Is TRAUMA THERAPY possible if we DISSOCIATE? | Kati Morton

[@ryanliberty]

Dissociation used to be my worst symptom. I thought I was always tired and unmotivated. I thought it was a diet problem or a medical condition. Once I learned that it was dissociation everything changed. It was now something I could work on and now it's barely even a problem. Thanks for the video!

[@Katimorton]

I am so glad that knowing what it was has helped and it's not a problem for you anymore! Thank you for sharing your experience with this!! xoxo

[@jrg305]

I still dissociate. 7 yrs into therapy. I have days I am just very not productive.

[@301larussomusic]

Any advice?

[@tannerbrandon5211]

Anyway to contact you

[@larrybruno9016]

Symptom of what

[@ThaMrJoker88]

My therapist always used to blind side me with really side ways questions that had nothing to do with what we were doing in a session to bring me back to the room if I started to disassociate I'd be talking about something really uncomfortable starting to space it and she'd be like what did you have for breakfast this morning or what music were you listening to in the lobby and be like "wait what" and then I'd be out of auto pilot because I'd have to think about the question

[@kayleighgarrett6369]

Mine does the same thing.

[@bashyre6877]

is it good or bad thing what she was doing? I might have similar habit of dissociating, so id like to know if I can use to do it by myself

[@stefyguereschi]

THAN DR.ALEXIA FOR POSITIVE EXPLANATION 👏👏

[@stellafoster4732]

Dr. Alexa seems like an amazing therapist and an amazing person!

[@Katimorton]

She really is :) xoxo

[@michaelataylor7314]

I have depersonalization disorder and I've been doing EMDR therapy for quite a while now and it has been really effective so far! I would definitely recommend it to people with dissociation disorders that resulted from trauma.

[@cipriancid4171]

hI Michaela . How many session of EDMR you have done until you got rid of depersonalisations ?

[@silverbroom02]

Michaela Taylor Maybe not all dissociative disorders though... I think sometimes it's actually not recommended. I personally found it to do more harm than good.

[@michaelataylor7314]

Unfortunately Depersonalization is something I've been dealing with for about 4 years now. I've been to many sessions of EMDR. Although I am still dealing with the Depersonalization, it has definitely helped me move past some of the underlying causes. There is still a lot of work to be done for me but everyone is different! Just work at your own pace and just know that things can get better!

[@Katimorton]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with this!! So glad it has been helpful for you :) xoxo

[@cipriancid4171]

Hi Amy. What do you mean that it can do more harm than good. In what way and for wich kind of dissociative disorders. It is very important to see your story because I am a suferer of DP and I started with EDMR 2 weeks ago. Did anyone know how to heal from this disorder ? Medications ? It is a third time in my life I have to deal with dp . First was 17 years ago when I was 21 years old , It took 6 months to get rid of it ,just suddenly dissapeared but I was very traumatised. Then second time it came again 8 years ago and it gone after half year and medication with Sertralin. Now after 8 years I have it again after a very stresful period. Somebody please help me to give me some advice how to end up with this disorder for good.

[@Tinyflower1]

I was always misdiagnosed, Emotional Unstable Personality Disorder Borderline Type then the same with Impulsive type, then one that says no signs of borderline at all and I actually have Anxious Avoidant Personality Disorder, then when I finally saw a trauma therapist and a psychiatrist (both working at a centre for trauma and dissociation) and got the courage to mention my symptoms and things like that, after a while, I got diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. And only since I got the right therapy, things are finally slowly improving. So yes, if you deal with any kind of dissociation, from my experience, a trauma therapist is probably best for that

[@theyoungadvocate7797]

Kati's videos are the only things that make me happy on Mondays.

[@Katimorton]

Yay!! xoxo So glad I can brighten your day :) xoxo

[@WoodlandT]

Your colabs with Alexa just keep getting better! I love this series!

[@Katimorton]

Oh yay! I am so glad :) xox

[@romancingthepassport397]

Awesome video. Dissociative symptoms are so frustrating, like walking around in a "fog" when things get overwhelming or being on constant autopilot. Fortunately my situation has improved dramatically over the years, but it still rears its ugly head now and then.

[@like90]

I had EMDR therapy for my postpartum depression and that's when I found out that I disassociate due to childhood trauma. EMDR was great for me because I didn't have to talk as much. It was slow going at first, but it has helped me a lot.

[@maggie0285]

I literally feel like I have lived my entire life in the dark. Because of dissociation I wonder how much I missed?

