Patricia J. Harris

Hello and thank you for your question,

Counselors can provide coping strategies to decrease anxiety and help to manage symptoms of anxiety. Counseling can also help to identify the core conflict that triggers anxious thoughts and feelings.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Group therapy can work for several mental health conditions. Oftentimes, people find comfort in not being alone and knowing that others are going through similar issues.

Respectfully,

Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Psychotherapy can be helpful for treating depression. It is important to know that much of psychotherapy is based on your ability to engage with your therapist and use the interventions outside of sessions. Psychotherapy is also a different experience for everyone; therefore, a good connection with your therapist, regular attendance, and personal steps all impact the outcome.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Couples therapy, like individual therapy, will take as long as it takes for you and your spouse to do the required work to improve communication. Some therapists have a certain number of sessions as part of their model; however, if the therapist does not have a set number of sessions the work you and your wife do outside of sessions will determine how long it takes. Your therapist will likely give you exercises to work on at home and doing these assignments will help things to move along.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Psychosis is not a symptom of anxiety. Also, I am not aware of any research that indicates that one can get psychosis from anxiety.

Respectfully,

Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

The answer to this question is different for everyone. It depends on your medication regimen and other factors. If you are taking medication in the form of a shot versus a pill can impact the duration of psychosis. Also, if you do not take medication that is also a factor. Mental disorders with psychosis as a symptom should really be managed by a psychiatrist for best results.

Respectfully,

Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Fear and anxiety can be addressed through therapy. Psychotropic medications are also available for treating anxiety.

Respectfully,

Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Psychological stress can be treated using relaxation techniques and talk therapy.

Respectfully,

Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Some psychologists do work with clients who have chronic pain. Some pain is somatic and can improve with mental health support.

Respectfully,

Patricia Harris | MA, MS, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Social anxiety can be addressed in counseling sessions with a licensed therapist. Finding a mental health office in your area and attending regular counseling sessions can be supportive.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Behavioral therapy is one type of intervention and can be used with several different mental health issues. Behavioral therapy is often used when treating Autism Spectrum Disorders in children. However, therapists use it with adults when working to change behavior not related to autism.

Respectfully,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for the question,

There are educational services for individuals with learning disabilities. The school should be able to provide resources for students with disabilities. For adults with learning disabilities, there are county and state resources available to help with locating employment and training. Texas Work Force Commission has a website that is helpful for adults and the school can help with children/students.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for the question,

Over eating can mean many things. It does mean that you have an unhealthy relationship with food. It could mean that you use food as a coping strategy when experiencing uncomfortable emotions. This may be something you want to talk to your doctor or a therapist about as our diet can lead to many negative health effects.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Counseling can help with the emotions and changes related to divorce. It can be helpful to talk through what's next and how to support children who may be involved. It doesn't mean that there is something wrong mentally. However, it can help with understanding any emotions and/or thoughts you are having related to being divorced and moving forward in a healthy way.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Stress is typically alleviated through relaxation skills. Seeking a therapist to support you is not a bad idea as therapist can introduce relaxation activities that you have not tried or are not aware of. However, there are also apps for relaxation that offer free help with learning to calm yourself and relax. Common relaxation strategies are yoga, meditation, walking, and aroma therapy. Anything you find relaxing like long hot baths/showers, coloring, puzzles, listening to music are helpful as well.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Talk therapy can help with nightmares. Processing the nightmares with a therapist can lead to fewer nightmares or less of an emotional response to nightmares.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

As each individual is different, the amount of time required to overcome an issue like anxiety is different. There is really no definite amount of time for anyone. It depends on what interventions are used and how quickly you apply the skills learned in therapy.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

There are a few ways to overcome anxiety. The techniques and interventions used most often in engaging in some type of relaxation exercise. Meditation, yoga, and calming sounds can decrease anxiety because the body cannot be anxious and relaxed at the same time. Introducing a relaxation technique into your daily routine can help reduce your overall level of anxiety. Physical activity can also reduce anxiety; therefore, walking, jogging, and other forms of exercise can be helpful as well. Understanding the life conflict that causes anxiety for you is also something that therapists may work with you on if you chose psychotherapy as a support.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Virtual therapy is basic teletherapy, which is held via videoconference. A videoconference can be conducted on any device that has a camera (cell phone, laptop, computer).

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

Hello and thank you for your question,

One of the keys to decreasing anxiety is to practice relaxation strategies. The body/brain cannot be anxious and relaxed at the same time. Therefore, allowing time during your day for you to relax through breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or whatever makes you feel relaxed will decrease anxiety. Practicing daily relaxation strategies can calm your overall anxiety level over time.

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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