Madison Cote-Dear
MSW, RSW
Associate
Specialties
Children, Youth and Adult Mental Health, Behavioural Consultation and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Neurodevelopmental Differences (specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Social-Emotional Learning, Depression, Anxiety, and Managing Distressed Behaviours and Emotional-Dysregulation Associated with Neurodevelopmental Differences.​
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Affiliations
Registered Social Worker (RSW) – Registration #17659
BC College of Social Workers
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Therapeutic Approaches and Professional Training
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Level 1 Trauma-Informed Practice
Systems Theory
Strength-Based Perspective
Humanistic/Rogerian Therapy Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules CÅ‚hi:ya:ỳəstÉ™l’ (Working Together) Indigenous Cultural Safety and Anti-Racism
Serving the Mental Health Needs of Persons with a Developmental Disability Training
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EducatioN
Masters of Social Work (MSW), University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology with a Minor in Special Education, University of British Columbia
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about MADISON
Maddy is dedicated to supporting the holistic well-being of individuals with neurodivergence. Her passion for this work began at age 15, when she started tutoring children with autism– a formative experience that set her on the path to becoming a counsellor and behavioural consultant. She has held diverse roles in the field, supporting clients from ages 3 to 80. Her experience spans work as a behavioural interventionist, teaching in a high school life skills program, conducting research on inclusive education and individualized funding, co-facilitating youth peer support groups, and offering resource navigation through a non-profit disability centre. In her transition into mental health, Maddy served as a therapist on a community psychiatric team, specializing in mental health and positive behaviour support for adults with intellectual disabilities.
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Rooted in a person-centred approach, Maddy follows her clients’ lead, adapting to their pace and needs. She aims to cultivate a warm, relational space grounded in patience, validation, and gentle, timely challenges that promote growth. Her work extends beyond the therapy room, often involving collaboration with families, caregivers, and other professionals– recognizing that wellness thrives through community and supportive networks.
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Guided by an integrative approach that respects both research and lived experience, Maddy applies a range of frameworks and modalities, individualizing her supports to the full context of each client’s experiences while aligning with their goals and unique ways of being. She views her role as helping clients to build coping skills and resilience, deepen self-understanding and self-compassion, and access strengths already within their reach. At its heart, her work is grounded in the belief that while individuals may not always control the circumstances they face, enhancing self-worth, agency, and emotional awareness enables them to respond in ways that align with their values and vision– thereby fostering authentic and meaningful lives.
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Outside of the office, Maddy can often be found adventuring with her dog, experimenting in the kitchen, coaching volleyball, or dreaming of one day owning a small farm.
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