[@LDrosophila]

This is how I feel

[@notorious-00j99]

I feel you my friend. It’s a difficult thing to deal with. Sometimes it makes me question my own memories...

[@jayatimehta1270]

I feel the same, it's painful to even think about this

[@rebeccarussell4048]

Same… I feel like 25 years… I feel like my abusers should have to pay for my therapy 😥

[@ThatgirlLondon.]

Same I felt like this for 13 yrs a really long time..

[@MarinaDoulis]

One thing my therapist does to help with dissociation during trauma therapy is she gets me to stand on workout balance equipment, so I have to try and balance, and when I start to dissociate I'll lose my balance and it keeps me present

[@HyacinthArmor]

Could you please please please cover dissociation *and* CPTSD ? I don't know what to do anymore.

[@zain4019]

Alexa seems so happy and kind it’s so nice to see:)

[@knowyourworth855]

I'm just beginning trauma therapy and these videos have been extremely helpful. Thanks Kati & Alexa!

[@Katimorton]

Yay! I am so glad you are finding them helpful :) xoxo

[@hellomelissasue]

I have had an EXTREMELY hard time finding a counselor who can help with dissociation. I have had counselors tell me they can't treat me. I have been to five since I moved here last year. I am so glad they tell me that they aren't qualified, but I sure wish I could find someone qualified! It is a scary feeling when you have done so much to help yourself, but yet you feel like something is really wrong with you because you can't find a counselor specialized enough in trauma and dissociation. I found one counselor, but she is only out of pocket. I am probably going to have to try to figure out how I could pay that. I live in the Orlando area you would think there would be a lot of qualified counselors or psychologists here! Any advice on how to find someone that is qualified?

[@cellogirl11rw55]

hellomelissasue If you're worried about cost, you can always submit your therapy bills to your insurance company yourself.

[@madisonmcelroy]

I just have to say I'm in the same boat right now. Been to multiple providers (who have has specific trauma-experience/training and now) and it gets to a point where they can't treat me or I am dissociating so much it's completely useless for me to be there. I COMPLETELY feel the same way about feeling like I do all I can to be better but it's not enough but no one can help me. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone.

[@pumielotusflower9063]

Vera house is an excellent free source of trauma therapy

[@pumielotusflower9063]

Madison McElroy try vera house and if you don't have a Vera house in your town you can call them and they will help u find a trauma therapiat

[@indi5618]

You should really consider looking into the book Unshame, which talks about dissociation in trauma therapy for those with DID and is a fabulous resource for those who dissociate, those with DID and therapists themselves with any traumatised clients. Some of us can't feel safe or and not dissociated, being told that we have to do the unachievable creates shame and significant barriers to healing. The book discusses how it is absolutely possible to work with someone who dissociates, even while they are doing it in the session and still give deeply powerful and healing therapy experiences. My experiences would back this up as well, to be honest. Grounding is inherently triggering, mindfulness can outrightly put us in hospital, EMDR was at best unhelpful and usually just downright dangerous for us, but the talk based trauma work I've done (through intense dissociation) allowed me to heal enough to lower it in my daily life, the exact opposite way as is being described here. If I was told to stop dissociation before trauma work, I would never be able to attend therapy. But therapy is what I need. It really depends on how the therapist is present with their client and able to stay with them through their experiences, even when it becomes difficult, awkward or uncomfortable for the therapist. The power that comes from them being present with the client through this, is intensely healing. Moreover, without shaming (even if that's not your intention), your client for something they likely can't control it will help therapy progress far, far better. This video is actually really disappointing to me as it only looks at this one view without even discussing any other points. It reinforces some really common negative views held by certain trauma therapists that can be harmful for some people's experiences and hindrance not only during sessions but to ever to accessing services themselves.

[@abbyrivers9971]

Agree, same here. Keep on working with your therapist I even tot to the point that I integrated and solist done with all my traumatherapy 😁 IT can indeed work even if the client is dissociating, and EMDR and hypnosis-, therapyform is of van be either nog working to Being very damaging.

[@elleoneiram]

Interesting--I have emotionally dissociated, but it didn't feel the way a lot of people describe dissociation. I can clinically describe really upsetting things or what I was thinking at different times, but it's really hard to connect that to my emotions and body. It's a coping mechanism I was taught since birth. But... I don't think it's the best way to cope!

[@glitteryfairy5893]

All these videos are coming out at the perfect time! Im starting trauma therapy in a week! Thankyou both x

[@emmal2638]

Glitteryfairy hi I was just wondering, how did you get that type of specific therapy? I really hope yours has started off well!!

