Ask Kati Anything

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

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

This week we're be talking about how to go deeper in therapy to explore what it means to be you. We will also discuss why we can often feel like we are exaggerating what we tell our therapist, or think we are making up what we have gone through. We will dig into childhood sexual abuse and why it can be comforting, why hearing about it can sometimes be arousing, and all of the things that can come along with that sort of trauma. I will explain the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder, and when we should reach out for help. We will come up with ways to uphold boundaries with people who don’t respect them, and the effects a near death experience can have on us. Let’s get into those questions! Audience questions for episode 185 of Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast. 1. I’m in therapy for anxiety, self esteem and trauma. We talk about surface things like what happened that week and checking in with symptoms, and other times we... 2. I wanted to ask you why I always feel like I'm over-exaggerating what I tell my therapist. I don't do this on purpose, but after my sessions, I always get really angry at myself because I... 3. Is it normal to fantasize about your childhood sexual abuse to try to find comfort in it? I feel like I’m trying to change the narrative to make it feel less traumatic. 4. Hi kati 😊 what's the difference between disordered eating and an eating disorder and when is it serious enough to ask for help? I've been having some problems with restricting and purging when I do eat more than once a day, but I don't feel like it's bad enough because... 5. How can you set boundaries for people who cross boundaries all the time? Especially if it’s a parent you are struggling with. Luckily I don’t live at home anymore but quitting the relationship/contact completely isn’t an option. I don’t want that. Another question is, how can you not let negativity ruin your mood.6. I have asked this question a number of times and so I really hope this gets picked. I was wondering if anyone has ever told you they had an NDE (near-death experience). If they have, how did you react? What did you say? ***NEW MERCH*** ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Books (in stores now) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://geni.us/Bfak0j ⁠⁠⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy - I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠⁠⁠ PATREON ⁠⁠⁠https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/⁠⁠⁠Consider shopping with our affiliates, all commissions earned help us create new episodes Instacart ⁠⁠⁠⁠instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB⁠⁠⁠⁠ 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.

In this week’s episode we will be talking about coming back from a mental health sabbatical and how to ensure we do it properly without relapsing. We also talk about the relationship between eating disorders and control. Then we dig into the difference between ADHD, Autism, and CPTSD specifically in females, and also how those in the medical and mental health field can deal with triggering situations or patients. We also discuss why we can struggle so much with self compassion and why some of us prefer to switch languages when talking about our struggles. Questions for episode 184 of the Ask Kati Anything podcast 1. Do you have any advice for people getting back into the workforce after a mental health sabbatical? I lost my job as a medical technician late last year due to alcoholism and compassion fatigue. 2. Can you possibly talk about the relationship between eating disorders and control? I guess I’m asking this in regard to the general sentiment that eating disorders are us “controlling what we can.” 3. Kati, can you talk about the difference between ADHD, Autism, and CPTSD in how they might present, specifically in females? 4. I work in the mental health field and action all the incoming referrals however often find them very triggering. I have (stable) bipolar and have self harmed for a long time, anything that mentions self harm really triggers my urges. I feel like such a fraud working in mental health... 5. Can we talk about issues with self compassion…I am currently in a PHP program and have been working on self compassion but I am struggling so much. I cannot help it but so totally hate myself. 6. Is it unhealthy to switch languages in my head to cope? I am not sure that my question is relatable or makes any sense but I do the switch quite often and would love to know your stance. ***NEW MERCH*** ⁠⁠⁠https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠My Books (in stores now) ⁠⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠⁠ https://geni.us/Bfak0j ⁠⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠⁠ http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy - I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠⁠ PATREON ⁠⁠https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/⁠⁠Consider shopping with our affiliates, all commissions earned help us create new episodes Instacart ⁠⁠⁠instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB⁠⁠⁠ 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.

