FOUNDER + CO-OWNER
LEAD THERAPIST

In grade school, I was the person friends found themselves opening up to—disclosing parts of their lives not everyone was privy to hear. I was told that I was a good listener. Back then, I thought listening was a given...something that all friends did. As I’ve grown in the art of counseling, I recognized that attentive listening is truly and often a prerequisite or catalyst for healing. It’s a gift and talent that I’ve been given. It’s my goal, to provide a safe space where you feel listened to—without interruption or judgement—unconditionally.

My experienced began as a counselor at the local YMCA. From there, my clinical experienced was gained in psychiatric facilities, the K12 school system and in church settings where I provided pre-marital therapy and education to couples looking to tie the knot.

Couples and family therapy, although challenging, are a passion of mine. Helping families mend and heal brings my life a sense of purpose. So does treating racial trauma. Whether through psychoeducation, group, or individual therapy, it’s time for us as a community to heal from the generational trauma we’ve carried for centuries, while coping with the trauma currently.

How I do engage in the type of work without getting drained? Well, I am married to my best friend, we have 4 gorgeous girls (yes, I am a #girldad! I thoroughly enjoy homeschooling them all and watching Disney & Netflix movies (over and over and over again on Friday nights)). And of course, actively engaging in our framework praying, talking, and seeing a therapist myself have all help me to remain in a healthy space.

Given the opportunity to work with you, your partner and/or your family in therapy, would be a legit privilege for me.

FOUNDER + CO-OWNER
CONSULTANT + EDUCATOR

Greetings! My name is Brittney Wardlaw—wife, mother, entrepreneur, consultant, trainer, foodie, and travel feen! I am the Owner and Co-Founder of The Relationship Clinic, a mental health clinic that me and best friend started back in 2018. A place that couples, families and individuals can come to focus on their personal growth in hopes to strengthen the relationships in their lives—whether with God, a spouse or partner, children, parents, a co-worker or friend. We also had a dream when we started the clinic to be able to be a part of building, restoring and healing interracially. And last year, I was able to step into that space and offer my expertise in training, consulting, advising and speaking on matters related to anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and bias.

Me, my husband and children have worked diligently to create a space where we are looking to prevent and repair when it comes to learning and growing about the differences amongst one another—specifically when it comes to the social construct of race. I am humbled to share that my years of education and training have made me especially adept and prepared for such a time as this. I received my Business degrees in International Business and Marketing, but then went on to earn my Juris Doctor degree shortly thereafter. While it was my intention to get in the courtroom when I finished, I ended up taking a position in higher education (thinking it to be temporary) but finding a niche in conflict resolution—specifically mediation and restorative justice. While building those programs, Title IX and gender equity issues rose to the surface within education, making me as the legally trained staff, the primary candidate to lead the charge in this area. As a result, opening up a whole world of equity, discrimination, harassment, and all other civil rights related issues. And there was no turning back!

I have spent the latter half of my career focusing on equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and teaching others about bias. But after spending years in higher education, I count it an honor to work alongside my bestie in destigmatizing mental health and encouraging healing from known and unknown racial trauma.

When we’re not working in the clinic, we’re homeschooling our brilliant little leaders, working out, eating good food, or traveling the globe seeing people we love!

My life quote that inspires what I do… “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31: 8-9

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST

Hello, my name is Alyssa, and I am deeply passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges and nurture healthy, fulfilling relationships. It is my sincere belief that everyone deserves understanding, support, and the opportunity to heal and grow.

With a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, my approach is rooted the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) model, which allows me to help clients foster healthy relationships with themselves, others, and God.

Each person's story is unique, shaped by their experiences, culture, and individuality. My experience working with diverse populations, both in academic and therapeutic settings, has enhanced my understanding and appreciation for the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in therapy. I strive to create a safe environment that respects and celebrates individual differences so that clients can express themselves without fear of judgment. It is central that people feel heard, respected, and valued.

I have witnessed firsthand the consequences of addiction and unhealed traumas on relationships. This personal journey has ignited a deep sense of purpose and dedication within me to help navigate these challenges with empathy, understanding, and evidence-based interventions.

I look forward to walking alongside you as we begin a therapeutic journey that fosters personal growth, healing, and resilience.

