Trauma Therapy Feels Worse Before It Gets Better

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