Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Today Kati explores the intersection of mental health, neurodivergence, and trauma recovery. From navigating "standard" therapy after an adult autism diagnosis to processing the heavy weight of childhood sexual abuse, we discuss why healing often feels like it's getting harder before it gets easier.
Shopping with our sponsors helps support Ask Kati Anything.
ZocDoc - visit zocdoc.com/KATI to find and instantly book a doctor you love today!
Questions
01:28 - Welcome & Episode Overview: Kati introduces topics including autism, trauma, and identity.
02:37 - Q1: Is Standard Therapy Harmful for Autistic People?: Addressing why therapy feels like a "performance" and how to adapt sessions for neurodivergence.
09:05 - Q2: Dealing with Shame After Disclosing Trauma: Why it’s common to avoid therapy after sharing painful history and how to challenge shame with facts.
17:06 - Special Feature: GLP-1 Medications & Eating Disorders: Kati explains using medication to quiet "food noise" alongside nutritional support.
19:52 - Q3: Safe Spaces & Non-Traditional Self-Expression: Exploring the "why" behind specific comforts—like latex catsuits—and finding safety.
26:17 - Q4: How to Read Social Cues Better: Advice for those struggling with social nuances and "reality testing" with trusted friends.
33:53 - Q5: Do I Have to Be in Crisis to Go to Therapy?: Why "maintenance therapy" when you feel fine allows for the deepest work.
37:08 - Q6: When Coping Mechanisms (Weed & Restriction) Conflict: Discussing why numbing out with substances can freeze trauma recovery.
6:06 - Q7: Facing an Abuser's Parole Hearing: Navigating the "uncontrolled emotions" of legal triggers and the power of storytelling.
53:54 - Q8: Depression & The Search for Meaning: What to do when life feels meaningless and traditional therapies like DBT, ECT, or rTMS are out of reach.
Topics Covered:
• Autism & Therapy: Why "standard" sessions might feel like a performance and how to avoid being pathologized for natural traits.
• Trauma & Silence: Managing the shame, guilt, and dissociation that arise when speaking about past abuse.
• The "Coping Skill" Trap: Analyzing the shift when tools like substance use or restrictive eating stop being helpful and start impeding progress.
• Social Cues & Connection: Practical tips for reality testing social interactions and distinguishing between friendliness and flirting.
Ask Kati Anything ep. 312 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT
MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL youtube.com/@Katimorton
#podcast #psychology #katimorton
MY BOOKS
• Why Do I Keep Doing This? 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.
Today Kati explores the intersection of mental health, neurodivergence, and trauma recovery. From navigating "standard" therapy after an adult autism diagnosis to processing the heavy weight of childhood sexual abuse, we discuss why healing often feels like it's getting harder before it gets easier.
Shopping with our sponsors helps support Ask Kati Anything.
ZocDoc - visit zocdoc.com/KATI to find and instantly book a doctor you love today!
Questions
01:28 - Welcome & Episode Overview: Kati introduces topics including autism, trauma, and identity.
02:37 - Q1: Is Standard Therapy Harmful for Autistic People?: Addressing why therapy feels like a "performance" and how to adapt sessions for neurodivergence.
09:05 - Q2: Dealing with Shame After Disclosing Trauma: Why it’s common to avoid therapy after sharing painful history and how to challenge shame with facts.
17:06 - Special Feature: GLP-1 Medications & Eating Disorders: Kati explains using medication to quiet "food noise" alongside nutritional support.
19:52 - Q3: Safe Spaces & Non-Traditional Self-Expression: Exploring the "why" behind specific comforts—like latex catsuits—and finding safety.
26:17 - Q4: How to Read Social Cues Better: Advice for those struggling with social nuances and "reality testing" with trusted friends.
33:53 - Q5: Do I Have to Be in Crisis to Go to Therapy?: Why "maintenance therapy" when you feel fine allows for the deepest work.
37:08 - Q6: When Coping Mechanisms (Weed & Restriction) Conflict: Discussing why numbing out with substances can freeze trauma recovery.
6:06 - Q7: Facing an Abuser's Parole Hearing: Navigating the "uncontrolled emotions" of legal triggers and the power of storytelling.
53:54 - Q8: Depression & The Search for Meaning: What to do when life feels meaningless and traditional therapies like DBT, ECT, or rTMS are out of reach.
Topics Covered:
• Autism & Therapy: Why "standard" sessions might feel like a performance and how to avoid being pathologized for natural traits.
• Trauma & Silence: Managing the shame, guilt, and dissociation that arise when speaking about past abuse.
• The "Coping Skill" Trap: Analyzing the shift when tools like substance use or restrictive eating stop being helpful and start impeding progress.
• Social Cues & Connection: Practical tips for reality testing social interactions and distinguishing between friendliness and flirting.
Ask Kati Anything ep. 312 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT
MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL youtube.com/@Katimorton
#podcast #psychology #katimorton
MY BOOKS
• Why Do I Keep Doing This? 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.
