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 supporting children, teens, and families in their journey of growth and healing.
With children, we offer a warm, playful, and nurturing environment where play is central to processing experiences and fostering emotional development. With teens and adults, we focus on emotional support and practical tools to promote ease, balance, empowerment, and confidence. For parents and families, we work together to answer questions, explore new strategies, and strengthen the parent-child connection.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a B.A. in Clinical Psychology and an M.A. in Counselling Psychology. I hold specialized training in play therapy (Certified Synergetic Play Therapist), emotionally-focused family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), attachment and developmental theory. I also work as a Divorce Coach and/or Child Specialist, offering support to parents during the creation or review of parenting agreements and to improve communication in co-parenting. With focused training in the area of separation and divorce, I help families navigate transitions in parenting arrangements and schedules with care and clarity. I am also qualified to write Hear the Child reports in cases of separation and divorce.
Since 2012, I have supported children, adults, and families in a variety of settings. Most clients (both children and adults) coming to see me have difficulties with anxiety, depression, socio-emotional issues, emotional dysregulation, ADHD, ASD and giftedness. Prior to opening my private practice, I worked with non-profit agencies specializing in child and family services, in SFU research labs dedicated to neurodevelopment, and at the Neuropsychiatry Department at BC Children's Hospital (BCCH).
My approach is practical, warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. I believe in working closely with all members of a child’s support system, which may include schools, daycares, medical professionals, and legal teams—ensuring consistent, thoughtful care every step of the way.
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