Patricia J. Harris

Hello and thank you for your question,

There are a few different treatments for people diagnosed with posttraumatic stress. Treatments like EMDR have resulted in zero remaining symptoms; however, there is no one treatment that will work for every person diagnosed. What works for you may not work for others, but a few interventions that result in no symptoms are EMDR, progressive exposure therapy, and ACT. These therapies have shown evidence of successful treatment.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

You can decrease mental stress by engaging in relaxation activities and physical activity. Walking, jogging, and running work well for stress relief. Meditation, listening to some types of music, full body stretching, and yoga are also good for relieving stress. There are many strategies for stress relief, even taking breaks from whatever triggers stress for you will work. I hope something in the list is feasible and works well for you.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

The answer is yes, relaxation does help with anxiety. There are a few reasons why but, the easiest explained reason is the body cannot be anxious and relaxed at the same time. The more you engage in relaxation strategies the more you calm your anxiety.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

There are many ways that you can relax your mind and body. Walking/jogging for long periods of time, meditation, yoga, hot baths, and getting a massage are all activities that relax most people. Deep breathing and guided imagery are also activities that result in a relaxed feeling.

Thank you,


Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Talk therapy can help with anxiety because it affords you the opportunity to learn coping skills.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Some people are on this medication for years. It is best to discuss this with your PCP and/or psychiatrist to see how long you will need to be on it and if there will be any negative impact to your health. Generally speaking, it is fine to take this medication for a long period of time.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

A personality test in psychology usually refers to the Myers Briggs personality test which measures personality type. This test actually measures traits and preferences, and does not predict behavior or specific outcomes.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Anxiety is associated with many physical ailments like IBS and migraine headaches; however, it has not been determined to cause these issues. There is no known health condition caused by anxiety, but anxiety can lead to feelings of depression. Some physicians have found that irregular heart beats are associated with anxiety, but again causation is different. Left untreated anxiety may cause no further issues but it is associated with several issues.

Thank you,


Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

San Antonio Counseling and Behavioral Center
4201 Medical Dr., Ste. 330
San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 614-4990 | Fax: (210) 614-4991
Patricia.Harris@sacounselingcenter.com
Sacounseling.com/_I facebook.com/SanAntonioCounseling

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Hello and thank you for your question,

One can teach herself CBT and other psychological treatment methods through reading and using the interventions. Typically you can read theories and interventions and apply the tenets to your situation and life. Many people research meditation, yoga, and other positive mental health approaches and use them daily with success and improvement in mental distress. CBT is no different and can change your thinking patterns to improve your mental health. CBT is not recommended for everyone with mental distress or mental health diagnoses though. Seeking clarification for your situation with a physician may help you to identify if CBT is a good intervention for you.

Thank you,


Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

San Antonio Counseling and Behavioral Center
4201 Medical Dr., Ste. 330
San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 614-4990 | Fax: (210) 614-4991
Patricia.Harris@sacounselingcenter.com
Sacounseling.com/_I facebook.com/SanAntonioCounseling

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
This email and any files transmitted with it may contain PRIVILEGED or CONFIDENTIAL information and may be read or used only by the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient of the email or any of its attachments, please be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, distribution, forwarding, printing, or copying of this email or any attached files is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately purge it and all attachments and notify the sender by reply email or contact the sender at (210) 614-4990.

Hello and thank you for your question,

I think the best way to explain your sexuality to loved ones is to communicate your feelings to them. Express your feelings about people you are attracted to and why. Communicate to them why bisexual does not fit your experience and does not feel like who you are. There are some definitions out there that may be the essence of your experience and who you are. Show your loved ones that definition and be prepared to expand on it. Tell your truth as it relates to your life and experience. Everyone may not understand, but you will have enlightened them about your world which is important. Good luck to you!

Thank you,


Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

San Antonio Counseling and Behavioral Center
4201 Medical Dr., Ste. 330
San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 614-4990 | Fax: (210) 614-4991
Patricia.Harris@sacounselingcenter.com
Sacounseling.com/_I facebook.com/SanAntonioCounseling

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
This email and any files transmitted with it may contain PRIVILEGED or CONFIDENTIAL information and may be read or used only by the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient of the email or any of its attachments, please be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, distribution, forwarding, printing, or copying of this email or any attached files is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately purge it and all attachments and notify the sender by reply email or contact the sender at (210) 614-4990.

Hello and thank you for your question,

The progression of Alzheimer's is different for each person diagnosed. Some people live 20 years after diagnosis; however, there is no set number of years of survival due to the different course it takes with all who are diagnosed.

Thank you,


Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

San Antonio Counseling and Behavioral Center
4201 Medical Dr., Ste. 330
San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 614-4990 | Fax: (210) 614-4991
Patricia.Harris@sacounselingcenter.com
Sacounseling.com/_I facebook.com/SanAntonioCounseling

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE:
This email and any files transmitted with it may contain PRIVILEGED or CONFIDENTIAL information and may be read or used only by the intended recipient. If you are not the intended recipient of the email or any of its attachments, please be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use, dissemination, distribution, forwarding, printing, or copying of this email or any attached files is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please immediately purge it and all attachments and notify the sender by reply email or contact the sender at (210) 614-4990.

Hello and thank you for your question,

A common way to relax the mind is meditation. Meditation and visualization are probably the most common techniques used to calm the mind. It is not always easy though. It often takes practice to be able to reach a relaxed state of mind with no intrusive thoughts.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

ADHD is a serious mental health condition that can lead to struggles in school and employment. Often, ADHD is treated with medication when the child is falling behind or struggling in school. There are some contraindications with starting medication in adolescence so it is up to the parent and physician to identify what is best for the child. Some physicians recommend therapy instead of medication to see if learning skills prevents the need for medication.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

There are several side effects of discontinuing antidepressants; however, it depends on what medication you're taking. It is recommended that one weans herself off of medication by decreasing the dosage over a period of time and under the care of a physician.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

CBT can be very effective in treating myriad mental health issues. CBT is also well studied and considered to be an evidence-based treatment for several issues.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Seasonal affective disorder is much like depression as far as treatment options. Psychotherapy is typically used because it is less severe than a major depressive disorder and usually alleviated with the change of seasons or when time changes in the spring.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

The best way to help someone with a diagnosed mental illness is to encourage them to take any prescribed medications and follow through with the treatment plan made by her physician. If she has a mental health therapist encourage her to attend the therapy sessions on a regular basis. Being that she is your sister, she can also benefit from maintaining a good relationship with good communication as well.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for asking your question,

Panic attacks sometimes feel like heart symptoms and people sometimes think they are having a heart attack when it is anxiety or panic attacks. However, I haven't read or heard of evidence that suggest they are bad for your health.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Stress and anger can be released in a variety of ways. Physical activity, meditation, and talking about the issue triggering stress and anger are some ways of releasing both.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Marriage counseling is an option that may help in this situation. Asking if she is willing to try therapy before ending the relationship may be helpful and if she is willing to try therapy, there are many couples counseling techniques that may improve the relationship.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC