Gisella La Madrid
MA, RCC-ACS
Child & Family Counsellor
Child Specialist & Divorce Coach
Hear the Child Report Interviewer
Team Leader and Clinical Supervisor

I am the Founder of Strong Ties - Child & Family Services, created with the vision of helping you, your child and your family grow and heal. With children, we provide a friendly, fun and warm environment where play is key to process experiences. With teens and adults, we provide the emotional support and practical tools to help them feel more at ease, balanced, energized, empowered and confident. With parents and families, know that we solve doubts, practice new strategies, and help you deepen the bond with your children.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, holding a B.A. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. in Counselling Psychology. I have specialized training in play therapy (Certified Synergetic Play Therapist), emotionally-focused family therapy, and attachment and developmental theory. I am also a Divorce Coach and a Child Specialist, helping parents write or review parenting agreements.
I have been supporting adults, children and families since 2012. Before opening my private practice I worked in non-profit agencies specialized in children and families, SFU research labs focused on neurodevelopment, and the neuropsychiatry department at BC Children's Hospital (BCCH).
My approach is warm, flexible and non-judgemental. I believe in collaborative approaches so you can expect me to support you and your family with schools/daycares, doctors, lawyers or anyone in your team.
Areas of Focus:
In Children: Anxiety | ASD | ADHD | Giftedness |
Emotional Regulation | Anger Management | Behavioural issues | Socio-emotional skills | Grief | Sexual abuse
In Parents: Anxiety | ADHD | Life Transitions | Parenting | Separation & Divorce | Boundaries | Relationship Issues | Shame | Stress
Age Group:
Preschoolers, School-aged children, Adolescents & Parents/Families
Availability:
Mondays (Coquitlam): 9:00am-5:00pm
Tuesdays (Coquitlam): 9:00am-6:00pm
Wednesdays (Coquitlam): 9:00am-6:00pm
Thursdays (Langley): 9.30-5:00pm
Languages:
English & Spanish
Rates:
Child therapy & Parenting sessions: starting at $190
Divorce coaching and Child Specialist: $250
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology - Universidad de Lima, Peru (2012)
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology - Adler University (2015)
Specialized Training:
Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
Divorce Coach and Child Specialist
Advanced training in Emotionally Focused Family Therapy
Clinical Supervisor Training
Advanced training in Attachment and Child Development by Neufeld Institute
Professional Membership:
Member of the International Association of Collaborative Practice (IACP)
Member of the Hear the Child Society Roster
Member of the Collaborative Divorce Vancouver Society
Member of the Association of Family Courts and Conciliation
Registered Clinical Supervisor (ACS)
Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC (RCC)
Registered Psychologist in Lima, Peru