I went this doctor on the advice of a trusted friend who felt he had a particular strength in the area of mental health in which I needed help. Unbeknownst to my trusted friend, I knew of Dr. Keener already from an aunt who had gone to him for a few visits until he started falling asleep during their sessions. At the encouragement of my trusted friend, I chose to go in spite of this knowledge. Sure enough, Dr. Keener fell asleep on various occasions during my sessions with him as well!!! I just sat their until he would jolt awake. This was particularly frustrating considering I was paying him $100 an hour for our sessions because my insurance would not cover him. It did not help the rejection and abandonment issues that were a huge part of my life already.
It's my personal opinion that no-one needs to charge $100 an hour, especially if they are falling asleep on you. Although he's a professed Christian he did not offer to charge on a sliding scale as some kind-hearted doctors will do. After a few times when I felt he was laughing at me, particularly after I'd shared a painful memory on one occasion, my trust was completely broken. In spite of this, I did not have the skills to know how to talk to him about it OR the skills to know how to end this "relationship" properly--so I continued to see him until all the money my husband and I had set aside for my counseling had run out. This was a convenient and solid reason for me to stop going to Dr. Keener. One day I left a message saying we had no more money to pay his fee and I would not be returning. I never heard from him after I left that message. So after a year and thousands of dollars, I have nothing to show for my time spent with this man--particularly no insights into the problems for which I went to him which is the most disappointing thing of all.
Dr. Keener rarely gave an opinion as to what my problem was and he rarely suggested solutions to the internal and external conflicts I was experiencing. I have only regret at the large amount of money that was spent and the anger and frustration that was added to the turbulent feelings I already hold inside. I wanted answers (and understanding) of the true nature of my mental state and I wanted to learn skills for interpersonal relationships. Skills that would enable me to participate more confidently in this game of life--skills to make me a better wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend--without all the fear, anguish, and pain continually tripping me up and pulling me down.
more