Today, Kati navigates the confusing paths of trauma healing, dissociation, and eating disorder recovery. Learn what happens when your coping skills become a dissociative disorder, how to handle medical trauma, the truth about countertransference in therapy, and essential steps for overcoming OCD and self-sabotage. This episode covers recovery setbacks, exercise addiction, feeling lost, and what to do when therapy feels confusing or unsafe.

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Timestamps 00:41 | Dissociation: Symptom vs. Disorder? When does dissociation as a coping mechanism turn into a diagnosable dissociative disorder (like DPD/DPDR or DID), and how can one bring this up in therapy without sounding "attention seeking"? ‌ 07:58 | Medical Trauma and Abuse: Can suppositories or enemas, administered for painful constipation, be considered traumatizing or abusive, especially when compounded by a history of abuse from a babysitter? ‌ 14:29 | Dissociation While Healing: Struggling with worsening dissociation (mostly DPDR) and existential thoughts after starting to unpack complex PTSD and an eating disorder in therapy. What helps someone feel "real" and grounded again? 19:55 | Countertransference in Therapy: Discussing transference and countertransference, specifically concerning a therapist who shared the patient is "very like her daughter" and seems to be struggling to refer the patient out to an eating disorder specialist. ‌ 30:00 | New OCD Diagnosis & Treatment: Newly diagnosed with OCD after previously being told they didn't have it, and unsure how to fit OCD treatment into their current therapy plan which is focused on suicidal ideation (CBT-S). Also, how to differentiate OCD tendencies from "normal" tendencies. ‌ 38:44 | Anorexia Recovery in an Unhealthy Environment: How to navigate recovery from anorexia nervosa when living in an unhealthy environment that seems to cause recovery setbacks and a "total mind switch." 45:20 | The Cycle of Self-Sabotage: Why self-sabotage is a continuous cycle, why it's so hard to break, and what steps can be taken to change the pattern. ‌ 54:14 | Exercise Addiction & Mood Swings: Struggling with massive mood changes and fatigue, feeling depressed when missing a workout, and considering resting a "waste of time." Seeking insight on a therapist's suggestion of "dopamine addiction." ‌ 01:02:29 | Feeling Life is Pointless: How to stop feeling like one's entire life is pointless, and what strategies can combat these feelings of meaninglessness.

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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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