Ask Kati Anything

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

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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.
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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
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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
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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

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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
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Have you ever felt completely disconnected from your body, lost hours of time, or wondered why you feel numb when overwhelmed? In this episode, licensed therapist Kati Morton explores dissociation and the full spectrum of dissociative disorders, including depersonalization-derealization (DPDR), dissociative amnesia, and dissociative identity disorder (DID). You'll learn the neuroscience behind why your brain pulls the ripcord to protect you, how to distinguish normal spacing out from trauma responses, and somatic grounding techniques to regulate your nervous system.

To see if specialized trauma therapy with Rebound could be the right next step for you, head to https://hellorebound.com/askkatianything where you can check your insurance, book a free call with one of their care specialists, and find out more.

Timestamps
00:00 What Is Dissociation?
00:55 Spacing Out vs. Dissociating
02:03 How the DSM Defines Dissociative Disorders
03:11 Dissociative Episodes vs. Diagnosable Disorders
06:03 Why Your Brain Pulls the Ripcord (Nervous System Protection)
10:05 Hypoarousal, the Freeze State & Emotional Dampening
12:28 Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder (DPDR) Criteria
14:53 Reality Testing: DPDR vs. Psychosis
21:02 How Common Is Dissociation? Statistics & Comorbidities
25:25 Dissociative Amnesia vs. Normal Everyday Forgetting
30:42 What Is a Dissociative Fugue?
35:07 Localized, Selective & Generalized Amnesia
36:15 Brain Networks & Memory Suppression Mechanisms
40:02 Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Explained
40:40 Parts Work vs. Alters in DID
46:00 Cultural Context & What DID Is Not (DID vs. Schizophrenia)
47:18 The Dissociation Spectrum: Maladaptive Daydreaming to DID
50:07 Childhood Trauma & The Role of Protector Alters
54:37 How to Tell If You're Dissociating or Just Zoning Out
56:00 Somatic Grounding Techniques for Dissociation
58:45 Nervous System Regulation, Qigong & Calming the Amygdala
60:34 Therapy Approaches for DID: System Cooperation vs. Integration

SOCIAL
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Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/
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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
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Thank you to OneSkin for sponsoring today’s episode! Get 15% off OneSkin with the code KATI at https://www.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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katimorton

Ask Kati Anything ep.328 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

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
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.

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