Journey to Healing: Navigating Trauma with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Kati Morton

Host: Amy Morin, LCSW

Guest: Kati Morton, LMFT

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Amy Morin engages in a compelling conversation with Kati Morton, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about the complexities of trauma and the path to healing. Morton draws upon her clinical expertise and personal experiences to provide invaluable insights and practical strategies for individuals struggling with the aftermath of traumatic events.

Key Points:

1. Understanding Trauma:

2. Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope.

3. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

4. Acute stress disorder, a temporary reaction to trauma, can occur in the immediate aftermath of an event.

5. Manifestations of Trauma:

6. PTSD symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, and difficulty sleeping.

7. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a more chronic form of PTSD resulting from prolonged or repeated trauma.

8. Types of Traumatic Events:

9. Traumatic events can range from natural disasters to childhood abuse, combat experiences, or witnessing a life-threatening accident.

10. "Big T Trauma" refers to highly impactful events, while "Little T Trauma" encompasses ongoing stressors that accumulate over time.

11. Consequences of Unresolved Trauma:

12. Unresolved trauma can lead to a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

13. It can also affect physical health, such as immune system functioning and cardiovascular health.

14. Individual Responses to Trauma:

15. Individuals respond differently to similar traumatic experiences due to factors like genetics, resilience, and social support.

16. Intergenerational trauma, passed down through generations, can contribute to increased vulnerability to trauma.

17. Strategies for Healing Past Trauma:

18. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor experienced in trauma therapy is crucial.

19. Engaging in self-care practices, such as mindfulness, exercise, and adequate sleep, can promote healing.

20. Joining support groups can provide a sense of community and validation.

21. Types of Therapy for Trauma:

22. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are effective treatments for PTSD.

23. Somatic experiencing therapy and sensorimotor psychotherapy address the body's response to trauma.

24. Support for Individuals Without Access to Therapy:

25. Self-help books, online resources, and apps can offer guidance for those unable to access therapy.

26. Peer support groups and community organizations can provide valuable support and resources.

27. Supporting Someone with Suspected PTSD:

28. Encourage them to seek professional help and be a supportive listener without offering unsolicited advice.

29. Avoid triggering discussions or pressuring them to talk about their experience.
30. Validate their feelings and reassure them that healing is possible.

Quotes from Kati Morton:

• "You can't go around it, you can't go over it, you've gotta go through it. And that's unfortunately the treatment when it comes to trauma work. But trust me when I tell you it will be worth it and you can move through it."

• "Social media has made us more vulnerable to being traumatized because we can share in experiences with people that we feel like we know, even though maybe you've never met them."

Additional Recommended Episodes:

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Conclusion:

Kati Morton's insights shed light on the complexities of trauma and the journey toward healing. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma, seeking professional support, and engaging in self-care practices, individuals can embark on a path to recovery and reclaim their mental well-being.