エピソード

  • Am I Being Manipulative? A Therapist Explains How to Tell

    Am I Being Manipulative? A Therapist Explains How to Tell
    2026/10/22
    Am I being manipulative, or am I just expressing how I feel? Licensed therapist Kati Morton answers 10 questions about emotional manipulation, guilt-tripping, the silent treatment, and healthy communication in relationships. Is crying during an argument manipulative? Can you manipulate someone without realizing it? What’s the difference between setting a boundary and giving an ultimatum? SPONSOR - Thank you to Hero Bread for sponsoring this episode! Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to https://www.hero.co/ and use code KATI at checkout In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, we explore those uncomfortable questions, including how childhood communication patterns can follow us into adult relationships. We also discuss reassurance seeking, relationship anxiety, and why having borderline personality disorder (BPD) doesn’t automatically make someone manipulative. I share some of my own struggles with withdrawing when I’m hurt, along with practical ways to ask for what you need, take space without shutting someone out, and repair a relationship when you’ve caused hurt. Recognizing a behavior gives us something to work on. It doesn’t have to become who we think we are. CHAPTERS 00:00 Am I being manipulative? 01:02 What actually counts as manipulation? 08:06 Can manipulation happen without planning it? 16:21 Expressing hurt vs. guilt-tripping 24:06 Is crying during an argument manipulative? 29:24 Taking space vs. the silent treatment 32:31 Reassurance seeking and relationship anxiety 35:22 Am I repeating my parent’s guilt-tripping patterns? 38:40 BPD, fear of abandonment, and manipulation 43:22 Healthy boundaries vs. controlling ultimatums 47:55 What if I recognize these behaviors in myself? 51:24 Four questions to help break the pattern 53:30 How to apologize and repair a relationship What’s something you’re learning to ask for directly instead of hoping someone will figure it out? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear what’s helping you communicate differently. 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 If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: https://betterhelp.com/kati This is an affiliate link, a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Substack https://substack.com/@katimorton1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ 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. 337 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 分
  • Therapeutic Relationship: Does My Therapist Actually Care About Me

    Therapeutic Relationship: Does My Therapist Actually Care About Me
    2026/10/15
    Does your therapist actually care about you, or are they just good at their job? Licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton answers 10 of your most vulnerable questions about the therapeutic relationship, including a few you might be too embarrassed to ask. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR Get 15% off the new OS-01 FACE Rich cream from OneSkin with code KATI at http://oneskin.co/KATI We cover why therapy feels so one-sided, whether your therapist thinks about you between sessions, what to do when you feel attached to your therapist (or think you love them), why lying to impress your therapist is worth bringing up, how ruptures and repair work, and why your therapist can’t become your friend after therapy ends. Kati also covers what it’s like to graduate from weekly therapy, and how to ask your therapist the question that scares you most: “Do you care about me?” If something in this episode feels familiar, bring it to your next session. In therapy, the uncomfortable stuff is often the most useful information you have. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro: is the therapeutic relationship real? 00:51 Q1: Is my therapist’s care real if I’m paying her? 05:39 Q2: Why does she know everything about me when I know nothing about her? 11:35 Why I say “patient” 13:19 Q3: Does my therapist think about me between sessions? 17:45 Q4: Why am I so attached to my therapist? (transference explained) 25:07 Q5: I lied to my therapist to impress her 29:36 Q6: My therapist said something that made me angry (ruptures and repair) 36:29 Q7: I think I love my therapist 42:18 Q8: Why can’t we be friends after therapy ends? 46:04 Q9: I’m finishing therapy, so why am I devastated? 50:40 Q10: Can I ask my therapist if they care about me? 53:10 Final thoughts MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Erotic transference https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuF9IHzVets Ending therapy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NxMtG4Jp98 Kati Morton is a licensed marriage and family therapist. This video is for educational purposes and does not replace individual therapy or medical care. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 in the US, or contact your local emergency services. MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw/join ONLINE THERAPY (10% off your first month) If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: https://betterhelp.com/kati This is an affiliate link, which means a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Substack https://substack.com/@katimorton1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ 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. 336 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 分
  • What Does Psychosis Actually Feel Like? (Separating Fact vs. Fiction)

