Page 19 - Yes, YOU Can

Chapter 1

PTS(D) – C-PTS(D) - LAS

I am not going to dive into all the intricacies of this
“diagnosis.” I will just talk about what has been
useful and practical, for me and my clients.

According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), the
“Bible” of psychiatrists and psychologists, Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric

disorder involving extreme distress and disruption
of daily living that happens after exposure to a
traumatic event.

Many people nowadays take issue with the D-
Disorder part. It’s not really a “disorder;” it seems
more closely related to a brain injury, reason for

which it is now sometimes referred to as PTSI- Post
Traumatic Stress Injury.

I like the definition given to me by my mentor in

the field, Dr. Karin Huffer, Marriage and Family
Counselor and Forensic Psychologist.

It’s a “normal reaction to an abnormal event.”

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