We are doing in-office and video sessions to best serve your needs!
Counseling Services
As believers in Christ, we are told that the kingdom of God is “righteousness, peace, joy” (Romans 14:17), but in our struggles of day to day living we don’t always feel that peace and joy. In fact, Jesus also tells us in John 16 that we will have trouble but be encouraged because He has overcome the world.
At the Rush Creek Counseling Center, we provide a confidential place to face those struggles with the assistance of a professional counselor. Therapy is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, couple or family. The process of growth and development in every person looks and feels different; therefore we attempt to meet people where they are and incorporate various assignments and techniques with traditional “talk” therapy.
All of our counselors are committed Christians who have training in counseling, theology or both. Licensed therapists and professional Christian counselors are available for:
- Individuals & Families
- Children & Adolescents
- Play Therapy for Young Children
- Pre-Marital & Marital Counseling
For more on our counselors, continue to our Counselor Directory.
What’s the Difference Between Premarital Counseling and Couple’s Counseling?
This is a question we get often! It is easy to think, “We aren’t married yet, so we need premarital counseling.” But that actually is not the distinction between the two types of counseling.
Premarital counseling is a course of 8 sessions that “scratch the surface” of several main topics related to marriage. If the wedding is officiated by a Church on Rush Creek pastor, the last two sessions are conducted by the pastor. The Rush Creek Counseling Center follows a curriculum that satisfies the requirements for “Together in Texas” which will provide a certificate of completion and give you a discount of $60 off the marriage license application.
Topics included in premarital counseling include:
- Expectations
- Communication and conflict
- In-laws and previous marriages (blended family dynamics)
- Building intimacy
- Faith and spiritual roles
- Finances
- Sex in marriage
- Roles, responsibilities, and decision-making
Couple’s counseling, sometimes called marriage counseling, addresses specific issues that need much more in-depth work. It will help you recognize and resolve conflicts as well as strengthen your marriage. As a general rule, if an issue takes more than one or two sessions, then couple’s counseling is more appropriate.
To schedule an appointment for professional counseling or premarital counseling, please call 817-704-6991 or email us at counseling@rushcreek.org. Our normal office hours are 8:30am-9pm, Monday-Thursday, and limited appointments on Friday. At times you may need to leave a message when our staff is unavailable, but please be assured that your voice message is confidential and will be responded to as soon as possible. For more on our counselors, continue to our Counselor Directory.
You can also make an appointment online by clicking the button below.
** Important NOTE: If you create a portal account, please continue the process and self-schedule an appointment through the portal. You will NOT be called by the office staff to schedule an appointment. If, after creating a portal account, you need assistance in scheduling an appointment, please call the office at 817-704-6991 and we will gladly help you get scheduled.
** Important NOTE: If scheduling a couples appointment (and any appointment in which more than one client will be present in the session), you can do one of the following:
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- Create a portal account and self-schedule an appointment and then call the office at 817-704-6991 to set up the other accounts and add them to the appointment.
- Call the office at 817-704-6991 to set up the appointment entirely.
Audra Dahl: Adults and Couples
Kym McKenzie: 12+, Adults and couples
Justin Harvey: 5+, Adults and couples
Ashley Coleman: 6+, Adults and couples
Jena Bennett: 13+, Adults and couples
Jeremias Hernandez: 15+, Adults and couples
Amanda Bates: 12+, Adults and Couples
Counseling Fees:
Our counselors are not paid staff of Rush Creek Church. Therefore our fees per client hour (45-50 minutes for adults; 30-45 minutes for children) are as follows:
Director $105
Assistant Director $100
LPC Counselors $95
LPC Associates $75
Grad Student Counselors $65
Insurance:
Currently we do not submit insurance claims but will provide you with a detailed receipt for your own submission, if requested. We do accept payment in the form of cash, check, and most major credit cards. For more on our counselors, continue to our Counselor Directory.
Assessment Resources
Attachment Style Assessment
Love Languages Assessment
Love Languages Assessment for Teenagers
Video Resources
“A Conversation on Grief with Kym McKenzie Webinar”
“It’s not about the nail”
“Brene Brown on Empathy”
“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brene Brown
“Listening to Shame” by Brene Brown
“How EMDR works“
“What is Brainspotting?”