[@glitteryfairy5893]

Emma Smith hi! I live in the UK and we have something called the NHS (national health service) so free health care etc, they also have free mental health services (unfortunately theres loads of funding cuts so they are running out of money) - if you live in the UK too you can go to your doctor and ask to be put on a waiting list, describe your symptoms and stuff, and they will send you for a psychological assesment to see what treatment is best for you! The bad thing about that is the waiting list is very long. If you live in the USA, go onto the website 'psychology today' and type in your state, and loads of therapists will come up- if you look at their pages it will say what type of therapy they give, look for trauma therapy in the description- also if you have insurance check to see if your insurance covers that type of therapy! If not im afaid you will have to pay for each session. If you live somewhere else im so sorry i dont know how, but google is great for finding things like that out xx best of luck!!

[@hellomelissasue]

Thank you so much Dr. Alexa!!! You are so intelligent and am so excited to be able to learn from you. Hope to find a counselor like you soon.

[@Katimorton]

Yay! So glad you enjoyed her! xoxo

[@doggie15rat]

My therapist has been super awesome about this. I get super anxious around certain topics and just freeze so she would just say, "ok, let's stop. Let's look around the room and find everything that's red. Now find everything that's green." And we do that until I can calm down. I find the best thing is stopping immediately when you feel even the slightest bit of anxiety (or I guess it could work with dissociation too) and then calming down, and then getting back into it.

[@Katimorton]

Yes!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and what works for you :) So helpful! xoxo

[@crazycat1166]

I have suddenly realised why I came to a standstill in talking therapy. I didn't know dissociation was about talking about traumatic situations feeling like it has happened to someone else. So many people have said that when I'm talking about trauma it's descriptive but my emotional signals I'm giving don't seem to match the seriousness of the trauma. Think I now need to look into specific trauma therapy. Thanks to the video

[@301larussomusic]

Its tough to remember a lot because its hard to be in the moment.

[@alexc2265]

Exactly, and how well you remember is exactly a function of how well you pay attention

[@TheMarjorieAnne]

I got more out of what Alexa said in this video than the 3 therapists i've seen over the years. No one understands that despite being able indentify triggers and understanding where they come from, i can't cope. I'm waiting for specialist trauma thereapy here in the UK, and im so worried that it will be the same story all over again, because i consiously and subconsiously hide my distress, and dissociate people see me as coping/managing or at worst avoiding being helped. I'm in such a bad place right now, i fee like i can't make anyone understand that theres really something wrong with me.

[@emmal2638]

Marjorie-anne Gardiner hey Marjorie, I just read your comment and that sounds exactly like my ordeal. Can I ask, have you been given your therapy yet?

[@emmal2638]

Marjorie-anne Gardiner and I understand where you're coming from completely, I have had 2 lots of counselling, CBT and I went on a course for something but I never understood why none of it was helping. Little did I know I was going through DP/DR and PTSD. That is why none of it was helping. Whilst all of that was happening in the midst of everything else, I was hiding all my emotions, withdrawing from everybody and totally lost myself and to this day I still do not recognise myself in the mirror. Another question, do you have that model in your life, someone you go to about everything and truly trust and connect with? This is equally important as getting the therapy I have found

[@TheMarjorieAnne]

I woudn't say i have that person no, i never have unfortunately, i cannot let people in enough to develop that kind of trusting bond. It's nice to know i'm not alone though. I have not started therapy yet no, but i've been told im the top of the waiting list now, so im just waiting for someone to finish up i guess.

[@emmal2638]

Marjorie-anne Gardiner well I wish you all the best. I'm sure you are truly someone worth getting to know. But you will discover that with time and your great qualities will be something you can use to your advantage one day! This kind of therapy (trauma therapy) sounds exactly what we both need. Don't loose hope, I can already tell you're extremely beautiful

[@emmal2638]

Ps if you ever need someone to chat to, I'll be here!!

[@im19ice3]

i lover her voice, she's so calming

[@GlenHunt]

So you know Dissociation? It's my best friend, or so it seems. We spend a lot of time together. My trauma therapist and I have found a way for her to "join" me wherever it is that I go when I dissociate in her office, so it's not a totally useless, defensive check-out. I'm pretty astute and step outside myself often in order to analyze dispassionately, but I really don't know how we developed this; I'm sure she knows, though. So yeah, in my experience as a client who is an adult survivor of chronic childhood trauma, it is possible to make progress in trauma therapy even when dissociation is a regular thing.

