Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
What is Complex PTSD (CPTSD), and how does it differ from traditional PTSD or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? In this episode of Ask Kati Anything (Ep. 328), licensed therapist Kati Morton breaks down the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for Complex PTSD, the impact of chronic emotional abuse and neglect, emotional flashbacks, and practical treatment modalities like TF-CBT, EMDR, and DBT.
SPONSOR Thank you to OneSkin for sponsoring today’s episode! Get 15% off OneSkin with the code KATI at oneskin.co/KATI
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction to Complex PTSD & ICD-11 Criteria
01:45 - What Makes PTSD "Complex"? (Judith Herman & Prolonged Trauma)
04:08 - Can Chronic Emotional Abuse, Neglect, or Bullying Cause CPTSD?
12:08 - Big "T" vs. Little "t" Traumas & Resilience
15:15 - Core Differences Between PTSD and Complex PTSD
18:54 - Emotional Dysregulation: Hyper-Arousal vs. Hypo-Arousal
23:20 - Why Trauma Triggers Make You Relive the Past
25:40 - Pete Walker’s Concept of Emotional Flashbacks & Dissociation
29:30 - Negative Self-Concept, Shame & Externalizing Trauma
35:48 - How to Heal When There Was "Never a Before"
41:00 - Childhood Trauma vs. Adult CPTSD
43:30 - How Complex PTSD Affects Relationships & Trust
50:20 - Why We Isolate Even When Craving Connection
54:35 - Complex PTSD vs. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
01:03:00 - What If Your Childhood Doesn't Feel "Traumatic"?
01:10:30 - Effective Treatments: Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR & DBT
01:15:50 - What to Do If Trauma Therapy Isn't Working
Resources I mentioned:apa.org/monitor/2025/03/ce-complex-ptsd
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24881-cptsd-complex-ptsd
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12228083
ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/complex_ptsd.asp
YouTube Community: youtube.com/@Katimorton/community
My main YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/katimorton?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: instagram.com/katimorton
Ask Kati Anything ep. 328 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT
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
If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month)
This is an affiliate link, which means a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you.
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.
#askatherapist #katimorton #askkatianything #oneskinpod
What is Complex PTSD (CPTSD), and how does it differ from traditional PTSD or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? In this episode of Ask Kati Anything (Ep. 328), licensed therapist Kati Morton breaks down the ICD-11 diagnostic criteria for Complex PTSD, the impact of chronic emotional abuse and neglect, emotional flashbacks, and practical treatment modalities like TF-CBT, EMDR, and DBT.
SPONSOR Thank you to OneSkin for sponsoring today’s episode! Get 15% off OneSkin with the code KATI at oneskin.co/KATI
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction to Complex PTSD & ICD-11 Criteria
01:45 - What Makes PTSD "Complex"? (Judith Herman & Prolonged Trauma)
04:08 - Can Chronic Emotional Abuse, Neglect, or Bullying Cause CPTSD?
12:08 - Big "T" vs. Little "t" Traumas & Resilience
15:15 - Core Differences Between PTSD and Complex PTSD
18:54 - Emotional Dysregulation: Hyper-Arousal vs. Hypo-Arousal
23:20 - Why Trauma Triggers Make You Relive the Past
25:40 - Pete Walker’s Concept of Emotional Flashbacks & Dissociation
29:30 - Negative Self-Concept, Shame & Externalizing Trauma
35:48 - How to Heal When There Was "Never a Before"
41:00 - Childhood Trauma vs. Adult CPTSD
43:30 - How Complex PTSD Affects Relationships & Trust
50:20 - Why We Isolate Even When Craving Connection
54:35 - Complex PTSD vs. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
01:03:00 - What If Your Childhood Doesn't Feel "Traumatic"?
01:10:30 - Effective Treatments: Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR & DBT
01:15:50 - What to Do If Trauma Therapy Isn't Working
Resources I mentioned:apa.org/monitor/2025/03/ce-complex-ptsd
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24881-cptsd-complex-ptsd
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12228083
ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/complex_ptsd.asp
YouTube Community: youtube.com/@Katimorton/community
My main YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/katimorton?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: instagram.com/katimorton
Ask Kati Anything ep. 328 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT
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
If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: betterhelp.com/kati (enjoy 10% off your first month)
This is an affiliate link, which means a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you.
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.
#askatherapist #katimorton #askkatianything #oneskinpod
