Ask Kati Anything

"Is Therapy Supposed to Feel This Hard?"

Ask Kati Anything

Show Notes

In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton addresses why the healing process often feels more overwhelming after a breakthrough or a new diagnosis. We dive deep into the complexities of adult autism, the physical "freeze" response caused by trauma shame, and the frustration of feeling like your mental health journey has stalled.

Kati also shares her perspective on the evolving role of GLP-1 medications in treating "food noise" and why reaching out for help when you’re "doing okay" is actually the best time for deep therapeutic work. Whether you’re navigating a difficult legal trigger like a parole hearing or searching for meaning in the face of depression, this episode provides grounded, empathetic tools to help you move forward.

Shopping today's sponsor helps support Ask Kati Anything.

ZocDoc - ⁠visit https://www.zocdoc.com/KATI⁠ to find and instantly book a doctor you love today!

Key Topics Covered

Autism & "Standard" Therapy: Why therapy can feel like a performance after an adult diagnosis and how to adapt your sessions. 


The Silence of Shame: How to handle the dissociation and urge to "no-show" after disclosing childhood sexual abuse. 


Coping Skill "Hard Stops": Recognizing when weed or restrictive eating shifts from a survival tool to a barrier in your recovery. 


Social Cues & Connection: Practical advice for "reality testing" interactions and distinguishing between friendly and flirty behavior. 


Maintenance vs. Crisis: Why you don't need to be "doing poorly" to benefit from therapy—and why maintenance work is more effective. 


The Search for Meaning: Navigating depression when traditional treatments like CBT or DBT feel out of reach or ineffective.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More from Ask Kati Anything

Oct 22, 2026

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.

Oct 15, 2026

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.

Oct 8, 2026

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.

Oct 8, 2026

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?

Oct 1, 2026

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.

See all episodes →