Épisodes

  • Trauma Therapy Feels Worse Before It Gets Better

    Trauma Therapy Feels Worse Before It Gets Better
    Jan 15 2026
    Today, we are diving deep into the complexities of trauma, connection, and the healing journey. If you’ve ever felt like your therapy progress is backsliding or that you’re becoming more overwhelmed as you open old wounds, this episode is for you. Shopping with our sponsors allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: • Hungryroot - Get 40% off your first box at https://www.hungryroot.com/kati • Hers - Start your personalized journey at https://www.forhers.com/kati 00:45 – The Therapy Balance: Why a therapist shouldn't work harder than the patient to maintain a healthy therapeutic space. 03:55 – Therapist Self-Disclosure: When it is ethical for a therapist to share personal information to benefit the patient. 05:30 – Why Healing Feels Worse: Understanding why trauma processing can lead to a temporary increase in symptoms. 11:01 – Building Coping Skills: How to use coping tools and impulse logs to manage the discomfort of change. 15:24 – Therapist Self-Care: Kati shares how she separates her personal and professional life to avoid burnout. 22:05 – Trauma and Disconnection: Why survivors may feel alienated and how finding relatability can break emotional numbness. 32:13 – Empathic Boundaries: How to stop absorbing other people's emotions while still offering support. 39:54 – Parents and Boundaries: What to do when parents ignore boundaries and why a boundary is about your own actions. 42:07 – Love vs. Limerence: The difference between slow-built intimacy and intense, involuntary obsession. 46:50 – Neurodivergent Marriage: Advice for couples with complex PTSD on discussing triggers and expectations before marriageWhether you are struggling with complex PTSD, navigating a new marriage while neurodivergent, or trying to set boundaries with difficult parents, we’re covering it all today. MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ 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 PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Ask Kati Anything ep. 297 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 min
  • Why You Can’t Stop Betraying Yourself (How to Finally Trust Your Gut)

    Why You Can’t Stop Betraying Yourself (How to Finally Trust Your Gut)
    Jan 8 2026
    Whether you are dealing with childhood trauma and shame, navigating the grief of life transitions after graduation, or learning to trust your instincts after years of self-betrayal, this episode provides practical therapeutic insights for your healing journey. Join us as we explore how to set healthy boundaries, overcome loneliness, and stop the cycle of self-abandonment to build a more authentic relationship with yourself. Kati also discusses the heavy burden of caregiver burnout, the physiological necessity of sleep for mental health, and how to support those struggling with suicidal ideation. In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton answers listener questions and takes a deep dive into the true meaning of forgiveness and how it serves as a tool for personal liberation rather than condoning hurtful behavior. Support the show! Check out our sponsors and exclusive deals: Hero Bread - get 10% off your order when you visit http://hero.co and use promo code KATI at checkout.• OneSkin - skin health products powered by the OS-01 peptide - get up to 30% off OneSkin with the code KATI at https://www.oneskin.co/KATI Timestamps 00:57 - Q1: How can I forgive people who have hurt me deeply? 04:47 - Q2: How do we keep going when we’re exhausted (Caregiver burnout & sleep)? 10:04 - Q3: Suicide prevention: How to help and what society can do. 13:22 - Q4: How to open up about trauma without feeling shame. 17:34 - Q5: Dealing with regret and unemployment after quitting a job. MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY 22:30 - Q6: How to trust yourself and manage triggers. 24:06 - Q6 (Continued): Setting boundaries vs. overreacting. 31:12 - Q7: Moving on and finding routine after graduating high school. 43:06 - Q8: How to trust yourself again after years of self-betrayal. 54:07 - Q9: Navigating loneliness and outgrowing old friendships. Ask Kati Anything ep. 265 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT 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 Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 4 min
  • Why Your Eating Disorder Craves Validation (Is it "Attention Seeking"?)

