Ask Kati Anything

In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed therapist Kati Morton sits down with Tone It Up co-founder and New York Times bestselling author Karena Dawn for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, resilience, and reclaiming one's narrative. Karena opens up to Kati about her "decade of darkness," sharing what it was like growing up with a mother living with paranoid schizophrenia and the emotional toll of a childhood marked by missing persons reports and family chaos. She reveals the pivotal moment in her 20s when she realized she wasn't "destined" to repeat her mother's path and how fitness became the catalyst for her healing.  *** Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers:  • MasterClass | Get up to 50% off at https://www.masterclass.com/KATI  • Fabletics | Sign up as a VIP and get eighty percent off at https://www.fabletics.com/kati  • Aura | Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/KATI. Promo Code KATI  • Remi | Go to shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 55% off a new night guard plus a FREE foam gift that whitens your teeth and cleans your nightguard  We also dive into: Reclaiming Tone It Up: Karena discusses the "full circle" journey of buying back her company 100% to lead it with freedom and joy once again. The Big Silence Podcast: Why she started her foundation to break the stigma surrounding mental health in honor of her late mother. Building Mastery: How finishing a triathlon proved to her that she could follow through on her dreams and build a life she loved. Women’s Health: A candid look at perimenopause, brain fog, and the lifestyle shifts like using creatine that help navigate new stages of life.  Connect with Karena Dawn:  https://www.youtube.com/@toneitup https://www.youtube.com/@the.big.silence My new book is in stores now! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ  If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support.  ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati  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. Ask Kati Anything ep. 293 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, we dive deep into the complex and often unspoken corners of mental health recovery. We explore the psychology behind why some individuals experience persistent suicidal thoughts without the intent to act and discuss strategies for navigating friendships that inadvertently trigger eating disorder relapses or competition. I also open up about the ethics of plastic surgery when dealing with body dysmorphia , the "push-pull" dynamic in therapy often associated with BPD and attachment wounds , and share my professional perspective on gender-affirming care and the importance of therapeutic support. Finally, we analyze a shocking listener story about a therapist allowing a date in their office, breaking down the major red flags of blurred boundaries. My new book is in stores now! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Get Yours For The Holiday - If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. 00:00 – Intro 00:19 – Why do I have suicidal thoughts but can't act on them?  06:00 – When a friend's passion triggers your Eating Disorder relapse  12:21 – Navigating Anorexia recovery when treatment is denied (NHS & Weight Stigma)  20:06 – CrowdHealth message 21:53 – Plastic Surgery: Confidence booster or Body Dysmorphia?  27:35 – Envisioning suicidal scenarios & struggles with Lithium medication  33:02 – Why do I push my therapist away? (Fear of Abandonment & BPD)  36:36 – OneSkin message 38:13 – AuraFrames message 43:44 – My honest opinion on Gender Affirming Care & the "Affirm First" approach  52:37 – Red Flags: My therapist let me have a date in her office?!  Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: • CrowdHealth: get started today for $99 for your first three months using code ASKKATI at https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ • OneSkin: For a limited time, try OneSkin for 15% off using code KATI at https://www.oneskin.co/Kati • Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://www.auraframes.com/KATI Promo Code KATI  Ask Kati Anything ep. 292 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT  MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/@Katimorton  #podcast #psychology #katimorton  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 (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati  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

We also explore profound personal philosophies, including the 10% vs. 90% rule of reaction , the power of the "Main Character Complex", and the anxiety around personal choices. Barbara and Kati get candid about their shared decision to be childfree , battling societal pressure , and the freedom that comes with fully committing to a life without regret. Plus, learn about her new product line and her D&D podcast, Tales from the Stinky Dragon.

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