FAQ

Below are some other questions we are often asked about ourselves or our services that may not be answered anywhere else specifically on website. If you can think of another question we have not answered for you, would you please contact us so that we may do so? We receive many emails from prospective clients and we do not at all mind. So many people looking for counseling services often do not even know where to begin. You are looking, so CONGRATS! Click here to reach us.

1. Do men even benefit from therapy, really, since it’s seemingly stereotyped for women?

• You know, I don’t get asked this question that often for one simple reason--if someone asks, they are saying they might need it. So I can tell you what most wives tell me their husbands say or even what current male clients say they thought prior to coming to visit.

  Click here men if you are struggling with the EGO and wondering if this therapy stuff is what people say it’s cracked up to be. This is a great article from Men’s Health magazine a client brought to me. Probably half of my clients are male by the way.

• Click here to learn more about Men's Groups and what so many men have come to discover as so empowering and necessary.

2. Does insurance cover any of the fees?

• Yes, but you are responsible for paying fee upfront and have insurance reimburse you. Each insurance company is different so you need to call to find out what your mental health benefits are AND is there out of network coverage.

3. Do you reserve the right to not treat someone?

• Yes, depending on the circumstance and/or my qualification to give someone the professional assistance they need.

4. Do you offer pro-bono services?

• I will only do so in some cases and most often with clients with whom I have established a relationship. You get out of therapy what you put into it, and most can afford it I find if they really want it. But if there are legitimate reasons, I may make an exception per my discretion

5. Do people ever really get better with counseling?

• Yes, or I could not be in this profession very long! People are just often not willing to do what needs to be done to get really healthy. The ones who are willing generally seek counseling or coaching when in enough pain so some level of motivation of course is greater. Neither I or any therapist can “heal” you but help be an agent of change so that ultimately God can heal you. I will NEVER judge a client who has any type of problem. If that ever happens with a counselor, it’s time to switch therapists!

6. Do you provide online therapy/phone therapy/coaching?

• Yes, sure do particularly with clients who live too far away to drive to my office.
  Check out eCounseling or phone counseling to see if this is an option for you

7. What is the difference between therapy and coaching anyway?

• There is so much confusion with this question and many resources on it. I offer both in conjunction with one another as I believe that is the most effective way to do so. Please understand however that I am a licensed therapist who is able to do both unlike most coaches who are not licensed therapists but may have credentials to be a life coach. Click here for more info on the differences between

8. Are you affiliated with any organizations or churches?

• I am in private practice and adhere to the laws and ethics of which I am bound to practice with a license in state of Texas. I am a member of the AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors). I work with many churches and organizations throughout the Dallas/Ft Worth area but not bound to any organization.

9. Do you ever do family interventions?

• Yes, upon request and my recommendation.

10. Is everything confidential when I come in?

• Absolutely, all communication between the client and counselor becomes part of the clinical record. Records are the property of Daehnert Counseling LLP in accordance with legal requirements, adult client records are disposed of seven years after the file is closed; minor client records are disposed of seven years after the client’s 18th birthday. While most communication between a client and counselor is confidential, the following limitations and exceptions do exist:
  > The counselor determines the client is a danger to himself or someone else.
  > The client discloses abuse, neglect or exploitation of a child, elderly or disabled person.
  > The client authorizes the counselor to release records.
  > The counselor is ordered by a court (including subpoenas) to disclose information.
  > The counselor is otherwise required by law and HIPAA Privacy Act to disclose information.

11. Do you ever speak to groups on mental health issues?

• Yes, and I am available upon request to speak with your church, organization, or affiliation.

12. How is this Christian-based counseling?

• I like to answer this by saying that I am a Christian and what I offer in session is biblically-based counseling that anyone can benefit from. The reason I hesitate to advertise as a Christian Counseling Center is for many reasons, but the main is that my practice does not exclude other faiths or belief systems people have. I am afraid the word Christian in this profession is often times synonymous with the over-spiritualization of real problems. Personally, I disagree with professionals who try to take psychology out of the equation by using “Word-based” counseling alone.

  • Archibald Hart, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and Dean Emeritus of the Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Seminary says it best, “YOU CANNOT BE SPIRITUAL WITHOUT REGARD TO WHO YOU ARE IN THE REST OF YOUR PERSON.” A person can not be spiritually healthy if he or she is not emotionally healthy. So if you want me to pull out the Bible during every session and read scriptures to you, I’m not the best fit.

13. I am really nervous about seeing a therapist and being “exposed” of my issue. What should I do?

• Get help anyway! Going to see a licensed professional such as myself you do not know has many advantages. For one, it’s confidential. Second, it’s a safe place where you will not be judged. Third, everyone is screwed up in some way so stop thinking your issue isn’t common to all men and women. Anyone who tells you he or she is completely healthy, don’t just walk away, RUN away! You’ve taken the first step to getting help by viewing this website. Now do something about it. You’ll be glad you did.

14. Do you prescribe medication?

• Only a medical doctor like a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. I do believe meds are often needed but not always. With chemical imbalances, they are a must. There’s nothing unspiritual about taking medication, despite what some Christians say. Receiving therapy along with medication for a limited time is usually the best course of treatment.