    Why Your Eating Disorder Craves Validation (Is it "Attention Seeking"?)
    Jan 1 2026
    In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton dives deep into the complex psychology of eating disorders, the lasting "blueprint" of childhood trauma, and why certain coping mechanisms feel impossible to give up. We explore the often-misunderstood need for validation in recovery, the erratic behavior of some therapists, and why mental health struggles can feel like an addictive cycle. Whether you are navigating your own healing journey or trying to understand a loved one, this episode offers professional insight into breaking cycles of shame and finding a path toward a healthier sense of self. Support the show! Check out our sponsor Remi: Get professional quality custom night guards for 80% less than the dentist. Go to https://www.shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 50% off Timestamps 00:00:50 – Kati discusses whether "attention-seeking" in eating disorders is actually a cry for unmet emotional needs from childhood. 00:07:02 q1 – An exploration of why childhood sexual abuse deeply impacts one's psychological foundation and sense of safety. 00:15:54 q2 – Kati explains the addictive nature of self-harm and how to discuss the fear of stopping with a therapist. 00:22:45 q3 – Insight into why a therapist might show inconsistent personalities and how to handle unprofessional boundaries. 00:31:16 q4 – Advice for a student in India facing academic pressure and unsafe living conditions while dependent on family. 00:34:53 q5 – A look at "behavioral activation" and what to do when standard depression treatments and medications haven't worked. 00:39:09 q6 – How OCD can "rob" you of your interests by demanding a level of control that makes joy impossible. 00:44:40 q7 – Why it is common to feel terrified of fully committing to recovery after years of struggling with anorexia. 00:49:09 q8 – A professional breakdown of how therapists ethically intervene when a patient self-harms or dissociates during a session. MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? (JUST RELEASED) https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Ask Kati Anything ep. 295 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 min
  • Can You Heal in the Place That Made You Sick?

    Can You Heal in the Place That Made You Sick?
    Dec 27 2025
    In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton explores a wide range of mental health topics, from the nuances of cognitive distortions to the complexities of healing from long-term trauma. Kati discusses why getting better can feel scary, the realities of psychiatric hospitalizations, and why certain popular therapy modalities like CBT might not be the best fit for everyone. Support the show! Check out our sponsors and exclusive deals: • Remi: Get professional quality custom night guards for 80% less than the dentist. Go to https://www.shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 50% off. • Aura Frames: Give the gift of memories with unlimited photos and videos. Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://www.on.auraframes.com/KATI. Promo Code KATI • Fabletics: Premium activewear for a fraction of the price. Sign up as a new VIP at https://www.fabletics.com/kati to get 80% off everything. Questions: Q 1: Futurizing vs. Catastrophizing Kati defines futurizing as an unrealistically negative view focused solely on the future , while catastrophizing is taking any small issue and making it a big deal in the moment. Q 2: Why Breakthroughs Can Feel Empty or Scary A discussion on why making progress in therapy for complex trauma can lead to an "identity crisis" Q 3: Navigating Higher Levels of Care & Hospitalization Kati explains the difference between voluntary vs. involuntary (5150) holds , what to actually expect inside a psychiatric ward (from "gripper socks" to shared rooms). Q 4: Healing from Therapist Attachment & Goodbyes How to handle the "heartbreak" of a therapeutic relationship ending. Q 5: Dealing with Intense Pre-Therapy Anxiety, Kati explores why some people feel terrified before sessions and offers tips like ritualizing your preparation to calm the nervous system. Q 6: Can You Heal in the Place That Made You Sick? A "tough love" look at why true healing is difficult in an active abusive environment. Q 7: Emotional Numbness and "Logic Brain" on Meds Addressing emotional numbness on psychiatric medication. Q 8: Do You Really Need a Specialist for Eating Disorders? Q 9: Why CBT Often Falls Short for Complex PTSD An explanation of why traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can feel minimizing or invalidating for trauma survivors. 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 MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? (NEW BOOK) https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 11 min
  • I Thought My Life Was Doomed

