June 22, 2023

"Why do I freeze when making decisions?" | ep.169

1 hour 17 minutes

This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about the freeze state when making decisions. She explains why this can happen and what we can do to move through it. She also discusses PTSD and why we have the urge to minimize it or even struggle to call what happened trauma. She then digs into when it’s time to end therapy and the red flags we should look out for. She also talks about our fear of doing something wrong and its link to trauma and hypervigilance. Kati explains why we can feel the pull towards relationships with people we know are unavailable or unable to give us what you know you deserve. This and so much more in this week’s episode!

Ask Kati Anything ep.169 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Audience questions:

1. Could you give some strategies for when you go into the freeze state when you have to make decisions? I do this often and sometimes the decisions are simple... 00:31

2. I was recently diagnosed with PTSD. I can't shake the feeling that the abuse I have experienced isn't bad enough to cause PTSD, that I'm weak for reacting this way. It’s hard for me to even call it abuse... 14:18

3. How do you know it’s time to end therapy? I’ve been working with my therapist for a few years now but it feels kinda stagnant at the moment. Is this a sign I need to find a new therapist, end therapy completely or talk with them about... 28:23

4. Can being afraid of doing something wrong be related to trauma? I am so afraid - especially in relationships that mean a lot to me - to do something wrong. And there is a big fear in me of being... 39:52

5. Growing up, it was really hard to talk to my mom about my feelings. She was always stressed and worried about a lot of things. She was also very overprotective. Now I’m 31, and 2 years ago my mom retired, so... 50:52

6. Are there specific ways touch should be approached in therapy? For example someone asked a question about touch in social situations a few weeks ago and you suggested it could be practiced in therapy. But... 1:01:25

7. How might you explain the pull towards relationships with people you know are unavailable or unable to give you what you know you deserve? I have a past of sexual trauma/assault that I know is related, but as I’ve continued to work through this... 1:04:28

8. how might you explain the pull towards relationships with people you know are unavailable or unable to give you what you know you deserve? I have a past of... 1:07:45

KATI'S BOOKS (in stores now)

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Are u ok? http://bit.ly/2s0mULy

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Online Therapy I do not currently offer online therapy. My sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online counselor, please visit: https://betterhelp.com/kati

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By Kati Morton, LMFT

4.9

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