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Specialization

Tamie Pushlar is a trauma specialized therapist and treats individuals and couples using a trauma informed lens.  She is comfortable and familiar with treating individuals with Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar), Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Personality Disorders, PTSD, and Neurodivergent Disorders (Autism and ADHD).  Tamie is especially well-versed working with individuals who have Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and who may be experiencing dissociation and attachment issues.

Tamie will often refer to another specialist when a person has Psychosis, Eating Disorders, or Substance Abuse as the primary concern.

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)

What is C-PTSD?

C-PTSD

Both PTSD and C-PTSD result from the experience of something deeply traumatic and can cause flashbacks, nightmares and insomnia. Both conditions can also make you feel intensely afraid and unsafe even though the danger has passed. However, despite these similarities, there are characteristics that differentiate C-PTSD from PTSD.

The main difference between the two disorders is the frequency of the trauma. While PTSD is often caused by a single traumatic event, C-PTSD is caused by long-lasting trauma that continues or repeats for months, even years.  C-PTSD trauma often occurs in childhood and shapes a person's mental health, physical health and neurodevelopment.  Oppression and racism can also be considered C-PTSD especially when outside systems become involved.  

In addition to all of the core symptoms of PTSD
re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal—C-PTSD symptoms generally also include:

  • Difficulty controlling emotions. It's common for someone suffering from C-PTSD to lose control over their emotions, which can manifest as explosive anger, persistent sadness, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
  • Negative self-view. C-PTSD can cause a person to view themselves in a negative light. They may feel helpless, guilty, or ashamed. They often have a sense of being completely different from other people.
  • Difficulty with relationships. Relationships may suffer due to difficulties trusting others and a negative self-view. A person with C-PTSD may avoid relationships or develop unhealthy relationships because that is what they knew in the past.
  • Detachment from the trauma. A person may disconnect from themselves (depersonalization) and the world around them (derealisation). Some people might even forget their trauma.
  • Loss of a system of meanings including losing one's core beliefs, values, religious faith, or hope in the world and other people.

At the present time, C-PTSD is not a diagnosis in the DSM-V.