Kaytee Gillis, LCSW, author and psychotherapist
LightNews LightNews
banner
kayteegillis.bsky.social
Kaytee Gillis, LCSW, author and psychotherapist
@kayteegillis.bsky.social
420 followers 260 following 120 posts
Author, therapist, speaker🦋💜
🐈cat mom🐾
Runs on ☕️
✍️ @Psychology Today 📚 @newharbinger recrnt book- Healing from Parental Abandonment and Neglect
#autistic #childlesscatlady #queer 🏳️‍🌈
https://linktr.ee/KayteeLCSW
Www.kaytlyngillislcsw.com
Posts Replies Media Videos
kayteegillis.bsky.social
Is Tipping Getting Out of Hand?
Tipping has expanded immensely, creating pressure to tip where it never used to exist. But research shows people tip mainly due to social expectations, not because of service.
www.psychologytoday.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:06 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
I notice that many survivors do not recognize many of the red flags of abuse, often because these were behaviors that may have been excused in their family of origin. For many survivors, including myself, denial becomes a form of survival.

Here are five red flags that many survivors overlook:
5 Abuse Red Flags Often Missed by Family Trauma Survivors
Growing up with domestic abuse in the home can make survivors more likely to overlook red flags of abuse in adult relationships. Here are five that are commonly overlooked.
www.psychologytoday.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:49 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
One Major Fear That Can Keep Abuse Survivors in Denial
Fear of being different can keep survivors from acknowledging their history of abuse in their family of origin.
www.psychologytoday.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:37 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
I hope it will always be this exciting to find my book in the wild 🧡🧡🥳🥳📚📚
November 9, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Reposted by Kaytee Gillis, LCSW, author and psychotherapist
barackobama.bsky.social
Congratulations to all the Democratic candidates who won tonight. It’s a reminder that when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win. We’ve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter.
November 5, 2025 at 2:47 AM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
Gacy Series Highlights Systemic Biases When Reporting Abuse
A new show highlights many of the systemic biases that LGBTQ victims of crimes experience when reporting abuse or other violent crimes.
www.psychologytoday.com
November 2, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Reposted by Kaytee Gillis, LCSW, author and psychotherapist
newharbinger.bsky.social
Everyone needs a support system, no matter what kind of life you lead. Someone to call when you're happy, sad, or need help, & someone to be there unconditionally. Having a support system when healing is essential.
'Healing from Parental Abandonment and Neglect': www.newharbinger.com/978164848496...
March 11, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Reposted by Kaytee Gillis, LCSW, author and psychotherapist
newharbinger.bsky.social
From 'Healing from Parental Abandonment and Neglect' by Katylyn Gillis.

Get your copy here: www.newharbinger.com/978164848496...

