Bexar County Psychological Association

07/13/2026

This week, we are pleased to introduce Dr. Kevin Harris, one of our longest-standing members of the Executive Committee! This year, he will be coordinating BCPA's Continuing Education efforts.

-What is your role within EC this year? What do you do? How and when did you hear about BCPA for the first time and how did you end up as an EC member and in your current role?

This year, I am serving as the Continuing Education Member-At-Large for BCPA. My role is to search for good continuing education opportunities for BCPA members for Workshops and Lunch & Learns. I am currently collecting a list of the areas of expertise of local psychologists so that we can ask for local experts to present on various topics of interest to psychologists, so if anyone has any ideas, please send them my way! I first heard about BCPA shortly after I moved to San Antonio in 2018 and joined in 2019 because I thought it would be a good way to get involved in my new community. I served as the Early Career Member-At-Large for a few years before serving as Membership Member-At-Large, President-Elect, President, Past President, and then Secretary. (I also served as acting Treasurer for a short time when the position was vacant.) I guess I just really like being involved in BCPA!

-What is your favorite research area/training method/publication/etc. within psychology at the moment? Tell us about an interesting article that you read recently that you would like to share with others.

I am presenting a Lunch & Learn this month on presurgical psychological assessment for bariatric surgery, and I also do presurgical evaluations for spinal cord stimulator surgeries, so I enjoy health psychology topics and anything that has to do with neurology, neuropsychology, and neurocognitive issues. I just listened to a fascinating podcast this morning from a neurogastroenterologist about the gut-brain connection and learned that 80% of the information in the vagus nerve travels not from the brain to the gut but from the gut to the brain. I am fascinated by the mind-body connection. I am also perennially interested in the psychology of religion and spirituality and have a new book that I co-edited that will be released later this year: Measures of Religiosity and Spirituality, edited by Peter Hill, Ralph Hood, Jonathan Jong, and myself, published by Springer.

-Tell me something else about you that all should know, or would be interesting!

I first became interested in psychology after meeting one of my oldest friends who has Tourette's Disorder. He is very bright and used to doodle neurotransmitters in his notebook, such as how serotonin breaks down into different compounds and would act on his brain. Speaking of the mind-body connection, I was fascinated by how many medications would not work for him, but when he listened to certain kinds of music -- or when he performed on stage as an actor -- his vocal and motor tics would just go away for a time. At about the same time in my life (as a teenager), my father was diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder, and I dated a girl who was diagnosed with what they called at the time Process Schizophrenia. I think that's probably why I ended up going into the field of psychology.

06/28/2026

This week you'll get to know our Treasurer, Dr. Dennis Scholl! This is his second year in this position.

-What is your role within EC this year? What do you do?

My role this year on the BCPA Executive Committee is to serve as the Treasurer. On a monthly basis I prepare a report of the financial status of BCPA. The report includes income, expenses and balances in our accounts. The reports include prior month balances and ending balances and also explains the sources of income and the justification/uses of expenses. I also prepare some input for the EC to consider for an annual budget.

-What is your favorite research area/training method/publication etc within psychology at the moment? Tell us about an interesting article that you read recently that you would like to share with others.

I just completed two books of relevance to military mental health topics, one by Robert Hicks "Failure Not An Option" 2025 presenta a memoir of 40+ years involved with the Air Force in Explosive Ordnance Demolition and in Special Investigations. The other was by Mark Harmon of NCIS fame "Ghosts of Honolulu" describing the espionage in Hawaii both USA and Japanese up to the Pearl Harbor surprise attack on Dec 7th, 1941 and thereafter (I actually wrote a high school history paper on "Pearl Harbor After the Attack" back in 1966). My years at NSA and as a Consultant to the State Department and UN keeps me interested in topics of Psychology related to persons in high reliability occupations.

-Tell me something else about you that all should know, or would be interesting!