[@scottbower6446]

I live in the UK and I had a CBT group therapy where I'd dissociate. My therapist used to keep telling me "come back into the room, stay present" and I used to reply " I don't even know what that means" because I genuinely don't, I was never taught how to be present, or make myself present. Makes me wonder if I've been living my whole life in DP/DR due to childhood trauma and its just worsened significantly lately. Then again someone with DP would say that... stupid philosophizing ha!

[@jeannetten.whalen3260]

Thank you for this video. I've wonder for the last few years why I couldn't find a therapist I've liked in years. This is what treatment I went through and it was amazing.

[@oliviaclink7852]

I am probably too late to this party... but wanted to say- I've been doing trauma therapy for 2 years now and am finally able to stay present in sessions! It has been a long and hard road but so soo worth it! I hope to see more videos with you both, it has been so helpful and encouraging!

[@rosej5029]

I'm surprised they didn't talk about health insurance not covering a visit to a trauma specialist and without the coverage a trauma specialist usually charges minimum $100/hour and up. That's been my experience. I have Medicare and Medicaid and the specialists don't take either.

[@Kitsaplorax]

True. Cruel, but true. I wish there were something, anything available.

[@odonnelln]

Feels like someone else is the perfect explanation for how it feels!!!!!

[@sarah-janemelnychuk541]

My Counsellor used the term disassociation in session. He was talking and I just zoned out. I’m seeing this Counsellor because of a severe motor vehicle accident I somehow survived. I guess I disassociated. While I had these symptoms a couple times throughout my life I never really knew what it was until today… only because it seems to make that brief experience understood. I have an anxiety disorder to begin with. When I sense something is off I move into a grounding exercise. I will focus on how my body feels. I will also try and focus on something visually. Normally Normally I can make like I never happened because it’s so brief but this time it happened in a counselling session. I had my Counsellor repeat all he said that I missed. But ya, grounding exercises work best for me.

[@theurbanfarm202]

Thank you so much for this video! I just watched it for the first time and this put so many words to things I have not been able to describe.

[@shanmo92]

This video is so important. It helps educate and spread awareness regarding the most suitable/proper therapeutic approach to severe trauma and dissociative disorder(s). Thank-you Kati & Alexa 💜 Crucial information here!

[@kayseagrey81]

This explains exactly what I was experiencing during the last year of therapy! WOW! Yet another awesome video! Thank you!!

[@Katimorton]

You are very welcome :) Happy to help!! xoxo

[@hollybleasdale885]

thankyou for making this video. ìt has helped clarify why my old psychologist said that CBT wasnt going to be helpful for me. she is sometimes our issues can be too complex for CBT. i always thought she was trying to just fob me off but i guess she was being honest.

[@-Cae-NM]

When I am having a PTSD moment disassociation almost relieves me and have found coming back to reality can actually be frightening even though I have been taught mindfullness is what is best it is scary to come back into reality is the best way to put it 4 me.

[@angellicaheinen126]

I love all your videos I've been learning so much on what it is and how to help, my husband has Dissociation, and has been struggling alot with it, I've also learned that I have it as well but I'm not struggling as much. A couple of things we have learned together that help him is, him taking a hot bath and turning on a cold shower while he's in the hot bath and letting the cold water hit his face, also listening to jorden perterson here on KZbin, and nf a music artist who he can really relate to with the things he's going through, his first therapy session is today so we are doing what ever it takes to help him to be able to have more control over his Dissociation. Thank you again for all the Inspirational ways you have helped us, God bless you for being a helping hand in this time of our lives. Love you

[@emotophobiccdd8006]

EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED TO ACCIDENTALLY STUMBLE ON, THANKS! I think about so much that I want to say, then when I get in the room with a psychologist, too often I'll start dissociating. Being emotophobic, my mind goes blank, I became physically and mentally uncoordinated, I can't remember even the most basic information...when I try to deal with emotions. The best sessions usually are when the topic goes in a completely different direction to what I thought. It's every bit as expensive as it is frustrating. The pressure to use my extremely limited re$ource$ snowballs....along with the anxiety & dissociation! I've been thinking about writing down everything and handing it to the psychologist!

[@totalcontrol4205]

I was seeing my previous therapist for about three months before I actually could see her as real and not part of some dream. I also thought her room was much larger than it was and the furniture was at different places than where they really were. She was the best but six months in she got another job. I have felt devastated ever since. Now I am seeing a male therapist who is nice and good at what he does but I can't get past him being a male. I often can't recall our conversations unless he says something that triggers my memory. I'm just living each day as it comes.

