Business Details
Licensed Counselor in San Antonio, TX
Martin V. Bendernagel, LPC, LCDC is a licensed professional counselor and chemical dependency counselor with a private practice in San Antonio, Texas. Transitioning from a 28-year legal career, he pursued counseling after recognizing a calling to directly help individuals and families experiencing emotional and relational distress. His practice integrates traditional therapeutic approaches with Christian spirituality, offering personalized care for trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, and relationship challenges.With certifications in EMDR therapy and Gottman Method couples counseling, he emphasizes client empowerment through SMART goal-setting and holistic well-being. His background in law provides unique insights into navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, while his commitment to spiritual integration respects diverse client beliefs. Services include individual, couples, and family therapy, with specialized trauma treatment using evidence-based modalities.
Services
Individual Counseling
Couples Therapy
EMDR Therapy
Addiction Counseling
Family Counseling
Trauma Treatment
Grief Counseling
Life Coaching
Highlights and features
- We offer trauma-informed care with EMDR certification for PTSD treatment
- Our counselor combines legal experience with therapeutic expertise in family dynamics
- We integrate Christian spirituality with evidence-based therapeutic practices
- We provide personalized SMART goal planning for measurable client progress
- Our practice maintains Gottman Method certification for couples counseling
Associations and certifications
- EMDR International Association
- Gottman Institute
Services
EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy addresses PTSD and trauma-related symptoms through structured eight-phase treatment using bilateral stimulation. This evidence-based approach helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing emotional distress while improving coping mechanisms. Clients experience measurable symptom reduction in anxiety, flashbacks, and sleep disturbances through targeted therapeutic interventions.
Couples Counseling
Specialized couples counseling addresses communication breakdowns, conflict resolution, and intimacy issues using Gottman Method techniques. Sessions focus on rebuilding trust, improving emotional connection, and establishing shared relationship goals through structured therapeutic exercises and homework assignments tailored to each couple's unique dynamics.
Addiction Counseling
Comprehensive addiction treatment addresses chemical dependencies and behavioral addictions through individualized recovery plans. Evidence-based approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, relapse prevention strategies, and support for co-occurring mental health conditions. Treatment incorporates both secular and faith-based recovery frameworks to accommodate diverse client needs and preferences.
Family Counseling
Family counseling sessions address intergenerational patterns, parenting challenges, and child behavior issues using systemic therapeutic approaches. The practice helps families develop healthier communication patterns, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships through structured interventions that consider each family member's perspective and needs.
Individual Counseling
Personalized individual counseling addresses depression, anxiety, grief, and life transitions through client-centered therapeutic approaches. Sessions focus on developing coping strategies, improving self-awareness, and achieving personal growth goals using evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's unique circumstances and therapeutic objectives.
People
Martin V. Bendernagel
Licensed Professional Counselor
Former attorney turned counselor with 28 years legal experience, Martin transitioned to mental health after Hurricane Katrina. He holds MA in Community Counseling from St. Mary's University and integrates Christian spirituality with evidence-based practices while maintaining professional licensure in Texas.
Questions
What counseling services are available?
We offer individual, couples, and family counseling for trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues using evidence-based approaches like EMDR therapy.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation to help process traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and enabling healthier coping mechanisms through structured eight-phase treatment.
Do you offer online counseling sessions?
Yes, we provide HIPAA-compliant video counseling sessions for clients who prefer remote access to therapy services with technical support available.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We operate as an out-of-network provider and provide documentation for potential insurance reimbursement, while accepting private payment through secure online portals.
How is Christian spirituality integrated into counseling?
Spiritual integration occurs through client-led exploration of faith-based perspectives, incorporating prayer or scripture only when aligned with client values and therapeutic goals.
