Martin V. Bendernagel, LPC, LCDC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor specializing in individual, couple, and family therapy and maintain a private counseling practice in San Antonio, Texas.
I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana; my wife and I lived most of our marriage in the suburbs of New Orleans, Slidell and Mandeville. I practiced law in Louisiana for 28 years and retired when I realized that I wanted to help people who were hurting more directly. During the years I practiced law, I saw many people, adults and children, who were hurting and I was unable to stop their suffering. I was inspired by my wife’s joy and fulfillment when caring for seriously ill patients as a nurse, and realized that my law practice had become sterile. After Hurricane Katrina, I sought career counseling; I realized that I was more alive and experienced great joy when I helped people directly.
I retired from my law practice and moved to San Antonio to attend St. Mary’s University. After graduating with a Masters of Arts in Community Counseling, I became a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I practice counseling from a Christian worldview and strive to practice Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy. After completing a spiritual assessment I work with my clients, always respecting their religious beliefs. Many religious and spiritual practices are very helpful and healthy for mental health and wellbeing.