[@canewalden107]

Literally what I needed to hear today. I'm so glad this is a topic of discussion! Thanks!

[@lizmcgee1862]

Glad to hear this. I am remiss to ask. I forget I have the option to selfcare through external inquiries. Permission is key as I was taught. Asking permission is loaded with trauma for me.

[@cherylwilsherlimberlife7210]

Great to see this video, I posted about understanding Peter Levine on another video. So great to share this learning

[@katefranta]

Dr. Alexa's insights were so helpful. It felt like someone was finally describing the struggles I have when in sessions, and you gave me some really good tips for recognizing when it's happening and what to do about it. I'm going to check out that website in your description and look more into somatic therapy. Thanks again!

[@bernadettebrown1852]

Oh my gosh, i would tell the person saying im not trained on this to get it together and do the training.

[@darkcaesar6064]

I was diagnosed with ptsd, mdd, dissociative disorder and anxiety! How in the world will I ever have another normal day in my life?!😢😳

[@cellogirl11rw55]

Dark Caesar There is no such thing as a "normal" life. There is only the life of the individual. I also have multiple diagnoses, and I have discovered that the key to living a good life with any sort of condition is to live your life in a way that's effective for you, not how others tell you to.

[@emmal2638]

Dark Caesar that's the same as me!!

[@cellogirl11rw55]

Dark Caesar I have multiple psychiatric diagnoses, and I've stopped trying to live according to society's definition of "normal" because it just doesn't work for me. So, now, I just live according to what's normal for me. Does that make sense?

[@sandtx4913]

I went to trauma therapy and the therapist started unknowingly to project her trauma on to me. I didn't realize what was going on at first but started to feel unsafe and mentioned that to her. It made me very uncomfortable, anxious and even angry with her. I went into fight/flight and then started to dissociate, which I also mentioned to her. While in this state she asked me if I could see the situation (that she projected on to me) from her point of view and I told her that I couldn't because I couldn't feel anything at that moment. I've been in these types of situation before that a therapist unintentionally project their trauma or programming on me. This can be very damaging for someone trying to heal from trauma. You expect that when you go to a therapist especially for trauma that they provide a safe environment. Is there anything one can do in this situation? I try to listen to my body and the signals, so whatever I feel happening in my body I try to acknowledge it and be open about it. I really try to be as true to myself as much as I possibly can be, I haven't been that in a long time. Now I'm left with a therapist I don't trust.

[@HildeMyran]

I think i dissociate everytime in therapy cause i barley remember what i have said or what the trauma team has told me. I only remember some things. Like "you are here now-its 2017- you are safe". I hope this will get better so i can move on to the part of finding myself. Im so totally lost. Im no longer the child or the "protected" grown up....im a new me. Empty, dead inside, only a ballon filled with emotions i cant describe. What if the ballon burst? Im afraid.

[@jencgold]

I really needed to hear this. Thank you. You have no idea.

[@Kairian1994]

Great topic!! Love your videos!!

[@Katimorton]

Yay! I am so glad you liked it :) xoxo

[@jelenpanna8891]

Hi katie, your chanel is super usefull! Its.. content! Thanks for it!

[@HannaKrlssn]

Going to assesment for trauma theraphy next monday. So nervous but also so thankful, maybe I can get help now.

[@Katimorton]

I hope it goes well!! I am glad you are getting the help that you need :) xoxo Oh and remember, it's never as scary as we think it's going to be. They are there to help :) xox

[@HannaKrlssn]

***** Thank you! :)

[@NannetteMinley]

This video has been extremely helpful!!! Thank you both so much.

[@TheNurseWhoLovedMe89]

Noticing something in the room for the first time happened to me recently. It turns out there’s a five foot tall lamp next to the chair I sit in at therapy and I didn’t even see the lamp for over a year😅

[@ladybug947]

Kati and Alexa, where does a person “go” when they dissociate and come back later? Is their mind disconnected from their consciousness?

[@rosiem2585]

This really helped me

[@jennyhughes1281]

These Videos are so helpful

[@Katimorton]

Yay! I am so glad :) xoxo

[@abbyrivers9971]

You van also work with the alters I they ve been there with the discussies trauma in traumatherapy, Often that Will help the host of the alter that had hard time staying focussed.