Some may find it interesting to know that I am 4th oldest of 11 siblings (10 of us still living), that I lived in Alaska for 13 years, that I trained monkeys to instrument fly, that I was a member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, the American Biofeedback Society, and trained in the past in neuropsychology, that I am a Master Mason and Past Master of my local Masonic Lodge. That I sing in my Methodist Church Choir, that I compete in Senior Olympics in shot put, discus and javelin throwing, that I own 2 horses and at one time competed in Paint Horse Shows in Seguin, that I write poems/rhymes/prayers that are in my mind when I wake up in the morning, that I still work to farm my 55 acre ranch and have grown hay and watermelons, that I am president of our local historical society and am working on creating a historical library and museum for Somerset, that I served as an elected council member in two cities (Seward Alaska and Somerset Texas), that I am serving on the Texas Psychological Association Board of Trustees and that someday I'm gonna decide what I really want to do when I grow up!

By the way - I'm actually quite an introvert but also comfortable talking to almost anyone interested in any of the things I listed above. I am lifted up by being involved with BCPA and by the time it affords me with local colleagues.

06/17/2026

Continuing on with introducing our Executive Committee of 2026 members, say hello to our President -Elect: Dr. Karen O'Brien!

-What is your role within the EC this year? What do you do? How and when did you hear about BCPA for the first time? How did you end up as an EC member?

This year, I am serving as President-Elect, which gives me the opportunity to learn from our current president and prepare for next year's leadership role. My first involvement with BCPA was in 2018, when I served as Continuing Education Coordinator. At the time, I had recently relocated to San Antonio from Washington State and was looking for ways to connect with psychologists outside of the VA system, where I was working. Colleagues at the South Texas VA introduced me to BCPA, and it quickly became an important source of professional connection and community.

-What is your favorite research area/training method/publication, etc. within psychology at the moment?

Although I am no longer involved in research, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in military research psychology focused on emerging technologies in behavioral health, including telehealth and virtual reality applications. Clinically, my interests have evolved over the years from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and other contextual behavioral approaches toward relational psychodynamic, attachment-informed, and compassion-focused therapies. I am particularly interested in how relationships shape healing and growth, as well as the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and positive social change. More recently, I've also been paying close attention to developments in artificial intelligence and how these tools may be used thoughtfully and ethically in psychological practice.

-Tell us something else about you that others should know!

I am a lifelong reader and recently co-founded a pop-up bookstore, The Common Thread, which is built around the idea that stories can help bring people together and strengthen community. I also love travel, spending time outdoors when the weather cooperates, and sharing life with my four dogs. A lesser-known fact: I earned a black belt in Taekwondo many years ago.

Photography credit goes to Jennifer Lindberg Studio and Jenn Lindberg ( and ).

06/11/2026

This Summer, we will be introducing you to our Executive Committee of 2026. Today, we start with our current President: Dr. Emily Muszynski!

-What is your role within the EC this year? What do you do?

As BCPA President, I help guide the organization's strategic direction, facilitate Executive Committee meetings, and work alongside our board members to support programming, advocacy, and member engagement. One of my goals this year is to continue strengthening connections among psychologists across different career stages while promoting opportunities for professional growth.

-What is your favorite research area/training method/publication etc. within psychology at the moment?

My clinical interests center on complex trauma. Lately, I've been particularly interested in work that explores the overlap and distinctions between trauma-related disorders and personality pathology, as well as approaches that integrate attachment theory and trauma-informed care.

Outside of psychology, you can usually find me with a book in hand. I spend a surprising amount of time caring for plants (I'm trying to develop a green thumb), catering to the needs of my cats, and periodically attempting to become the kind of person who enjoys early morning workouts. The cats have been the most successful of these endeavors.

06/05/2026

BCPA’s Executive Committee had its last meeting in May before taking a short break over Summer, but we still have a Lunch and Learn workshop coming up later this month for the members of BCPA. Please see more information on our website: https://www.bexarpsyc.org/events/lunch-learn-the-basics-of-neuropsychological-assessment

Thank you to our members, EC members, and all individuals of the community who have taken time to attend our events and workshops and shared their thoughts and ideas with us this year!

05/31/2026

Here is your psychology trivia of the week. See how many you got right!



1. Hermann Rorschach, after whom the Rorschach test is named, was a psychoanalyst from which European country? Its other contributions to the world of psychology include Jean Piaget and Carl Jung.

