Family therapy and counseling in Waco, TX

What I would want clients to know about me is that I understand how heavy life can feel when you are carrying too much for too long. I often work with moms, caregivers, children, teens, and adults who are navigating anxiety, stress, overwhelm, life transitions, and the pressure to keep showing up even when they feel emotionally exhausted. If you are a mom who feels like you are always running, always thinking about what someone else needs, and slowly losing touch with yourself, this can be a space to pause, breathe, and begin finding your way back to you.

I also bring many years of experience in education and school counseling, which helps me support children, teens, and families with a practical understanding of how home, school, relationships, and daily responsibilities can impact emotional well-being. My goal is not to help you chase perfection, but to help you build more balance, clarity, confidence, and peace in your everyday life. Whether you are trying to feel like yourself again or trying to support a child who is struggling, you do not have to figure it all out alone.

Greetings, my name is Mary Therese Hafernik, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 4 years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, family issues, stress, and women’s issues. I work with people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for meaningful change. Through evidence-based practices, I help clients better understand their emotions, develop practical coping skills, and make lasting changes aligned with their unique goals.

Nathan Starr has worked as a counselor and instructor for years and is currently completing his pre-doctoral internship, and is supervised by Dr. Jennifer Williams, #37608. In an era where mental wellness is foundational to living a fulfilling life, Nathan is dedicated to offering a transformative, person-centered approach to mental health care. He has an established track record of working with individuals of all genders, and various ages, specializing in both individual and group counseling, while providing a safe, inclusive space for diverse clients to heal, grow, and thrive. He appreciates the chance to partner with his clients to identify and accomplish their goals. He believes in honoring every person’s humanity, dignity, personal story, and journey. He does this by showing up for them and walking with them on their journey towards purpose, wholeness, and fulfillment.

It is my goal to help clients understand their diagnosis, set goals of what coping looks like, and establish a strong and healthy support system. I also focus on healthy living skills, which entails balancing social and emotional well-being. My belief as a therapist is for each client to see steps of progression leading towards their obtainable goals.

I have worked as an LPC in the state of Texas for 20+ years. I received both my bachelor's in psychology and my master's in counseling from DBU. Along the way I have been supported by a few very wise and gentle mentors who have augmented my education and awareness. I have worked in both clinical and hospital settings, as well as in private practice, with the majority of my time in private practice. My emphasis has been in working with adults, adolescents and relationships dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar, family issues, behavior disorders, ADHD/ADD, and trauma/grief.