[@Tiffanydw4]

Just a warning ⚠️ to others many therapist CLAIM to treat in trauma however you really need to question do you SPECIALISE in TRUMA therapy and disassociation issues. Twice I have had a therapist say oh yes I treat trauma all the time but then due to disassociation they after a month and trust starts they sent me elsewhere. I now see a PSYCHOLOGIST who is amazing.

[@daeleyrennee336]

Hi Kati, I want to first start off by saying I am sorry for asking all these questions recently it is just I am feeling really lost and confused and I am not able to see my therapist. I just have a few questions. 1.Can you talk about what high functional depression is, what it feels like, and how to explain it to other people because when I tell someone I am depressed they tend to de-validate me because I can function in a day. But they seem to think that all people that have depression just lay around all day. This de-validation only makes things harder because I have my own thoughts of my feelings not being valid and it only helps encourage them and makes me feel even worse. 2. In relationships I tend to push people away. However I am currently friends with someone and every time I try to push her away they confront me and tell me how they aren’t going anywhere. I know this is a good thing but I can’t seem to think that way and this person is just making me really mad. Is it normal to be mad that they wont let me push them away? 3. Now I have not felt the simple joys in life in along time stuff like oh I find happiness when I listen this kind of music or read this book or watch this movie/show. I was wondering is it possible to no longer know what you love doing or like. Honestly I do a lot of things because the people around me do and not really because I like to. I can’t even seem to chose favorite anything or when someone ask me what are some things I enjoy doing and I honestly don’t know. I just feel so numb and going through the motions that I really don’t know. I feel ridiculous but I just don’t know how to explain it or if it is me just telling myself that I just cant find enjoyment in anything. So is it possible to not be able to enjoy anything anymore. 4. When is your next Live Stream. :) Please help.

[@notwittymcwittyface2474]

These are so helpful, thank you both for caring enough to bother . Ex's and Oh's xo

[@Katimorton]

Awe I am so glad you found it helpful!! xoxo Happy to be a resource :) xoxo

[@paulstonewell]

i trust them

[@syawla8855]

Hi Kati I have a question for you... Why do I always want something bad to happen to me? For example, sometimes I wish I could get into a car accident or something like that. Am I just being ungrateful for life? But at the same time I don't want to die. Please help, I'm becoming quite frustrated and confused. Also thank you so much for making these videos, they have helped me out in the past.

[@melaniepaul6627]

Syawla I'm not Kati, but I often think the same thing and my therapist said that it could be a sort of passive suicidality or that we want to be cared for by the people in our lives

[@ihartevil]

thx for this awesomely ha bisky vid i loved this so much i dont need this therapy but i love learning about it and some tricks that can help people who do

[@emilymcgee3812]

Such a great video, these videos are so so helpful. Thank you so much Kati and Alexa, you are both fantastic at what you do. xoxo

[@Katimorton]

Awe thanks :) xoxo Glad you found it helpful! xoxo

[@waterofbabylon9169]

Wow just listening and watching you guys makes me feel good, because you are so nice about this topic:)

[@DaBlondDude]

It's more than offline. The body is someone else's, as are the thoughts/memories and feelings, almost like three distinct other people. There is a general hyper vigilance/tension/anxiety but the rest is kind of a numb dead zone like there's been an overload and the fuse connecting has blown. Talking is relatively easy after the first few times but letting anything said back in (even my words) is the problem. I've realized this has been a wall/barrier with my therapist (PTSD specialist) and asked him to find something new to try. EMDR apparently requires a supporting context )significant other, family, etc) which I don't have so he'S looking at other options. Needless to say, this has made mindfulness ( a new discovery to me) a little more frustrating but I'm continuing with it. Obviously, sleep is not easy to find, which doesn't help.

[@morganhunter4608]

Hey I was wondering if you could do a video on eating disorders?

[@amyjoyce8627]

Recently diagnosed with BPD with disocciation, BP2, complex PTSD! Have no help!

[@shariw8572]

This is just what I needed. Thank you Kati and Alexa!

[@Katimorton]

Yay! So glad you found it helpful :) xox

[@stephanied2401]

Can you ask Dr. Altman about her experience working as a consulting psychologist on The Biggest Loser? I'm curious to know what her role was on that show.

[@diablominero]

The bad news is that I have a hard time being present in the moment, but the good news is that I can make objects look wavy just by focusing on staying still when I'm under stress. Normally making objects look wavy needs expensive illegal drugs, so I'm saving money and risk.

