Practicum Clinicians

Maddie Straup, M.S.

As a Doctoral Practicum Clinician at the Chrysalis Center, I wish to use my wide range of training experiences to help you develop an authentic and healthy relationship with yourself and with those around you. Because we as humans are relational in nature, both our past and present experiences in relationships impact our development and overall well-being. Through a collaborative style, I hope to help you more fully know and understand yourself to produce more empowering and enduring changes that help you live a more fulfilling life. If you think I can be of assistance, please give me a call.

I view therapy as an open, non-judgmental, and safe space to process one’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions, as well as a space to develop tools and skills to better address the problems in one’s life. I prioritize meeting you where you are, respecting your intersecting identities, and helping you navigate the path of where you want to be. I place particular focus on developing a strong therapeutic relationship based in warmth, empathy, compassion, and unconditional acceptance. By creating a secure and collaborative environment, I hope to encourage curiosity and exploration, as well as the development of a supportive relationship that values authenticity, self-reflection, self-expression, and mutual commitment to growth. This process can lead to increased well-being and resiliency.

I am currently pursuing my doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of North Texas. Through this program, I have had the opportunity to work with clients of diverse backgrounds and identities, ranging from adolescents to adults across the lifespan. I have learned many modalities and interventions to assist clients with a variety of concerns such as isolation and loneliness, personality disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional avoidance, low self-esteem, role transitions, multicultural and identity concerns, relational concerns, and building distress tolerance. Although I take a more relational and emotion-focused approach to therapy, I also enjoy integrating various evidence-based interventions when needed (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy).

Fun Tidbit: In my free time, I enjoy traveling, watching Netflix, being in nature, and spending time with my partner, family, and friends.

Contact:

Straup@TheChrysalisCenter.com

(817) 349-2888

1130 N. Kimball, Ste 120, Southlake TX 76092

Populations Served
  • Emotional distress and mood disturbances
  • Identity concerns and exploration (e.g., race, gender, sexuality, religion, etc.)
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Recent trauma or trauma histories
  • Interpersonal difficulties (e.g., boundaries, conflict, etc.)
  • Grief or Loss
  • Struggles with life transitions (e.g., job shifts, adjustment to college or life after college, motherhood, mid-life issues, etc.)
My Approach to Therapy

My approach to therapy is integrative and collaborative. I work with clients to identify their concerns and therapeutic goals, acknowledging they are the expert of their own experiences. I strive to create a space for clients that honors their experiences and autonomy, as well as that allows them to feel seen and known in a way that helps them fully know themselves and make meaning from their experiences. I believe people grow and flourish in the context of their relationships. I believe early childhood relationships and life experiences impact how we navigate current relationships and respond to life struggles. Therefore, I will be curious about the influence of past relationships and relational patterns on your behavior. Through the therapeutic relationship, clients and I work together to identify maladaptive behavioral patterns, or areas of their life that may be detrimental to their well-being, and to create alternative behaviors or thoughts that promote healing, growth, and better enjoyment of life. Once we hone in on interventions that best meet your needs and goals, I can integrate various evidence-based methodologies that I have trained in, including psychodynamic approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and mindfulness therapy.

What You Can Expect

We will work as a team to create a therapeutic relationship built on mutual trust, respect, and safety. Therapy can be incredibly challenging, but can also provide meaningful and powerful insight and change. In therapy, you may experience discomfort and initially feel more pain after sessions, as we discuss topics that are difficult or may not have been readily explored before. However, you will not be alone. I hope to provide a supportive space that allows you to process these hard emotions. In the long run, you will hopefully start to feel better, stronger, and empowered to face life and to create more meaningful connections with others.

In our initial sessions, I will want to hear about your story and what brings you to therapy. Our sessions will then be focused on helping you meet your goals through different counseling techniques. It is important to note that each therapy process takes on its own unique course and experience. You can expect a therapeutic approach that is individually tailored to your needs and honors your feedback and input. Your goals and presenting concerns will guide our work together. Therapy is an ongoing collaborative process that leaves room for goals and interventions to change or pivot. We will typically meet once a week, or more or less frequently depending on your needs. I will listen to your concerns and provide feedback and insight on my understanding about the sources of your struggles. We will periodically evaluate how you are doing, and tailor your goals accordingly.

Education
  • 2022 – Current: In Clinical Psychology, University of North Texas
  • 2019 – 2022: Master’s in Clinical Psychology, University of North Texas
  • 2014 – 2018: Bachelor’s in Psychology with honors, Southwestern University