Document Resources
Meditation Breathing Prayers
The Jesus Way of Talking
Coping Statements
Negative Thoughts Trigger Negative Feelings
Professional Links
Christian Counselors of Texas (CCTX) For more on our counselors, continue to our Counselor Directory.
Audra Dahl – Video Link
Kym McKenzie – Video Link
Justin Harvey – Video Link
Jena Bennett – Video Link
Ashley Coleman – Video Link
Jeremias Hernandez – Video Link
Amanda Bates – Video Link
Audra Dahl, MA, LPC-S
Director of Counseling
I love being a counselor because it is so rewarding to help people, both individuals and couples, through difficult times, both past and present. Helping people work through issues of sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, forgiveness, relationships, and anger is my passion. I believe that we are mind, body, and soul and that all three need to be addressed for complete healing. I use an integration of insight-oriented and cognitive therapies and techniques as well as brainspotting therapy according to the client’s needs and abilities.
Email Website Make an Appointment “Audra works with clients who are adults and couples”
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I consider it an honor to be chosen to walk beside someone on their path to healing and I hope that we can have some laughs along the way. My favorite comment from a client is, “You are so not what I expected!”
I earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and Psychology as well as a Master of Arts in Counseling, both from Dallas Baptist University. In addition to counseling, I am an adjunct professor at DBU teaching undergraduate psychology classes and I am an LPC Supervisor and enjoy training and mentoring LPC Interns. In my spare time, I am a long-time member of the Christian Counselors of Texas, Inc. where I have served as Secretary-Elect, Secretary, President-Elect, and am currently President. My greatest accomplishments are a happy and healthy marriage for over 30 years, my two adult children, a son-in-love, and grandchildren.
Kym McKenzie, MA, LPC-S
Professional Counselor
I joined the Rush Creek Counseling Center in 2013. It has been my greatest passion fulfilled to be able to walk along side both children and adults in the midst of difficult times. My passion thrives in being able to aid others in the healing process, while using Biblical principles and giving hope to those that may not know it is there.
Make an Appointment “Kym works with clients who are 12+, adults, and couples”
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I am an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) trained therapist. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma, sexual abuse, marriage, family and parenting issues. I enjoy incorporating art into therapy when appropriate, as well as play with children to help them find a way to understand and work through their feelings.
I received my BS in Social Work degree from Howard Payne University and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I thoroughly enjoy being married to one of the funniest men I know and look forward to many more years of laughing together.
I look forward to working with you.
Jena Bennett, MA, LPC
Professional Counselor
There is no greater joy than to see hurting people find answers, hope, and healing. It is God’s calling on my life to walk with individuals, families, and teens to find hope and help for life’s struggles, hurt, grief, fear, and confusion. I am passionate about giving people tools for a lifelong walk of freedom. Equipping one person, or one family, to change spreads to the people around them and ultimately has a ripple effect of change into the culture.
Make an Appointment “Jena works with 13+, adults, and couples”
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I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Science majoring in psychology, minoring in Biblical studies, and a Master of Arts in counseling, both from Dallas Baptist University.
When I’m not in the counseling room I enjoy cooking, reading, having coffee with a friend, singing, going to Bible studies, going to new places, trying new things, and best of all enjoying my two beautiful adult daughters.
Ashley Coleman, MHR, LPC
Professional Counselor
While you and I may not know each other personally, we are not strangers to life challenges, pain and conflict. As your counselor, it would be my privilege to journey with you through these tough times of transition and help you as you discover new direction and meaning. At my core, I simply love people, and I believe it is important to maintain a life that is as emotionally and mentally healthy as possible. Whether you’re a single parent, a married couple, a family, or an individual in need of change, I look forward to working with you.
Make an Appointment “Ashley works with 6+, adults, and couples”
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I earned both a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s of human relations, with an emphasis in professional counseling, from the University of Oklahoma; and I furthered my studies in counseling at Dallas Baptist University. Away from counseling, I enjoy sharing my life with my loving and hilarious husband and our super cute one-year-old son.
Justin Harvey, MA, LPC
Professional Counselor
Counseling is a passion of mine that I was called to in 2014 and it is my pleasure to meet people where they are in life to help them process their struggles. Often times the biggest hurts are the ones that others can’t see, but are also kept hidden. I want to create a safe place for you to experience healing from those hurts and to be your true self. I look forward to meeting with you soon and to helping you overcome what’s been challenging you.