15. Isn’t it possible my problem will just go away on its own?

• I bet you can answer that one yourself. Has it yet? How long have you had it now? The only problem that usually ever goes away is when it’s a temporary fix. It will return if you’ve just swept it under the carpet. And when problems return, they are bigger and feel worse particularly when you know it could have been taken care of maybe before now.

16. Why should I see you now for counseling?

• If you are reading this material because you are searching for some help for your struggle(s), you will get your answer by the end of your first session. Know this as well. One year from now you will either feel worse than you do or better depending on what you do today. Either way, that year will come and go.

• Take a self assessment test to help you determine if you need therapy

17. Do you treat adolescents and, if so, girls as well?

• Yes, I do treat both adolescents and girls. I generally do not see anyone younger than 12 years of age. But I do make exceptions depending on the circumstances.

• I like to see the parent(s) first session to discuss the happenings of their son or daughter. This allows me to know what’s going on so I can more effectively connect with the family.

• Also, in order for me to be effective with an adolescent, I need the parental permission to only disclose to them what I feel is appropriate. I need to gain the trust of the client ASAP. Click here to see form parent must sign before I will see their child.

• If the parents are divorced and there is dual custody, law dictates my need of the consent from both parents to treat the minor.

• Click here (scroll to bottom of page) to learn more about what the typical issues are we see with adolescents.

18. Marriage Counseling questions

• Here are the top questions as it relates to couples coming in to counseling:
  • 1. My spouse does not believe we need it. So should we pursue it? 
    • That's the most common question I get.  Well, you come anyway since what you do will ultimately affect change.  You are as much apart of the family system as he or she is.  We can discuss your options but don’t wait to schedule an appointment.
  • 2.  Do you do pre-marital counseling?
    •  Yes I do.  I incorporate the Prepare/Enrich assessment as a tool for those who are interested in taking.  I highly recommend it!
  • 3.  I think my husband is a sex addict but he won’t admit it, so how do we get help if he won’t come in?
    • Same response as #1 above.  You may be part of the problem anyway so you will have to address any issues you might have regardless if he thinks he needs counseling or not.  Most addicts are so cautious of getting exposed so they will do everything in their power to not admit they have any problem since it’s their primary defense--DENIAL.
  • 4.  My spouse has been unfaithful and I am not sure if I can survive this type of betrayal so should we jut get divorced now?
    • I do not believe you should do anything until you have consulted with a therapist who counsels couples regularly in this situation such as myself.  So I won’t tell you to just not consider counseling as there will be long-lasting ramifications anyway especially if you have children.  I do recommend separation often but within appropriate guidelines.  So learning what the best course of action to take is what I would encourage you to do at this point.
  • 5. What type of role do you take in marriage counseling, especially when concerning husbands who may be narcissistic?
    • I see all types of personalities and understand them pretty well so I will base my approach on who I am counseling.  So,  if there is someone who needs to be confronted heavily, I have no problem doing so.  I will never treat anyone disrespectfully, and I expect the same.  If that is not possible, I will refer out immediately or choose not to work with someone as it is my choice.  I do not patronize or condemn clients but am very honest with problems I see.  I do not take sides in marriage counseling as well but state the facts like I see them.  My agreeing with a spouse  sometimes clients interpret as my choosing their spouse’s position(s).  I have nothing to gain by not speaking the truth or choosing sides.
  • 6. Do you ever see both the husband and wife individually? 
    • Yes, I do regularly and will often do so after first session to give each a chance at least once to give more of their side of the story.  Some therapists recommend each seeing his or her own therapist for conflict of interest sake.  Unless I feel that is the case, I do not operate that way and find many advantages of seeing the whole family while keeping confidentiality a priority when necessary in marriage counseling.  I do not want to have to compete with another therapist’s recommendations especially if our views are in conflict.  My overall goal is getting each spouse to a healthy place while encouraging a stronger marriage in the process if possible (that depends on each spouse). 
    • I DO NOT BELIEVE IN KEEPING ANY MARRIAGE TOGETHER AT THE EMOTIONAL OR SPIRITUAL EXPENSE OF THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED.  Some Christians try to exploit God’s Word regarding marriage and divorce so that they don’t have to make individual changes in their own lives.  What that means is if you are looking for someone to just preach against divorce when there is any abuse involved, I am not the counselor you want.    However, I do value marriage and totally believe in its sanctity.  That is why I have been married over 19 years to my first bride despite our struggles.
  • 7.  Do you work with couples in the midst of a divorce?
    • I do so unfortunately but will often times recommend against it if I have been seeing both husband and wife for any length of time.  I can’t ever guarantee my testimony will be in the favor of a client who subpoenas me or court orders me to go to trial for them.  See below for fees

19. Do you see clients who are court-ordered to come to therapy or a couple pursuing divorce?

• I sure do. I am not a court-appointed therapist per se but I will see someone per my discretion if they are allowed to choose any licensed therapist. I do charge for any litigation-time required whether it be for speaking to a representing attorney, appearing at a deposition, or going to a trial. I have a legal-action document with set fees which you will need to sign before I agree to work with you.

Offering Individual, Couples, Marriage, Family, and Concierge Counseling in Collin County, TX (Allen, Fairview, Lucas, Wylie, McKinney, TX and surrounding areas).