too loud at home alone. However I was also diagnosed with OCD and my compulsions of checking locks is also related to the same fear.) 11:25 3. I had really bad and obvious OCD when I was younger, I think roughly from the age of 5 years old. I didn't have any traumatic event happening to me. Why would a child this young develop OCD? 18:19 4. If you could talk about harm ocd that would be helpful with intrusive thoughts. 25:47 5. Could you talk a bit about physical anxiety? I struggle with anxiety and I feel it super physical, e.g I am dissociating a lot, heart racing, nausea, and my stomach is upset. I've learnt coping skills in therapy how to deal with anxiety but I just feel like the physical part of it is not getting better. I also tried more physical exercises and stuff like that to release the physical energy. I feel physically anxious 24/7 even if there's no reason to be. I am not taking any medication, I tried it in the past but they made me dissociate so much more. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you so much for your help 30:25 #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

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

In this episode of Tiger Milf, Jiaoying talks with therapist Kati Morton. Jiaoying tells Kati about recent problems she has had in her dating life. Jiaoying and Kati discuss how Jiaoying needs to start communicating her needs. Kati and Jiaoying also talk about Jiaoying's recent Bipolar Disorder diagnosis.Follow Jiaoying Summers on social media and get tickets for Tiger Milf Tour!Tour Dates & Tickets

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

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 Instagram 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

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy podcast, Gordon Brewer welcomes Kati Morton, a licensed therapist and YouTube sensation whose channel has become a sanctuary for many seeking mental health support. Kati's journey is unique; she has not only provided education through her videos but also built a thriving online community. Her dedication to fostering a safe and supportive space has allowed individuals to feel connected and seen, even when traditional therapy may feel isolating. Listen in as Kati shares the behind-the-scenes of her YouTube channel, how she balances her online presence with private practice, and why community is essential in the mental health journey. Whether you're a mental health professional or simply curious about how Kati's approach has helped countless individuals, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of connection and the delicate balance between online influence and in-person therapy. Meet Kati Morton Kati Morton, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a highly sought-after public speaker in the field of mental health. Starting with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, she has built a vast & vibrant online community.  Her YouTube channel - with over 1.4 million subscribers and 130 million views, has made her a prominent figure in translating complex mental health concepts into accessible language. Through her dynamic presence on social media and appearances on top-rated shows such as The TODAY Show, Dr. Phil, Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy, E! News, CBS The Doctors, and The Dr. Drew Show, Kati successfully spreads awareness, reduces stigma, and empowers individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. As an accomplished author of two best-selling books "Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health," and “Traumatized: Identify, Understand and Cope with PTSD and Emotional Stress”, Kati's dedication to dismantling barriers to mental health services and fostering a supportive global community is unmatched.  Resources Mentioned In This Episode Read the full show notes here Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Start Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network The Practice of Therapy Community Mental Health Wear TN Kati's Website Kati on Instagram Kati on YouTube

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

EP37 of the Unspoken Words podcast features a discussion between Dr E and Kati Morton, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, author and media personality – on how parents and caregivers can better manage the stress often associated with raising an individual with Selective Mutism.    In this episode, Dr. E and Kati Morton discuss parent and caregiver stress, the importance of self-care for parents and caregivers, why modeling healthy behaviors to your children is so important and more.    --  This podcast was produced by New Edition Consulting (neweditionconsulting.co)  -  Chapters:  (3:47) Strategies & Solutions to Navigate Caregiver Stress (9:32) Tools for Everyday Wellness  (16:24) Importance of Showing Your Children Positive Self-Care Routines (22:20) Understanding Your Emotional Triggers (27:59) Simple Tools for Navigating Your Emotions -  Ask Dr. E a question of your own!  Learn more about the host, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum  Explore our SMart Center success stories!  Get started at the SMart Center  Listen to other Unspoken Words episodes here.  For the best clips from every episode, follow the podcast on Instagram & YouTube  Learn more about CommuniCamp, our 3+ day intensive group treatment and ALL DAY parent training & support program  -  For all podcast inquiries, please contact Dakota Hornak at ⁠dhornak@selectivemutismcenter.org⁠

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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... 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 YouTube: https://www.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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askkatianything/support