[@malenamarie2939]

this helped alot, thanks

[@Katimorton]

Yay! I am so glad :) xox

[@anothermalex]

can you do this work while living in an unsafe environment and dissociating for self-protection

[@reginatackett518]

What if you never feel safe? I space out while I’m in the waiting room.

[@alexc2265]

I find that I very often or even usually have some level of dissociation due to being on the autism spectrum or at least having several symptoms. As a highly sensitive person, the threshold for what’s an uncomfortable experience that would cause dissociation is lower. Just holding eye contact without dissociation is difficult for me and people on the spectrum, for example.

[@MilnaAlen]

I had trauma therapy with a therapist who was experienced in dissociation, and the first 4 months were super helpful! Then I just kinda stagnated. I knew I wasn't quite fine, but I had no idea what was wrong and neither had none of my alters. It's been 2 years since therapy ended and I have encountered maybe 4 fragments of emotions that were locked away. That's just way too slow pace for therapy, and one we have no control over. We are doing fine tho, now that we are stable and have coping mechanisms I don't feel we necessarily need a therapist the entire time until we are fully healed. Just wish we could heal a little faster...

[@p1ratesarrawesome]

You are so amazing Kati 💕

[@kaylacole5066]

Hey Kati do you have any advice on how to deal with parents that constantly drink and put me down because of my mental illness? Thanks for all you do.

[@trizthe1]

"When we are in it?" I am in it 24-7. Every waking second and minute of my life!!! For 5 years now and it is getting worse.. What should i do? Is there even a point with therapy for me? And what type of therapy? I have complex PTSD not ordinary PTSD.

[@johnscott7386]

Go for brainspotting

[@johnscott7386]

Mike S talk therapy doesn’t bypass the first layer of the brain

[@johnscott7386]

Mike S try researching brainspotting, somatic experiencing is in my hit list too lol. Any brain based therapy is what is needed. Because I’ve fixed all my problems except stuck emotion in the brain that doesn’t seem to get released. Brainspotting will release the stuck emotion

[@johnscott7386]

Mike S yeah I have, did nothing for me

[@johnscott7386]

Mike S Canada

[@MissxKissmyassx]

Thank you so much Kati! This is the best series you've done so far. 💜 sometimes I don't feel like I'm telling the truth when I'm talking about my past trauma, is this normal?

[@emmal2638]

Alice G I think it is, sometimes it could be down to memory or embarrassment? Especially whilst dissociating it is extremely common to feel that way!

[@ethancowart6765]

how long is the first stage usually for the trauma therapy??

[@danielraypickrel4316]

When highly irrated i occasionally realize I find myself opening the refrigerator when my intention is to open the bread drawer. The other day was intending do something in the kitchen but realized was in the laundry room.

[@bashyre6877]

That happens to me soo often. U r not alone

[@moonoreo]

I have major memory loss because of it. I cannot do math, English, history, or science. It's like I never watched TV or listened to music growing up. It's like I've been in the dark my entire life. I remember learning these things and doing these things but I don't know these things. Makes life for myself seem foreign and out of place.

[@courtneylovesreading4116]

Hi Kati. I have a couple questions. How do you get honest with someone who doesn't take constructive criticism well? How do you know if you have forgiven someone?

[@bashyre6877]

U don't need to critique anybody. Say how u feel when some1 does somethin, or tell them about experience u had that is similar to theirs, and what u learned. Let them take the advice implicitly. No need to critique them explicitly if they are too sensitive

[@silverbroom02]

What would you suggest in trauma/structural dissociation therapy when a client goes through phases of talking but not really *feeling* stuff. I feel like I'm trying but there's a block in internal communication and ability to really look at things (anything!), so sessions just skim the surface and don't really get anywhere or shift anything.

[@Felicity1247]

I used to just recount details and stories without saying anything about how I was feeling. My therapist would stop the conversation every so often and ask me exactly how I was feeling at that moment in therapy with her; physically, emotionally, and otherwise. She usually began with the physical sensation. Then she would ask me about how I felt about events in the past. Again, she would begin with having me describe physical sensation, and then move on to how I felt. I think that once your client feels more comfortable describing the physical sensation of an emotion, they might be more open to discussing how they felt about the past.

[@Katimorton]

That is honestly very normal.. feelings can be scary and overwhelming, so we shut them off. I would bring it up in therapy, and possibly work to figure out what triggered it. I usually do that with my clients so we can learn what it is that's causing it and try to find ways back in. Sometimes logs (impulse logs, journaling, etc) can help. Also, art or music can open that back up too. Just be patient with your process and bring it up in therapy so you can work through it. xoxo I hope that helps and makes sense :) xox

[@brittniebelcher3341]

IFS parts work is good also

[@khadijagwen]

Perhaps you would not believe my history. I used to Disassociate a lot. I've been in counseling of and on for over 30 years. It finally became clear that often I was just being myself, a submissive INFP who tried BDSM for a while. Lately I'm doing good and no drugs. I hope that lasts.

