Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Acker Liz Hemphill
Hi Melanie Acker, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our journey begin in 2013 as middle school counselors. Within days of getting to know each other, we soon became friends. We eventually moved to different campuses and different districts but remained close. Fast forward 10 years and so much had happened; new babies, moves, new jobs, and so much more. We both became Licensed Professional Counselors and we dreamed of opening a practice with a distinct vision. The vision was to create a safe, welcoming, and joyful space in an easy accessible location. We didn’t just want to open a counseling practice, we wanted to open a practice where each client and therapist that walked in felt valued and cared for. We wanted to create a community.
In late summer of 2023, we sat outside of a coffee shop and started drafting what our dream practice would look and feel like. Magic was happening that afternoon. We felt that God was laying it all out for us. That evening, we talked to our husbands, Travis and Joey (also co-owners), and they were fully supportive and on board with the idea. From that day on, we never looked back. We looked at locations and found the most beautiful space with plenty of room to grow in the Rockwall Harbor area.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There were definitely challenges along the way. We are both working moms who, as many others, strive to stay on top of all the things. Working, taking kids to activities, and creating a business from scratch definitely had challenges but we are so blessed to have our husbands. This dream would not be possible without their support.
The obstacle of “what if” came in to play a few times. It can be scary opening a new business and fear of “what if.” However, being open and having honest discussions and hyping each other up were key in our success.
We also faced the task of finding the right therapists for Clarion. We had such a clear vision of what we wanted to cultivate for our practice and our clients. As we were creating Clarion, we shared our story on social media. We had therapists reach out to us wanting to join our team and we even connected with past coworkers and friends. We now have 5 therapists and are adding two within the next few months. Our team of therapists bring so much to Clarion, and most importantly, our clients.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Clarion Therapy and Wellness is a counseling practice nestled in the Harbor area of Rockwall, Texas. Our boutique counseling practice is dedicated to guiding individuals and families towards emotional well-being and personal growth. We understand that life’s journey can present various challenges, from navigating the complexities of ADHD to overcoming the weight of grief and trauma. That’s why our team of compassionate and highly skilled therapists is here to offer support every step of the way. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, our practice serves as a place where clients of all ages can feel safe to process their thoughts and emotions. Whether it is grappling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or seeking to bolster self-esteem and confidence, we tailor our approach to meet clients’ unique needs and goals. Drawing upon evidence-based techniques and a holistic perspective, we empower individuals to embrace their strengths, cultivate resilience, and foster meaningful connections with themselves and others. Our mission is to nurture lasting transformation and empowerment.
We are most proud of the team, space, and style we have curated. The culture of our team is another thing we feel sets us apart. We are intentional about creating a happy space for our therapists because it then creates a joyous space for our clients. We want to help our clients “bring focus to their journey.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clarionwellness.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clariontherapyandwellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Clarion-Therapy-Wellness-PLLC-61552472275700/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/clarion-therapy-and-wellness-rockwall
Image Credits
Photo of Liz and Melanie: Monika Normand Photography
Photos of Team: Rebecca Sunshine Photography