    I Thought My Life Was Doomed
    Dec 19 2025
    In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed therapist Kati Morton sits down with Tone It Up co-founder and New York Times bestselling author Karena Dawn for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, resilience, and reclaiming one's narrative. Karena opens up to Kati about her "decade of darkness," sharing what it was like growing up with a mother living with paranoid schizophrenia and the emotional toll of a childhood marked by missing persons reports and family chaos. She reveals the pivotal moment in her 20s when she realized she wasn't "destined" to repeat her mother's path and how fitness became the catalyst for her healing. *** Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: • MasterClass | Get up to 50% off at https://www.masterclass.com/KATI • Fabletics | Sign up as a VIP and get eighty percent off at https://www.fabletics.com/kati • Aura | Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/KATI. Promo Code KATI • Remi | Go to shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 55% off a new night guard plus a FREE foam gift that whitens your teeth and cleans your nightguard We also dive into: Reclaiming Tone It Up: Karena discusses the "full circle" journey of buying back her company 100% to lead it with freedom and joy once again. The Big Silence Podcast: Why she started her foundation to break the stigma surrounding mental health in honor of her late mother. Building Mastery: How finishing a triathlon proved to her that she could follow through on her dreams and build a life she loved. Women’s Health: A candid look at perimenopause, brain fog, and the lifestyle shifts like using creatine that help navigate new stages of life. Connect with Karena Dawn: https://www.youtube.com/@toneitup https://www.youtube.com/@the.big.silence My new book is in stores now! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. 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 Disclaimer The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Ask Kati Anything ep. 293 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 min
  • Why You Push People Away When You Need Them Most

    Why You Push People Away When You Need Them Most
    Dec 11 2025
    In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, we dive deep into the complex and often unspoken corners of mental health recovery. We explore the psychology behind why some individuals experience persistent suicidal thoughts without the intent to act and discuss strategies for navigating friendships that inadvertently trigger eating disorder relapses or competition. I also open up about the ethics of plastic surgery when dealing with body dysmorphia , the "push-pull" dynamic in therapy often associated with BPD and attachment wounds , and share my professional perspective on gender-affirming care and the importance of therapeutic support. Finally, we analyze a shocking listener story about a therapist allowing a date in their office, breaking down the major red flags of blurred boundaries. My new book is in stores now! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Get Yours For The Holiday - If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. 00:00 – Intro 00:19 – Why do I have suicidal thoughts but can't act on them? 06:00 – When a friend's passion triggers your Eating Disorder relapse 12:21 – Navigating Anorexia recovery when treatment is denied (NHS & Weight Stigma) 20:06 – CrowdHealth message 21:53 – Plastic Surgery: Confidence booster or Body Dysmorphia? 27:35 – Envisioning suicidal scenarios & struggles with Lithium medication 33:02 – Why do I push my therapist away? (Fear of Abandonment & BPD) 36:36 – OneSkin message 38:13 – AuraFrames message 43:44 – My honest opinion on Gender Affirming Care & the "Affirm First" approach 52:37 – Red Flags: My therapist let me have a date in her office?! Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: • CrowdHealth: get started today for $99 for your first three months using code ASKKATI at https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ • OneSkin: For a limited time, try OneSkin for 15% off using code KATI at https://www.oneskin.co/Kati • Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://www.auraframes.com/KATI Promo Code KATI Ask Kati Anything ep. 292 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/@Katimorton #podcast #psychology #katimorton MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ 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 PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h
  • The Selfish Choice: Childfree Living, Anxiety, and the Fear of Regret