[@wlwcats5810]

so relevant.

[@mich2183]

I am diagnosed dissociative identity disorder. I just wanted to say when I dissociate and then "come back" I get awful headaches. anyway. my therapist is a trained trauma therapist and we are currently doing hypnosis. What are your thoughts?

[@Katimorton]

I honestly don't know that much about hypnosis, other than the fact that it doesn't require that much training to certified in it (which doesn't make it good or bad). Has it been helpful for you?? Cause if it's helping, then I don't see anything wrong with it. xox

[@jessiewrites4753]

Can you please do a video on prolonged exposure therapy? I'm about to start it and I'm scared I won't be able to handle it because of my dissociation

[@Albatrosspro1]

So there is ongoing dissociation as a condition, but there is also dissociation as a reaction to past trauma correct? So someone can not really dissociate in their current life but they might have had a dissociative response to trauma in the past which would effectively mean that they cannot remember some or all of past trauma, or they have had to work hard to recall the trauma itself. Does this sound right?

[@JSandwich13]

i experience severe dissociation and there isn't a trauma therapist i can go to as i am in the UK and you cant choose etc so I'm just getting by with what I have. I find writing helps a lot of figure out what emotion it is I'm feeling and to understand it.

[@vvelvettearss]

Calvin M I'm in the UK too Calvin. Not the best health care service for mental health problems is it. I was only diagnosed with aspergers in my early twenties, the psychologist who did it is near impossible to get hold of. I feel I might have dissociation or a severe underlying depression . All self diagnosed because even tho I function just about and can feel emotions if I try there is severely something lacking there , my vocabulary has slipped and my ability to focus and learn and remember things doesn't come naturally anymore. I'm like a robot at times it sucks :( Writing is very good (keel doing that) because it forces you to be present and communicate even if it's with yourself :) I should seek out therapy through my doc but I'm not very helpful. I'd like to see a psychotherapist tbh but won't be easy to find one here

[@mettenielsen]

I feel a huge resistance to working with a therapist. When they try to bring me out of dissociation it feels almost like assault. I can’t deal with the idea that I can’t escape into my self at least. When I think of life without it I feels like a bad thing

[@tammytammy6241]

Hi, I also did not see any reading materials listed or the website. Thank you

[@Katimorton]

Just added them!! Sorry!! I forgot to get the link from Alexa :) Here it is! traumahealing.org/ xox

[@kathyjones1540]

sometimes we don't get a choice on who we get. It took me two months to get a therapist she did try to pass me on to another therapist who happens to be male. I can't see a male I have a good reason for that. I have been passed around so much like some unwanted parcel. Or what I call my self one for the to hard basket. joys of living in a small country town I had to go on a waiting list

[@kj-sf4md]

this helps me to understand some of what I've been experiencing. this had encouraged me to hang in there. I didn't see a list of reading materials or websites. when or where csn i find that?

[@michaelakorbelova7848]

Alexa is so sweet and lovely! xo

[@Katimorton]

Isn't she? xoxo Glad you enjoy her :) xoxo

[@rekojehtmai]

interesting.. what do you think about someone seeing a psychiatrist that studied psychoanalysis and does psychodynamic psychotherapy? thats what im receiving for my CPTSD. I had trauma for 24 years (emotional/verbal abuse) 5:56 thank you i really like this psychiatrist i want to keep her & try to work it out in session

[@Willgking]

Is there a difference between dissociation and and depersonalization?

[@coldshadow9567]

Would a T say you were "not ready for therapy" if this happened? I have so many questions now. I walk out of the sessions not having a clue what most of the session was about, then I have a panic attack because that overwhelms me. At first I didn't think anyone could see that I was dissociating, the one T called me out on it and I was devastated that others could see this in me and I didn't even know it was happening until it was almost over. I'm glad she told me though. From there on out she would ask "are you with me?" when she felt I was wondering off, and I would come back as much as I could and try to be present. It's not something you can just turn off and on though. There was usually a foggy period afterwards where all you want to do to go lay dawn and sleep. That has lasted for a few days before, depending on how deep I get in the dissociating. Does this make sense?