Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
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.
Whether you are navigating attachment struggles with a therapist, dealing with "emotional numbness" on medication, or trying to understand the difference between future-tripping and catastrophizing, this episode offers practical tools and empathetic insights to help you on your journey.
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 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 on.auraframes.com/KATI. Promo Code KATI
• Fabletics: Premium activewear for a fraction of the price. Sign up as a new VIP at fabletics.com/kati to get 80% off everything.
Timestamps & Questions:
00:01:03 – Question 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. She shares two specific tools—checking the facts and thought-stopping through sensory memories —to pull your brain out of a negative spiral.
00:08:44 – Question 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" and the fear that a therapist might lose interest once a patient is no longer in crisis.
00:18:12 – Question 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) , and the distinction between a locked hospital ward and a residential inpatient program.
00:32:06 – Question 4: Healing from Therapist Attachment & Goodbyes How to handle the "heartbreak" of a therapeutic relationship ending. Kati recommends journaling to process the loss and inner child work to heal the underlying attachment wound.
00:43:31 – Question 5: Dealing with Intense Pre-Therapy Anxiety Kati explores why some people feel terrified before sessions and offers tips like "the full body shake" , dunking your face in cold water , or ritualizing your preparation to calm the nervous system.
00:51:59 – Question 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. Kati emphasizes building resilience and boundaries and creating a plan to eventually leave the situation.
00:56:55 – Question 7: Emotional Numbness and "Logic Brain" on Meds Addressing emotional numbness on psychiatric medication. Kati suggests talking to your doctor and using "detective work" through journaling to reconnect with "whispering" emotions that are no longer screaming.
01:01:24 – Question 8: Do You Really Need a Specialist for Eating Disorders? Kati discusses why the therapeutic relationship is the number one indicator of success. She explains how trauma work often naturally improves eating disorder symptoms when the disorder is used as a coping skill.
01:05:31 – Question 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. Kati highlights why DBT, EMDR, or Somatic Experiencing are often more effective alternatives.
Ask Kati Anything ep. 294 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT
**** MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL youtube.com/@Katimorton
MY BOOKS
Why Do I Keep Doing This? (NEW BOOK) geni.us/XoyLSQ
Traumatized geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? geni.us/sva4iUY
CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP
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: 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.
#podcast #psychology #katimorton
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.
Whether you are navigating attachment struggles with a therapist, dealing with "emotional numbness" on medication, or trying to understand the difference between future-tripping and catastrophizing, this episode offers practical tools and empathetic insights to help you on your journey.
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 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 on.auraframes.com/KATI. Promo Code KATI
• Fabletics: Premium activewear for a fraction of the price. Sign up as a new VIP at fabletics.com/kati to get 80% off everything.
Timestamps & Questions:
00:01:03 – Question 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. She shares two specific tools—checking the facts and thought-stopping through sensory memories —to pull your brain out of a negative spiral.
00:08:44 – Question 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" and the fear that a therapist might lose interest once a patient is no longer in crisis.
00:18:12 – Question 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) , and the distinction between a locked hospital ward and a residential inpatient program.
00:32:06 – Question 4: Healing from Therapist Attachment & Goodbyes How to handle the "heartbreak" of a therapeutic relationship ending. Kati recommends journaling to process the loss and inner child work to heal the underlying attachment wound.
00:43:31 – Question 5: Dealing with Intense Pre-Therapy Anxiety Kati explores why some people feel terrified before sessions and offers tips like "the full body shake" , dunking your face in cold water , or ritualizing your preparation to calm the nervous system.
00:51:59 – Question 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. Kati emphasizes building resilience and boundaries and creating a plan to eventually leave the situation.
00:56:55 – Question 7: Emotional Numbness and "Logic Brain" on Meds Addressing emotional numbness on psychiatric medication. Kati suggests talking to your doctor and using "detective work" through journaling to reconnect with "whispering" emotions that are no longer screaming.
01:01:24 – Question 8: Do You Really Need a Specialist for Eating Disorders? Kati discusses why the therapeutic relationship is the number one indicator of success. She explains how trauma work often naturally improves eating disorder symptoms when the disorder is used as a coping skill.
01:05:31 – Question 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. Kati highlights why DBT, EMDR, or Somatic Experiencing are often more effective alternatives.
Ask Kati Anything ep. 294 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT
**** MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL youtube.com/@Katimorton
MY BOOKS
Why Do I Keep Doing This? (NEW BOOK) geni.us/XoyLSQ
Traumatized geni.us/Bfak0j
Are u ok? geni.us/sva4iUY
CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP
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: 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.
#podcast #psychology #katimorton