    The Selfish Choice: Childfree Living, Anxiety, and the Fear of Regret
    Dec 4 2025
    Barbara Dunkelman is here to chat about her incredible journey from being a fan to being the voice of Rooster Teeth’s Yang Xiao Long on RWBY. She opens up about the company's unexpected closure, dealing with planning a wedding, and finding relief in a major life change. This deep-dive covers the pressure of chasing trends and the truth about self-worth outside of analytics. We also explore profound personal philosophies, including the 10% vs. 90% rule of reaction , the power of the "Main Character Complex", and the anxiety around personal choices. Barbara and Kati get candid about their shared decision to be childfree, battling societal pressure, and the freedom that comes with fully committing to a life without regret. Plus, learn about her new product line and her D&D podcast, Tales from the Stinky Dragon. My new book is available for pre-order! Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Book Tour: https://katimorton.com/wdikdt-book-tour If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: Aura Frames - use the promo code: KATI at https://auraframes.com/ for $35 off Carver Matte frames Fabletics - 80% off everything for new VIP sign-ups at https://www.fabletics.com/Kati One Skin - use the promo code: KATI for 15% off at https://www.oneskin.co/Kati ⏱️ Timestamps 00:01:32 Moving to Austin: Joining Rooster Teeth and the stressful work visa process. 00:04:14 The early days of RT: Starting as Community Manager when the company was tiny. 00:18:54 Barbara's Anxiety: Starting Always Open and her interest in mental health. 00:23:22 The 10/90 Rule: You have control over how you react to things. 00:25:04 The Main Character Complex: Why everyone is thinking about themselves, not you. 00:28:23 Therapy Search: The challenge of finding the right fit for counseling. 00:44:49 The Scariest Standard: How being exposed to "the best of the best" online affects self-image. 00:46:35 Phone Addiction: Strategies Barbara uses to put her phone in "timeout". 00:47:44 Choosing Childfree: Why Barbara decided against having kids and the pressure to procreate. 00:50:02 Ending the Regret Cycle: Making the decision and committing to it fully. 00:53:01 The "Selfish" Argument: Why choosing your own happiness isn't truly selfish. 01:04:11 The Next Chapter: Retaining the IP for Tales from the Stinky Dragon. 01:06:02 New Venture: Developing her own hair styling cream. 01:08:29 Intentional Travel: Living out their Childfree plans with a trip to Japan More Barbara! Tales from the Stinky Dragon https://www.youtube.com/@stinkydragonpod Barbara's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bdunkelman All Good. No Worries https://www.instagram.com/allgood.noworries Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more Ask Kati Anything episodes every week Ask Kati Anything ep. 291 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/@Katimorton MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, our sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist. Receive 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 13 min
  • Why Do I Feel So Behind? When Everyone Else Seems to Have It Together

    Why Do I Feel So Behind? When Everyone Else Seems to Have It Together
    Nov 27 2025
    In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Kati Morton tackles the core question: Why Do I Feel So Behind? when it seems Everyone Else Seems to Have It Together. We dive deep into the psychological struggles of comparison, isolation, and overcoming trauma.We also address the debilitating internal experience: Are You Experiencing Complex PTSD? and provide clarity on What to Do When Your Brain Relates Everything to Trauma. Finally, we cover motivation loss, asking: Do You Have Anhedonia? and share strategies for Finding Motivation When Everything Feels Boring.‌ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more Ask Kati Anything episodes every week! Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: • MasterClass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50% off. Head over to http://MASTERCLASS.com/KATI for the current offer. • Go to Remi (Custom Night Guards & Dental Solutions) http://shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 55% off a new night guard plus a FREE foam gift that whitens your teeth and cleans your night guard. • Visit https://on.auraframes.com/KATI for an exclusive $45-off Carver Mat - Use promo code KATI at checkout Audience questions & timestamps: 0:00:39 (Q1) Dealing with Friendship Envy. Kati reframes friendship envy as an indicator of what you truly want in life. 0:06:59 (Q2) Recovering from Burnout. The Effort vs. Reward Strategy The key to recovery is assessing where your time and energy go, and then placing boundaries in areas where... My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQIf you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. 0:14:12 (Q3) Moving On After Divorce. Rediscovery of Self Divorce is a huge loss, and therapy is a must. The core focus should be on figuring out who you are again through journaling (like The Artist's Way) and taking solo dates. 0:23:48 (Q4) Ego Death & Transformation. Ego vs. Connection Ego is a protective defense mechanism that, when overactive, can cause resistance, sabotage progress, and impede true connection. 0:30:10 (Q5) Why Everything is a Trigger (Complex PTSD) The listener is triggered by everyday items (like Vaseline) and experiences dissociation due to past sexual abuse by their mother. Kati emphasizes the brain is trying to protect the listener. 0:40:29 (Q6) In Crisis But Don’t Want to 'Bug' Therapist. It's common for crisis feelings and body memories to intensify at night due to fewer distractions. Advice includes using crisis lines (988, 741741) 0:45:34 (Q7) Loss of Motivation (Approaching 70) Anhedonia and Behavioral Activation Lacking enthusiasm (anhedonia) and motivation is a common sign of depression in older adults, often linked to loss of purpose and isolation. 0:50:29 (Q8) Finding the Right Dose The feeling of being "numbed out" or lacking motivation on an SSRI is often due to blunted affect from a dose that is too high, or the wrong medication entirely. Ask Kati Anything ep. 290 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT MY 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 PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 min