For as long as Damani can remember, helping people has been an innate part of him. The desire to help those in need prompted him to obtain his bachelor's degree in social work, with plans of creating a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting at-risk youth, particularly males, as a way to give them a voice. The passion that he had for helping at-risk youth during his professional journey led him to grasp the importance of a family as a whole and the value that the individual could contribute. Even before taking on roles as a child abuse investigator for the Fulton County District in Atlanta, GA, and Pre College Advisor for the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Worth, he already recognized the value of building relationships and strengthening the family core, which was only further emphasized by his faith in God.

After processing the death of his mother in 2008 and rekindling the relationship with his father in 2019, Damani understood the significance and benefit of not only family but the impact of therapy. He obtained his Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University in May 2023 and is currently in the process of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. Whether working with individuals, families, couples, or children, Damani's role is to continue to be a voice of encouragement and direction, to help build the family one step at a time.

Hi, I’m Madeline, dog lover, wife, and I get to be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Associate. I am deeply passionate about helping others discover their voice, feeling heard, and being seen. As early as I can remember, I had a strong curiosity in wanting to understand why we do the things we do. I chased that curiosity and was led on a path of personal healing. Now, I have the opportunity to be alongside others in their path of healing and growth.

I also have a strong passion in trust based relational interventions, trauma informed care, restorative practices, and attachment healing. I am very compassionate in working with individuals, couples, and families as we collaborate in navigating challenges while also remembering to celebrate life’s accomplishments.

I get to be a Trust Based Relational Interventions ® Practitioner, Love 146: Not a Number Facilitator, Neuroscience, Epigenetics, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Resilience Trainer, and hold certifications in Trauma-Informed Level 1 Community Resilience Initiative, and Trauma Supportive Level 2 Community Resilience Initiative.

I fully unlocked my passion for helping others through therapeutic practices in undergraduate when I decided to change paths 3 years into my journey from a Kinesiology major to a Psychology major with a minor in Child Development and Family Studies. After graduating college, I went onto pursue a Master of Art’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas A&M University – Central Texas.

When working together, I’m focused on creating a safe, non-judgmental, cultural sensitive space to meet your needs through necessary exploration of thoughts, feelings, and ideas while also working towards healing. I believe there is power in inviting the whole self (cultural, social, and self-identity) into the session as each piece of who you are deserves to be honored and acknowledged. We will work together to identify your goals and develop strategies to address the challenges you're facing. Whether you're coming in with a specific concern or just need a safe space to explore your feelings, I’m here to support you on your journey toward personal/relational growth and healing.

If you're ready to take the first step toward positive change or need support in any area of your life, I’d be honored to collaborate with you.

I am currently working towards obtaining my LMFT. I have worked as a youth and family minister for 30 years, doing pastoral counseling with couples, teens, and families.

Over those years, I knew Therapists that I could refer people to for in-depth counseling. Eventually I moved to a rural area with no local Therapists. My training and experience were not sufficient to meet the needs around me. That is when I decided to pursue my MFT degree to be able to expand the care I was able to provide families, couples, and individuals. Now I have moved to Waco and I am close to graduating. So I am interning at The Relationship Clinic.

The Bible says, “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone” (Romans 4:7). We have made an adage of this “No man is an island.” Our relationships matter. We cannot have healthy relationships with others if we are not healthy ourselves. Individuals cannot truly love, or be loved, if they do not value themselves. Once you value yourself you can truly connect with others. Therefore, we must start with the individual.

Now Marriage and Family Therapy has become my focus of study because of the importance of relationships and the struggles I have witnessed, worked with, and experienced. This includes helping families and individuals deal with grief, addiction, relationships, failure to launch, goal setting, self-worth, and sexual issues.

My focus is to provide confidential counseling, allowing you to talk safely about personal struggles in a non-judgmental environment. Together we work on three goals toward personal growth:

1. Enlightenment-equip ourselves with information;

2. Encouragement-support and positive reinforcement; and

3. Empowerment-tools and motivation to execute change.

I have a community of family, friends, doctors, church members, teachers, and counselors who have made a world of difference in my life. It helps to have people on your team that are committed to helping you succeed. I want to be a part of your team and community.