    What Does Psychosis Actually Feel Like? (Separating Fact vs. Fiction)
    2026/10/08
    Understanding psychosis can feel overwhelming, but separating myths from facts helps remove the fear. In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton breaks down what psychosis actually is, how delusions and hallucinations develop, and what recovery looks like. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Psychosis and Common Misconceptions 01:47 Does Having Psychosis Mean You Have Schizophrenia? 07:07 What Does Psychosis Actually Look Like? (Hallucinations & Delusions) 14:09 Breaking Down the DSM Criteria for Schizophrenia EPISODE SPONSOR: Looking for specialized trauma therapy? Learn more about Rebound: https://hellorebound.com/askkatianything 19:30 Hearing Your Name vs. Experiencing Real Psychosis 24:12 Grief-Induced Perceptions vs. Psychotic Episodes 27:56 What Is the Brain Doing During a Delusion? 39:59 Can Sleep Deprivation, Stress, or Drugs Cause Psychosis? 48:26 Memory Gaps and Trauma Memories During Psychosis 56:15 How to Respond to Someone Experiencing Paranoia 58:34 Is Violence Common in Psychosis? (Media vs. Reality) 01:00:52 How to Help Someone Who Lacks Insight Into Their Illness 01:03:30 Full Recovery, Early Intervention, and Managing Relapse Fear MY BOOKS ⁠Why Do I Keep Doing This? ⁠ ⁠Traumatized⁠ ⁠Are u ok?⁠ ONLINE THERAPY - Enjoy 10% off your first month If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional. A portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Substack https://substack.com/@katimorton1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ 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. 335 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 15 分
  • What Is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)?

    What Is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)?
    2026/10/08
    What Is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)? Do you struggle to make decisions without someone else’s approval? Do you constantly seek reassurance, fear being alone, or stay in unhealthy relationships because the thought of leaving feels terrifying? In this episode of the Ask Kati Anything Podcast, licensed therapist Kati Morton takes a deep dive into Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD). We explore the official DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, how DPD differs from anxious attachment, codependency, and borderline personality disorder (BPD), why DPD develops, and practical steps to rebuild self-trust and confidence. EPISODE SPONSOR Specialized virtual trauma treatment is available through Rebound. Founded by survivors and psychologists, Rebound provides clinically effective trauma therapy covered by leading insurance plans: https://hellorebound.com/askkatianything Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction: Understanding Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) 01:31 - Q1: Am I Needy, Depressed, Traumatized, or Is It DPD? (DSM-5 Criteria) 10:30 - Q2: Capable at Work, But Indecisive at Home (Capability vs. Self-Trust) 15:15 - Q3: Asking Multiple People Before Making Decisions: Advice vs. Permission 18:54 - Advice vs. Reassurance: Finding What You Really Think 20:42 - Q4: Backtracking During Disagreements & Fear of Conflict 24:00 - Q5: Why Staying in Bad Relationships Feels Safer Than Being Alone 29:31 - Q6: Urgently Jumping Into Rebound Relationships 35:40 - Q7: DPD vs. Anxious Attachment, Codependency, BPD & Avoidant PD 44:33 - Q8: Where Does DPD Come From? (Genetics, Childhood, Overprotective Parenting) 53:32 - Q9: Why Does Reassurance Never Feel Like Enough? (The Reassurance Cycle) 56:31 - Q10: Transferring Dependency onto Your Therapist 01:02:03 - 5 Actionable Steps to Build Self-Trust and Overcome DPD MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? Traumatized Are u ok? ONLINE THERAPY - Enjoy 10% off your first month If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: https://betterhelp.com/kati - a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Substack https://substack.com/@katimorton1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ 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. 334 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 8 分
  • What Is a Trauma Bond? Signs of an Abusive Relationship

    What Is a Trauma Bond? Signs of an Abusive Relationship
    2026/10/01
    What is a trauma bond, and why is it so hard to leave an unhealthy relationship even when you know you deserve better? In this episode, licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton breaks down what trauma bonds actually are, why intermittent reinforcement and the "hope trap" keep us stuck, and how to finally break free. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Trauma Bonds 02:39 Shared Trauma vs. Trauma Bonds 08:22 Why You Can Miss Someone Who Treated You Terribly 12:51 Intermittent Reinforcement and the "Casino" Effect 22:10 Can You Genuinely Love Someone Who Hurts You? 26:42 Trauma Bond vs. Anxious Attachment vs. Codependency 32:55 Why Do We Keep Going Back? 39:59 Why Leaving Feels Worse at First (Cognitive Dissonance) 46:36 Childhood Trauma and Vulnerability 49:08 Grief, the Death of the Dream, and Practical Autonomy 53:03 Is "No Contact" Always Necessary? (Safety First) 56:30 How to Actually Break a Trauma Bond 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! If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: https://betterhelp.com/kati This is an affiliate link, which means a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Substack https://substack.com/@katimorton1 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ 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. 334 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 13 分
  • Avoidant Personality Disorder: Why You Think You’re Better Off Alone

