Patrick Harris, PhD, LPC

Available for In-Person Sessions & Teletherapy

My therapeutic style flexibly adapts to the needs, personalities, and preferences of each unique client, but most often combines person-centered therapy, reality therapy, CBT, and just the right amount of humor. I am also trained and certified in clinical hypnosis and can use that approach when it is both a good fit for a client’s needs and they desire it. My experience has shown me that each and every client has the wisdom and ability to know themselves, trust themselves, choose themselves, and love themselves. Therefore, my job is to help them reconnect with and embody this innate ability, removing any debris from their past that might be getting in the way of that. My approach and interventions aim to loosen people from outdated structures, patterns, and habits that block their natural processes of healing, joy, fulfillment, and self-love.

In therapy with me, you will experience patience, acceptance, understanding, and authenticity; at some points we will probably have a bit of fun. Having studied under Dr. Patch Adams (yes, THAT Patch Adams!), I have a profound appreciation of the effect that humor can have on our wellbeing, and I enjoy laughing with my clients after we’ve gotten into a therapeutic groove. I have found that most humans take themselves way too seriously, and this serious mindset only compounds our suffering, creating rigidity that impedes our healing and wellbeing. Humor therapy is an evidenced-based, empirically supported intervention used to treat a variety of ailments such as depression, PTSD, and even chronic pain. This philosophy guides my approach to teaching, conflict resolution, healthy communication, and more. All laughs aside, guiding people through the process of moving from surviving to thriving is sincerely one of the highest joys that I am blessed to call my work.

My PhD work in mind-body medicine, as well as my clinical experience of working with people throughout the entire lifespan, contributes to my holistic and integrative approach to providing effective and meaningful therapy. We’ll employ creative strategies to help address even the most invasive of symptoms you may be experiencing. I appreciate the unique and holistic factors within each individual, while also remaining curious about their environment and context; nothing happens in a vacuum. My education and clinical experience has given me the lens to see your situation from multiple angles; I utilize the inroads towards healing that will be the most effective and efficient for you.

More About Patrick

Patrick is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Religious Studies from Texas State University, a Master’s degree in Counseling from St Edward’s University, and a PhD in Mind-Body Medicine with an emphasis in Integrated Mental Health from Saybrook University. In the Fall of 2022, he completed his dissertation on “The Experience of Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy for Treatment Resistant Depression”. Patrick has earned a certificate in Tobacco Cessation from Rutgers University, a certificate in Laughter Yoga from Dr Madan Kataria, and a certificate in Advanced Clinical Hypnosis from Saybrook University. Patrick has extensive training in therapeutic humor and is a graduate of the Laughing Body: Art of Care Workshop from the Gesundheit! Institute under Dr Patch Adams where he also recently became a co-facilitator.

During his tenure in the field of mental health, Patrick has worked with developmentally-delayed infants, adolescents, and adults in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, community based mental health clinics, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and private practice. Patrick’s current clinical focus is using integrative mental health to treat chronic conditions such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and improving overall quality of life. Patrick splits his time working in private practice, teaching undergraduate psychology at Huston-Tillotson University, and serving on the board of directors for the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. He is also an adjunct professor for the graduate counseling program at St. Edward’s University. In his spare time he enjoys playing with his pups, riding with his motorcycle club, humanitarian clowning, training in mixed martial arts, and indulging a mild pop-culture obsession.