Kaytee Gillis, LCSW

About

Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS, is a psychotherapist and author with a passion for working with survivors of relationship and family trauma and the LGBTQ+ community. Her work focuses on assisting survivors of domestic violence and family trauma. Her first books, Invisible Bruises: How a Better Understanding of the Patterns of Domestic Violence Can Help Survivors Navigate the Legal System, and It's Not High Conflict, It's Post-Separation Abuse, shed light on the ways that the legal system can perpetuate the cycle of domestic violence by failing to recognize patterns that would otherwise hold perpetrators accountable and protect survivors. Her latest book is Breaking the Cycle: the 6 Stages of Healing from Childhood Family Trauma. Gillis has been featured on iHeart Radio, Shaye Ganam's Radio Show, The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show, CP24 News, and other outlets. She provides training on recognizing patterns of domestic violence and family trauma, and helping survivors move forward.

Books by Kaytee Gillis, LCSW

Recent Posts

Why Child Trauma Survivors Often Blame Themselves

Those who experience trauma often feel a profound sense of shame—not only about the trauma itself but also about their reactions to it.

Religious Abuse in Intimate Partner Violence

In many religious communities, teachings about submission, forgiveness, and the sanctity of marriage can be twisted to legitimize abusive behaviors.

Stonewalling as a Form of Emotional Abuse

When one partner withdraws communication as a form of punishment, it creates an imbalance that leaves the other feeling isolated and desperate for connection.

A 10-Step Safety Plan for Leaving an Abusive Relationship

Leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for victims, as this is when the perpetrator feels they are losing control. Having a plan can improve safety.

30 Ways to Celebrate Yourself This Month

Many survivors of traumatic families grow up with the message that they are defective or wrong. Choosing to celebrate themselves is an important step in their healing process.

Are All Families Dysfunctional?

The common quip is that "all families are dysfunctional," which is not necessarily wrong. However, this can take away from the severity of those who experienced traumatic families.

Not Without My Dog: When Survivors Won’t Leave Without Pets

Many survivors of IPV refuse to leave their homes if it means leaving their pets behind. A closer look at how to support survivors means accepting pets as members of the family.

Forgiving Yourself for Ways You Coped After Trauma

Survivors of child abuse often grapple with complex emotions, including guilt and shame, especially over the things they had to do in order to cope with traumatic environments.

What Makes Us Resilient After Trauma?

Resilience is often defined as the ability to bounce back from challenging circumstances and emerge stronger. But what makes some resilient and others less so?

Intimate Partner Violence in LGBTQ Relationships

IPV can present differently in Queer relationships. When clinicians understand the different vulnerabilities, they are better equipped to support diverse survivors.