Madison Winkler, LPC-Associate: Child, Teen & Family Therapist in Frisco, TX

Supporting Children, Teens, and Families Through Life's Challenges

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. Whether you're seeking support for your child, your family, or your teenager, I know taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming. My goal is to create a warm, accepting space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered as we work together toward meaningful growth and healing.

I've always been drawn to understanding people and creating meaningful connections. As I learned more about child development and mental health, I realized I wanted a career that allowed me to support children and families through life's challenges. Becoming a therapist has given me the opportunity to build trusting relationships that foster healing, resilience, and authentic growth. It is a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they discover their strengths and work toward becoming the best version of themselves.

Who I Work With: I primarily work with children, adolescents, and families. I especially enjoy helping those who are experiencing anxiety, behavioral challenges, ADHD, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, relationship stress, and life transitions. I also partner closely with parents, providing support and practical strategies that strengthen the parent-child relationship and help families feel more connected and confident.

My Therapeutic Style

My approach is person-centered and trauma-informed, meaning I believe every client deserves to feel accepted, understood, and valued. I tailor therapy to each individual's unique needs through a humanistic lens using non-directive play therapy, person-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and developmentally appropriate interventions.

Play is a natural communication system for children. Through play therapy, I connect with children in their world to better understand their experiences and help them safely express emotions, process difficult events, and develop healthy coping skills. With adolescents and families, I focus on building insight, strengthening relationships, and developing practical tools that create lasting change.

What to Expect in Session: I strive to create a calm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. Sessions are interactive and individualized, balancing emotional support with practical skill-building. Whether we're playing a game, creating art, talking through difficult experiences, or learning new coping strategies, my goal is to help clients feel safe, understood, and empowered.

Credentials & Education

• Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (Texas), Supervised by Angela Peña, LPC-S
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — University of Texas at Tyler
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, magna cum laude — University of Oklahoma

Areas of Focus

Children: Childhood can bring big emotions that are difficult to understand or express. Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, behavioral challenges, emotional outbursts, difficulty adjusting to change, or struggles at school or home, I provide a safe, nurturing environment where they can communicate through play—their natural language. Through play therapy and a trusting relationship, I help children build emotional awareness, healthy coping skills, confidence, and resilience while partnering with parents to support growth beyond the therapy room.

Adolescents: Adolescence is a time of tremendous growth, change, and self-discovery. Teens often face challenges related to anxiety, depression, identity, peer relationships, family conflict, academic stress, and life transitions. I strive to create a space where adolescents feel genuinely heard and respected, allowing them to openly explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.

Parenting Support: Parents are an essential part of a child's healing. I enjoy partnering with caregivers by providing education, guidance, and practical tools that strengthen family relationships and support healthy emotional development.

Trauma: Using a trauma-informed approach, I provide a safe environment where children and families can process difficult experiences at their own pace while building resilience and emotional security.

Emotional Growth & Self-Esteem: I help children and adolescents build confidence, improve emotional awareness, strengthen coping skills, and develop a greater sense of self-worth through a supportive therapeutic relationship.

About Me

When I'm not in the office, you'll usually find me spending time with my daughter, cuddling with my cats, or getting lost in a good book. I enjoy slowing down and appreciating the little moments, and I believe play, curiosity, and connection are just as valuable outside the therapy room as they are inside it.

In My Clients' Words: Clients and parents often tell me that I create a space where they feel comfortable, understood, and never judged. They appreciate my calm presence, genuine warmth, and ability to connect with children in ways that help them feel safe to be themselves.

Start Your Journey

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel intimidating, but you don't have to do it alone. Whether you're reaching out for your child, your family, or your teenager, I would be honored to support you through the process. Together, we'll create a safe space where healing, growth, and meaningful change can happen.