    Avoidant Personality Disorder: Why You Think You’re Better Off Alone
    2026/09/17
    Are you constantly craving connection but terrified of rejection? Avoidant Personality Disorder (AvPD) goes beyond typical shyness or introversion—it can keep you trapped in a cycle of loneliness and an intense fear of judgment. In this video, we explore the distinct symptoms of AvPD, how it heavily overlaps with social anxiety, and why someone might desperately want friends but actively avoid them. We discuss how this pervasive pattern develops, the role of a negative cognitive bias, and the practical steps and therapies (like CBT and Schema Therapy) that can help you finally build meaningful, lasting relationships. ✨ EPISODE SPONSORS OneSkin: Get 15% off scientifically backed peptide skincare with code KATI at https://oneskin.co/kati Hero Bread: Enjoy 10% off high-protein, high-fiber baked favorites with code KATI at https://hero.co 🎙️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 What is Avoidant Personality Disorder? 04:08 The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for AVPD 10:08 What makes AVPD a personality disorder rather than just a preference? 16:50 Social Anxiety vs. Avoidant Personality Disorder 23:56 Avoidant Personality Disorder vs. Avoidant Attachment 27:08 Why we automatically assume people won't like us 32:16 Skipping opportunities and making your world smaller 36:49 The paradox of canceled plans and sudden loneliness 40:18 Where does Avoidant Personality Disorder come from? 46:58 The struggle of needing proof before letting people in 50:15 Is it fear of rejection or a negative cognitive bias? 54:15 Why avoidance feels safe but costs you deep connections 56:12 CBT, Exposure, and Schema Therapy for treating AVPD 1:00:18 Can you fully recover from a personality disorder? 📚 KATI'S 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 If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: https://betterhelp.com/katiEnjoy 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. 📱 CONNECT WITH KATI Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/katimorton?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Substack: https://substack.com/@katimorton1 Patreon: https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ 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 時間 5 分
  • What Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Actually Looks Like (OCD)

    What Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Actually Looks Like (OCD)
    2026/09/10
    Are disturbing intrusive thoughts a sign of OCD, or are they just severe anxiety? Licensed therapist Kati Morton explains how Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is clinically diagnosed, why common expressions like Pure O and taboo obsessions are frequently misdiagnosed, and how to tell the difference between tidy preferences and true compulsions. Learn the neuroscience behind the obsessive-compulsive cycle, why constant reassurance backfires, and how exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy helps you break the loop. SPONSOR Specialized virtual trauma treatment is available through Rebound. Founded by survivors and psychologists, Rebound provides clinically effective trauma therapy covered by leading insurance plans: https://hellorebound.com/askkatianything PUBLISHED 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 If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: https://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) SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Substack https://substack.com/@katimorton1 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ BUSINESS INQUIRIES Linnea Toney linnea@underscoretalent.com 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. #OCD #MentalHealth #AskKatiAnything Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 7 分
  • Signs You’re Dealing with the Dark Triad (Psychopath, Narcissist, or Machiavellian?)

    Signs You’re Dealing with the Dark Triad (Psychopath, Narcissist, or Machiavellian?)
    2026/09/03
    What is the Dark Triad, and how can you tell if you’re dealing with a narcissist, a psychopath, or someone high in Machiavellianism? In this episode, licensed therapist Kati Morton breaks down the core traits of dark triad personalities, the key differences between them, and the common myths surrounding manipulation and empathy. You'll learn the 6 telltale signs of interacting with someone who has dark traits, what the psychological "D-factor" really means, and whether people with these patterns can truly change. Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction to the Dark Triad 01:02 - Is the Dark Triad a Diagnosis or Framework? 02:13 - Trait Narcissism Explained 04:22 - What is Machiavellianism? Origins & 5 Core Traits 12:42 - Psychopathy vs. Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) 19:15 - Key Differences: Impulse Control & Dark Triad Overlap 23:26 - 6 Signs You’re Interacting With a Dark Personality 35:09 - The "D-Factor": Are We All a Little Manipulative? 42:54 - Myth 1: Are Dark Personalities More Charming & Attractive? 46:53 - Myth 2: Do Psychopaths Make Great CEOs? 49:23 - Myth 3: Is Sadism Part of the Dark Triad? (The Dark Tetrad) 50:58 - Can Psychopaths Feel Empathy? Cognitive vs. Affective Empathy 54:54 - Nature vs. Nurture: Can Dark Traits Change Over Time? 1:01:10 - How to Protect Yourself & Set Boundaries MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? Traumatized Are u ok? SOCIAL X https://twitter.com/KatiMorton TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton Facebook https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katimorton Substack https://substack.com/@katimorton1 Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ Patreon https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ ONLINE THERAPY If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: https://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. Ask Kati Anything ep. 330 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 時間 4 分