Make an Appointment “Justin works with 10+, adults, and couples”
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My clinical experience includes treating trauma in children who were victims of physical and sexual abuse, behavioral issues related to Autism and other developmental and mood disorders, and parent training. I also have experience working through issues such as anxiety, depression, and anger. I believe that a person’s issues should be seen holistically and that their struggle does not define them.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Austin College in Sherman, TX and my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University in Dallas, TX. Outside of counseling I enjoy living life with my wife and our two dogs, and serving in my church..
Jeremias Hernandez, MA, LPC Associate
Counseling Associate
Supervised by Audra Dahl, MA, LPC-S
I believe that you have the potential to experience the very hope, healing, and wholeness that your heart so deeply desires for yourself and all your relationships. Sadly, our journeys towards these beautiful destinations are often hindered by many painful complications. My desire is to advocate for and support you in overcoming these burdensome barriers. Let’s work together to uncover your path to personal growth and purpose, with the ultimate goal of discovering the real, true, and free you.
Make an Appointment “Jeremias works with 15+, adults, and couples”
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The counseling room should be a shame-free safe space where your story is reframed freeing you to finally experience adventure from adversity, opportunities from opposition, and victory from victimhood.
You are far closer to healing than you think!
I earned a B.S. in Biology from The University of Texas at Arlington, an M.A. in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary, and am currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program of Counselor Education at Texas Tech University. I have specialized training in EMDR, EFT, Prepare/Enrich & TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention). My counseling theory is an eclectic integration of insight-oriented, trauma-focused, person-centered therapy. In my free time, you might find me at the nearest coffee shop, hiking trail, foreign restaurant, game night, or small group learning something new!
Amanda Bates, MA,
Pastoral Counselor
Supervised by Audra Dahl, MA, LPC-S
My name is Amanda and I am originally from Boston, MA. I got into counseling because from a young age I learned that life is hard and we all carry burdens. My goal is to create a safe place where clients can heal, learn, and grow. My favorite book talks about how we can move from pain to purpose, struggle to strength, and fear to courage. I hope to help clients heal from the past, build strength in the present and have high hopes for the future.
Make an Appointment “Amanda works with 12+, adults, and couples”
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Katy Brooks
Graduate Student Counselor
Supervised by Audra Dahl, MA, LPC-S
My name is Katy and I’ve been passionate about the mind body connection for many years. I have over 10 years of teaching experience in the field of yoga. I have worked with adults, children, trauma victims, individuals with physical disabilities, and veterans.
Make an Appointment “Katy works with 13+ and adults”
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I believe all issues deserve to be processed in a safe and compassionate environment to begin the path of healing. Together we can work on topics such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief and loss by learning to pay attention to both our thoughts and our bodies. In my free time I love to be outside, exercise, try new restaurants, and travel.
Sherie VanMinsel
Administrative Assistant
I am generally the first personal contact you will meet when you call the Counseling Center or email our office. I joined the team in December of 2006, back when there were only 3 of us on the team! I am the “keeper of the calendars” and strive to make a connection for those who are struggling to a source of help and direction. The favorite part of my job is to know I have given someone hope in their situation.
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I know, many times, making that 1st phone call for help is a huge obstacle for you. It takes courage to admit that you need help….and then to act on it. I want to convey compassion and empathy to each caller and email request.
I am a longtime member of The Church On Rush Creek where I volunteer in a number of other service areas throughout the year. I enjoy exploring new adventures, spending time with my family, bargain hunting, golfing and anything artsy.
Valor
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:13
The Rush Creek Counseling Center (RCCC) has a heart for our first responders and veterans. It takes a heart of valor to run toward danger to protect and defend. We know that with danger comes physical and emotional wounds. At RCCC, we consider it an honor to walk alongside these hearts of valor toward healing.
The RCCC Valor program provides low cost and sometimes free counseling (based on financial need) to first responders and veterans. The program is funded through RCCC donation and outside donations. Because funds are limited and people are generally more committed when there is a financial investment, RCCC asks that you invest a small copay per session. Your investment also extends our funds to be able to support more people.
For more information call the office at (817)704-6991 or email us at counseling@rushcreek.org.
If you would like to donate to Valor, please contact Audra Dahl at audrad@rushcreek.org.