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton dives into negative thought loops and ruminating thoughts. She explains why we can get caught up in them and what we can do to pull ourselves out. She also discusses whether or not we have to dive into the reasons behind our mental health issues to heal, and how to get to a place where we can talk about our past trauma with our therapist. She dives into the ways she knows a patient is dissociating, and how we can have healthy relationships with people who have a mental illness. This and so much more in this week’s episode! Questions for episode 183 of the Ask Kati Anything podcast 1. What makes someone a “complex” case in therapy? Is it a specific diagnosis or cluster of diagnoses? Or is it dependent on how the client presents? 2. My question is about ruminating thoughts and negative thought loops. I constantly find myself in this thought loop in which I’m convinced that I’m lying about my problems to my therapist. I have to then tell myself the facts and use evidence to... 3.Can true long lasting progress be made without talking about the underlying problems that lead to my depression and anxiety? I have been in therapy for a few months now and each week all we discuss which skills or... 4. Do you have any tips for sharing traumatic memories or details (like childhood sexual abuse) with your therapist for the first time? 5. How can you tell if a client is dissociated in session? Like can you see that? And what do you think of the term high functioning anxiety? Can someone with this also dissociate? 6. How do I know whether the way I feel classifies as "depressed" and "anxious" or whether this is just what life feels like for everyone? Maybe living life is just hard, exhausting, and having to fight to get through your days is normal? 7. What's the difference between having social difficulties because of social anxiety and having social difficulties because of ASD and how would I differentiate between just needing to expose myself to social situations and pushing through the anxiety... 8. I wanted to know about how to leave my therapist without her bursting into tears. She has been under a lot of stress lately and has been canceling my appointments. I really need to... 9. How do you maintain friendships with people with mental illness, without it turning into a helping relationship? I have ended friendships simply because it was taking a toll on my mental health as I get texts and calls on... ***NEW MERCH*** ⁠⁠https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/⁠ ⁠⁠⁠My Books (in stores now) ⁠⁠Traumatized⁠⁠ https://geni.us/Bfak0j ⁠⁠Are u ok?⁠⁠ http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy - I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠ PATREON ⁠https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/⁠ Consider shopping with our affiliates, all commissions earned help us create new episodes Instacart ⁠⁠instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB⁠⁠ 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.

Licensed therapist Kati Morton addresses our issues with self-hate, shame, and why we can believe we are unlovable. She walks listeners through the ways we can overcome those beliefs and heal from it. She then explains more about dissociation and freeze states. She dives into what causes them, how our nervous system decides what to do, and what techniques she uses to ground her patients when they are dissociating. Kati also talks about regressing when triggered and why that happens. This and so much more in this week’s episode of Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast. Ask Kati Anything, your mental health podcast episode 182 If you want to support the podcast please check out my affiliate links in the description. If you shop on Amazon, or Instacart please use my links below! Also, BetterHelp offers 10% off your first month when you use my promo code KATI when signing up. Okay, let’s get into today’s questions. 1. Hi Kati, looking for some additional tips to overcome self hate…I have been in counseling for almost 2 months now with anxiety and depression from childhood trauma and neglect. As more and more issues from that start to surface... 2. Is it possible to have full on discussions while dissociating? Sometimes during therapy or other overwhelming situations, I can't remember what was said. Is this dissociation or something else? 3. Could you possibly talk a little bit about age regression, why we may want to and if it can be a healthy coping mechanism? I feel for much of my life I’ve felt this urge, mostly used to self-soothe, but understand that it would be socially unacceptable... 4. I know you have talked extensively about dissociation on here, but what exactly is the difference between dissociation and freezing? Is one harder to manage? Do you intervene differently as a therapist? 5. I wonder if you could talk about how to handle negative thoughts that come up while journaling. So often my journal entries end up filled with anger, frustration, and despair. I hate what comes out and I feel ashamed of writing it. 6. Here’s my question: can flashbacks and dealing with trauma cause regression? Scenario: I’ve been battling a really intense CSA flashback lately. I’ve not had one this persistent or reactive in awhile. I often come out of these flashbacks in a different room... 7. I've always kind of had trouble focusing or keeping my attention on things that I don't really find interesting but lately I feel like it's escalated to a whole new level. I'm diagnosed with depression and anxiety so I know that can be a symptom but I'm finding it really hard to focus on anything, even just scrolling through TikTok...8. What do you do with clients that don't meet the full criteria for any particular diagnosis but have some common symptoms? My therapist says he... 9. I lost my safe person and safe space when I stopped seeing my therapist in May. Even though she made my mental health a lot worse I felt a deep bond with her and I opened up completely to her. Now that I've stopped seeing her I feel so incredibly lost.... *** NEW MERCH DESIGNS *** ⁠https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/ ⁠My Books (in stores now) ⁠Traumatized⁠ https://geni.us/Bfak0j ⁠Are u ok?⁠ http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati PATREON https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Affiliates (consider shopping with our affiliates, all commissions earned help us create new episodes) Instacart ⁠instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB⁠ Amazon ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton⁠ Partnerships Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please Read If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 181 | Your mental health podcast This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains why therapy sessions can go by so quickly and what we can do to better utilize our time in session. She then digs into the reasons we could feel like we aren’t allowed to take up space. If you frequently apologize for just being somewhere, struggle with confidence, or constantly feel like you’re a burden to others, this episode is for you! New Membership Levels Have Opened Up https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton/membership *** NEW MERCH DESIGNS *** https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/ My Books (in stores now) Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati Affiliates (consider shopping with our affiliates, commissions earned help us create new episodes) Instacart instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB Amazon https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Partnerships Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please Read If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 180 | Your mental health podcast This week licensed therapist Kati Morton discusses the long term effects of trauma, and what can happen if we never get treatment for it. She also explains why our mental health symptoms can get worse at night and why we can feel tired when we are depressed. She then shares why touch can be helpful and harmful in therapy and her stance on it. She later talks about why we can sometimes want to feel bad or do certain things for attention. This and so much more in this week’s episode! New Membership Levels Have Opened Up ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton/membership⁠ *** NEW MERCH DESIGNS *** ⁠https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/⁠My Books (in stores now) ⁠Traumatized⁠ https://geni.us/Bfak0j ⁠Are u ok?⁠ http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠ Affiliates (consider shopping with our affiliates, commissions earned help us create new episodes) Instacart ⁠instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB⁠ Amazon ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton⁠ Partnerships Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please Read If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton addresses whether or not our therapist knows when we lie. She also explained why they may call you out on it, and why being honest is important but difficult. She then talks about why therapists are taught to watch body language and notice what their patients do in session or when stressed out. Kati then explores the difference between a body memory and actual physical pain. She also talks about the difference between shock and dissociation and whether or not they can occur at the same time. This and so much more in this week’s episode!Ask Kati Anything ep.179 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Ask Kati Anything ep. 178 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. Do therapists know when their clients are lying, or trying to avoid certain topics? If so, what do you do as a therapist? 2. From your perspective as a therapist, how important is it or, or how much do you pay attention to your clients’ body language during session? I tend to get very anxious and unconsciously begin to fidget or... 3. How do I know if a certain pain is "just" pain or if it is a body memory? What exactly is a body memory when you don't remember anything else and don't have other memories that could explain where it is from? 4. Have you ever had a client who was deaf?!? If they needed an interpreter would the interpreter sign a confidentiality agreement not to disclose any information?!? Have you ever treated someone who was deaf? 5. How does menopause affect your mental health and do you have any tips for how to best deal with all of the changes, physically and emotionally. 6. I am a 54 year old woman diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and ADD. I just recently dislocated my finger, and my question is what is the difference between shock and dissociation? Can you be in shock and dissociate at the same time? 7. Years ago my dad got a new girlfriend after he got separated from my mum. I didn’t have any problem with her other than I didn’t like the fact that she was not my mum. I thought she was actually really nice, but after they got another daughter she started complaining when I... 8. Why do I find it so hard to apologize? For example, when my husband points out a wrong behavior of mine, even if I know he is right, I counter accuse him of something or I get to thinking of everything he has done in the past that hurted me... TIMESTAMPS from  @Lemonady  :) Q1 - 0:25 Q2 - 16:20 Q3 - 33:00 Q4 - 50:30 Q5 - 55:34 Q6 - 1:03:37 Q7 - 1:09:33 Q8 - 1:14:03 KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now) Traumatized   https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok?    http://bit.ly/2s0mULy ...MORE YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@katimorton  & https://www.youtube.com/@OTDM Amazon Suggestions https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton Online Therapy  I do not currently offer online therapy.  My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Business Contact   Linnea Toney  linnea@underscoretalent.com