2. Which pioneer of modern behaviorism is responsible for the theory of reinforcement, as well as the philosophy of radical behaviorism? He also invented the operant conditioning chamber, which was a box that was nicknamed after him.

3. Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American psychologist who is an advocate of a psychological approach connected to what theory, a concept more commonly associated with Charles Darwin?

4. Wilhelm Maximilian Wundt, one of the fathers of modern psychology, first used what “basic” term beginning with “I” to mean a tendency of an organism toward a particular behavior?

5. Which psychologist investigated obedience using electric shocks while a professor at Yale?

Answers:

1: Switzerland

2: Skinner

3: Evolution

4: Instinct

5: Stanley Milgram

05/27/2026

Last chance to sign up - This BCPA Spring workshop happens on Friday May 29th!

More information here: https://www.bexarpsyc.org/events/bcpa-spring-workshop-a-trauma-informed-biopsychosocial-approach-to-womens-health-across-the-lifespan

05/23/2026

This week's Mental Health Awareness Month Trivia:

1. According to Sigmund Freud, which component of personality comprises the libido and acts according to the pleasure principle?

2. What “L” cognitive psychologist, the author of “Eyewitness Testimony” and “The Myth Of Repressed Memory,” is often called on as an expert witness on memory due to her history of research on memories and their malleability?

3. What “A” disorder is considered an emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event in a person’s life? The patient is attempting to reconcile the event, and the disorder is considered excessive if it persists for three or more months.

4. Which psychological experiment was performed in the early 1960s by Albert Bandura to test his theory that human behavior is largely based upon social imitation rather than inherited genetic factors?

5. In psychology, a situation in which a group makes a collective decision that none of its members individually wants to do is a "paradox" named after what city in central Texas?

Answers:

1: Id

2: Elizabeth Loftus

3: Adjustment Disorder

4: Bobo Doll Experiment

5: Abilene

For more trivia questions like these, go to our website:

Bexar County Psychological Association 5/18/26 Bexar County Psychological Association 5/18/26 5 More Psychology Trivia Questions (Day 8) Read More Bexar County Psychological Association 5/17/26 Bexar County Psychological Association 5/17/26 5 More Psychology Trivia Questions (Day 7) Read More Bexar....

05/18/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are some mental health trivia questions to test your knowledge!

1. What “B” psychological verb means to lead someone on or keep their hopes up through small acts of enticement that will lead to disappointment? It is the name of the item that Hansel and Gretel used to mark their path back home…before birds ate it.

2. Known for its "Twelve Steps" and “Twelve Traditions” guidelines for keeping clean, Bill Wilson and Robert Holbrook Smith founded what alliterative support group in 1935, which launched one of its first meetings in Akron, Ohio?

3. The BDI is a "depression inventory" named for an American psychiatrist with what surname and presumably no relation to the singer of '90s indie hit "Loser"?

4. In 2018, what much-decorated Team USA Olympic swimmer went public on the benefits of therapy with an ad campaign for the app Talkspace?

5. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of depression or low mood that alternate with episodes of mood elevation, which is referred to using which "M" word?:

Answers:

1: Breadcrumb

2: Alcoholics Anonymous

3: Beck

4: Michael Phelps

5: Mania

For more trivia questions like these, go to our website: https://www.bexarpsyc.org/news

05/17/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month began in 1949 in the United States as Mental Health Week, founded by Mental Health America (then called the National Association for Mental Health) in cooperation with the Jaycees youth leadership organization, as a way to raise awareness about mental health issues in America during the month of May. It was based in part on the life and work of Clifford peters, a man who was abused and witnessed terrible abuse, while institutionalized, who wrote a 1908 autobiography (A Mind That Found Itself), and who subsequently launched a reform movement, co-creating the National Committee for Mental Hygiene along with philosopher William James and psychiatrist Adolph Meyer – a Committee that later became Mental Health America. May was first formally proclaimed as Mental Health Awareness Month in 2016 by President Obama, receiving federal recognition for the first time 10 years ago.