How Long and How Many Times a Week Is a Typical Session?

Initial Consultation Intake Sessions are 90 minutes. Sessions are usually 50 minutes. Most clients are seen once in the beginning, then, as time goes on, less frequently. Twice weekly sessions are also available if the need is dire. The number of sessions depends on what your current needs and challenges are. Longer sessions are available on request, with half-hour increment increases up to two and one-half hour sessions. Tuesday-Saturday appointments are available. Monday afternoons are available on an emergency basis.

The length of time a client is in counseling depends on the nature of the problem and the goals of the counseling. Some clients have a very specific problem that can be worked through in a short course of counseling. For others, counseling is an on-going learning process and they choose to receive counseling for a longer period. It is not possible to give a specific number of meetings, but goals are addressed in the first session and an establishment of what it will look like when therapy is completed.

Many return to therapy as new circumstances and challenges arise. Others take what they have learned in therapy and put it into practice and return for therapeutic boosters as needed. Clients often feel awkward to return after a break or worry that they will not be remembered by the therapist. With the intimacy that occurs in therapy, I always remember my clients. Why start over and tell your entire story once again? Return to the therapist who already knows your history, story, values, and goals, it is more comfortable and efficient. No worries, I'll remember you and be happy to reconnect.

Unfortunately, sometimes one partner is not as willing as the other to come in for counseling. Of course, it is more desirable and faster results may often be achieved with the participation of both spouses. However, I often find that it is possible to improve the relationship with just one person involved in counseling. Frequently the uninterested spouse will join in as changes, improvements and greater happiness are witnessed in the spouse who has sought counseling.

There are many approaches that make a significant difference. Partners and spouses are encouraged to come and observe the counseling process even if they do not actively participate. Being a supportive adjunct can bring more positive and prompt results to the couple. Change in oneself promotes change in the couple and family system.

Initial Intake Sessions: 90 Minutes in Duration: $200.00

50 Minute Sessions: $200.00

50 Minute Sessions: Twice Weekly: $150.00

Court Appearances: $300.00 an Hour

Workshops: $300.00 First Hour $250.00 Each Subsequent Hour

Record Review or Document Preparation: $200.00 per hour

Insurance is not accepted at this time. Clinical receipts are offered if you would like to file your own insurance.

As counselors and therapists, I am not legally allowed to prescribe medications. However, based on a joint assessment of problems you are facing, it may be advisable to consult with a psychiatrist to determine whether medication is warranted. Typically, clients see someone under their health insurance coverage or I can refer you to a psychiatrist. If an individual elects to see treatment with psycho-trophic drugs please understand that it is not a life-long regimen. I can assist you in monitoring progress in this area in collaboration with your physician. Individuals who are prescribed medication will find the most effective results with the combination treatment of therapy along with the medication. I work organically to treat the issue at hand before any recommendations toward intervention with medication.

Talking Points Psychotherapy is a privately owned counseling clinic founded in 2011. The office is located in the Southwest area of Austin, Texas in the Westlake Hills area. Clients comprise all cultural, racial and economic backgrounds, including individuals with different sexual orientations. Children, teens, and adults are welcome either individually, as a couple or family. 

Dianne M. Arnett, M.A., LMFT, LPC

Dianne holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master's Degree in Counseling from St. Edward's University, Austin, Texas. She is a board-certified licensed marriage and family therapist and a licensed professional counselor. 

Dianne formerly  taught in the Counseling Program at St. Edward's University. 

Dianne is the co-author of Sudden Wealth...Blessing or Burden? with Pam Monday, David Rust, and Shane Moore. This easy read shares the stories of 8 families who have encountered sudden wealth. Dianne reflects on the emotional challenges each family faces. Her financial advisor co-authors offer some sound financial guidelines in lay terms that are a benefit to all.

Having served on the internship staff as a counselor at Austin Family Institute and the Settlement Home of Austin, Dianne has provided counseling services and support to individuals with a variety of mental health concerns. She has advance training in Master's Pre-marital Counseling, Gottman Marriage and Family Therapy, Trauma Therapy and Parent Coordinator Counseling and Parent Facilitator Counseling and the New Ways for Families protocol providing a broad therapeutic approach. She is dedicated to perpetual educational advancement.

Dianne has taught parenting classes at the Children's Discovery Center and Anger Management Classes at Travis County Juvenile Justice Center. She has been a keynote speaker at The University of Texas, St. Edward's University, The Settlement Home of Austin, The Khabeli School of Austin and Westlake Animal Hospital.

Through Talking Points Psychotherapy, Dianne is available for speaking engagements as well as workshops on Compassionate Care and Compassion Fatigue, Challenges of Transitions During the Teen Years, Birth Order, Body Language, and Technology Etiquette. Dianne is honored to have recently been commissioned by Travis County to work with victims of trauma.

Dianne is an active member of several professional organizations in addition to, Cambridge Who's Who of America, Professional Women of America and the New Ways for Families Panel.

She has served or a current board member on numerous philanthropic and advisory boards and chaired countless committees for the past 30 years including St. Edward's University, Samaritan Counseling Center, Settlement Home of Austin, Parent's Warm Line of Austin, St. Stephen's Annual Fund, St. Stephen's Parent's Board, St. Austin's Parish Council and many others.

Areas of Expertise: 

• Family Systems Therapy
• Individual Counseling and Life Coaching
• Mediation
• Pre-Marital and Post-Marital Counseling
• Marriage Officiate
• Sudden Wealth Issues
• Parenting
• Co-Parenting After Divorce
• New Ways for Families of High Conflict Divorce
• Trauma Recovery Both Mild and High Impact