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton explains what body memories are, if pain can be related to trauma, and what the difference is between a flashback and an intrusive thought. She also explains why we may need to stay on medication for a long period of time, and why we may not notice when we are depressed. She also talks about what we can do if we are struggling to stay present in therapy and talk about the hard stuff, and what we can do to heal from codependency. This and so much more in this week’s episode. Ask Kati Anything ep. 178 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Audience questions: 1. I've heard people say that someone can be unhappy or depressed without realizing it and I've seen it happen. I was wondering if that could happen in the reverse? 2. In one of your videos you mentioned that medication should not be needed forever. How do I know it’s time for me to get off my meds? 3. I’m currently in therapy to process trauma with my ex. My ex was physically, emotionally and sexually abusive, the latter of which has been even more difficult to grapple with due to my faith and perspective on sex... 4. I wondered what your thoughts were on gut feelings about people? I usually get a gut feeling about someone pretty much instantly on meeting them whether they are inherently “good or bad” 5. How do you heal from codependency? 6. I recently started seeing a therapist and I'm starting to develop a crush on him. Is this normal? Should I say something about it? 7. Hi kati, I was just wondering if it's possible to have ptsd from a home invasion/ break in? I talk with my therapist about this but she never says you can have ptsd from it, but when I told her that anytime I hear things that sound like they did that morning it freaks me out and makes me feel like it’s happening again she tells me I’m having a flashback. New Membership Levels Have Opened Up ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton/membership⁠ *** NEW MERCH DESIGNS *** ⁠https://spreadshop-admin.spreadshirt.com/katimorton/⁠ My Books (in stores now) ⁠Traumatized⁠ https://geni.us/Bfak0j ⁠Are u ok?⁠ http://bit.ly/2s0mULy Online Therapy I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist, please visit: ⁠https://betterhelp.com/kati⁠ Affiliates (consider shopping with our affiliates, commissions earned help us create new episodes) Instacart ⁠instacart.oloiyb.net/y2j2GB⁠ Amazon ⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/katimorton⁠ Partnerships Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com Please Read If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call a local emergency telephone number or go immediately to the nearest emergency room.