EPISODE · Aug 21, 2026 · 1H 20M
Do You Have CPTSD? Symptoms, Flashbacks & Treatments
from Ask Kati Anything · host Kati Morton, LMFT
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 | [email protected] 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
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Do You Have CPTSD? Symptoms, Flashbacks & Treatments
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