#parentalabandonment #neglect #attachmenttheory #trauma #triggerwarning #shame #rebuildtrust #depression #selfesteem #selfcare #ACT #DBT #CFT #CBT
May 13, 2025 at 6:29 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
I was loving this cute orange fall shirt all day, and really felt cute 😍 but then I came across my book (okay, I saw a bookstore so I went in to see if they had it in stock) and saw I match the cover perfectly 🧡🧡😅 📖 📕
#booksontrauma #BooksonHealing #therapisthealthyself
@newharbinger.bsky.social
October 26, 2025 at 10:07 AM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
Common Myths About Abuse That Keep Survivors in Denial
Early family dynamics can shape our understanding of what abuse looks like. These false beliefs explain why so many people often miss the warning signs.
www.psychologytoday.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:41 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
The Reality of Childhood with an Addicted Parent
Living with a caregiver who struggles with substance use can be traumatic for children, leading to long-term mental health challenges and a sense of over-responsibility.
www.psychologytoday.com
October 19, 2025 at 4:49 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
Mental health professionals play a key role by creating safe, welcoming spaces and by standing firmly against harmful practices such as conversion therapy.
Trevor Project: LGBTQ Youth Show Worsening Mental Health
The Trevor Project’s new Project SPARK report offers a look at how LGBTQ+ youth mental health changes over time. While help-seeking has increased, so has suicidal ideation.
www.psychologytoday.com
October 17, 2025 at 12:13 AM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
Untreated mental illness in a parent can be frightening for kids, especially if they don't know whats going on. I remember feeling scared and confused, and also ashamed - at the same time. Its scary to be young and to not know who to go to for support; or even how to describe what's going on at home
The Trauma of Having a Parent With Untreated Mental Illness
Untreated mental illness in a caregiver can be frightening for children, who often end up with a sense of over-responsibility to “take over” and help in the absence of any support.
www.psychologytoday.com
October 13, 2025 at 11:07 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/invi...
The Fear of Becoming Like Our Parents
Exploring cycles of domestic violence and family trauma is not about blame, nor is it about excusing abuse. Understanding the why behind these behaviors can help break the cycle.
www.psychologytoday.com
October 10, 2025 at 5:47 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
Understanding What Triggers Trauma Cycle Awareness
For many survivors, deeper healing can begin with a trigger or a quiet awakening that reveals patterns they can no longer ignore.
www.psychologytoday.com
October 9, 2025 at 4:55 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
Grief and Ambiguous Loss During Estrangement
Ambiguous loss, when the person is physically alive but relationally absent, often goes unrecognized in our culture, which can make it especially painful and isolating.
www.psychologytoday.com
October 5, 2025 at 6:24 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/invi...
6 Mental Health Lessons We Can Take From Cats
Cats are known for their independence, confidence, and unapologetic self-care. Watching them can remind us to treat ourselves with the same respect and curiosity.
www.psychologytoday.com
September 24, 2025 at 4:44 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
How Patterns of Dysfunction Repeat in Families
Personal Perspective: Trauma and dysfunction are often passed down in families. Healing is not about blame but about recognizing how these experiences shape us so we can move forward.
www.psychologytoday.com
September 15, 2025 at 2:46 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
Why Are More Adults Choosing to Remain Child-Free?
In recent years, a growing number of adults are choosing to remain child-free—a decision that was once stigmatized but is now gaining wider acceptance and understanding.
www.psychologytoday.com
September 7, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Reposted by Kaytee Gillis, LCSW, author and psychotherapist
sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social
Adult Children and the Pressure to Be Perfect | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
Adult Children and the Pressure to Be Perfect
Many adult children develop perfectionism to cope with childhood dysfunction. Learn how these patterns form—and what you can do to break free.
www.psychologytoday.com
September 6, 2025 at 10:24 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
The Debate Over Parental Alienation
Coined to describe cases in which one parent deliberately undermines the child's relationship with the other parent, the term is frequently weaponized against protective parents
www.psychologytoday.com
September 1, 2025 at 3:38 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
In homes where love and attention are unpredictable, a child’s sense of safety becomes dependent on staying in their caregiver’s good graces. Disapproval could signal the withdrawal of care, affection, or even basic needs—all things that mean lack of safety to the developing child's brain.
Why Are You Always Worried About What Others Think of You?
Concern about how others perceive us is a common experience. But for many survivors of neglect and abuse, fear of not being liked can appear to take over their life.
www.psychologytoday.com
August 25, 2025 at 8:35 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
When Criticizing the Other Parent Is Harmful to Children
Bashing the other parent in front of the child is a less-talked-about form of psychological abuse that, when done frequently, can leave kids feeling confused and anxious.
www.psychologytoday.com
August 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
kayteegillis.bsky.social
3 Ways Black Sheep Break the Cycle of Dysfunction
Often misunderstood, the family black sheep may be the one who breaks harmful generational cycles.
www.psychologytoday.com
August 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Reposted by Kaytee Gillis, LCSW, author and psychotherapist
sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social
Letting go without closure from a narcissistic parent can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re waiting for an apology or acknowledgment that may never come. Learn how to move forward and heal without closure. #narcissisticabuse #estrangement

www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/letting-go-w...
Letting Go Without Closure: How to Heal from a Narcissistic Parent - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Proven steps for letting go without closure from a narcissistic parent. Learn how to heal, set boundaries, and find peace with apologie.
www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com
August 11, 2025 at 10:03 PM