About the CCC
Experience-based clinical counselling, therapies, and support services for mental health and wellness in Squamish, BC
Values and vision
At the Creative Counselling Centre, we believe that healing begins with safety, relationship, and regulation. Our work is rooted in a bottom-up, neurodevelopmentally informed approach, drawing from the Neurosequential Model and Polyvagal Theory.
We value creativity, compassion, and non-pathologizing care. Whether through talk therapy, play, music, art, movement, or nature, we support growth through connection and experience—not correction.
We do not use or support compliance-based interventions that prioritize control over co-regulation. Instead, we focus on building trust, autonomy, and felt safety as the foundation for change.
Our vision is a community where people of all ages can access meaningful, relationship-based support that meets them where they are.
Our Process
We offer two integrated streams of support:
Clinical Counselling – Psychotherapy and assessment provided by master’s-level Clinical Counsellors. These sessions support emotional processing, trauma integration, and therapeutic insight, and are offered in-clinic, in-home, or online.
Outreach Support Services – Delivered by Junior and Senior Support Workers, outreach services provide practical, relational, and creative support in the home, school, or community. Depending on needs, this may include recreation therapy, art- or music-based engagement, behaviour support, executive functioning skill-building, or sensory regulation strategies.
Our intake process helps determine which stream—or combination—is the best fit. Services can stand alone or be coordinated. Wherever you begin, our approach is responsive, relational, and grounded in developmental needs.
Lisa Mullaly, MACP-RCC, MM-MTA
Program Director, Clinical Counsellor, Music Therapist
About Lisa
My journey to starting the Creative Counselling Centre began over 20 years ago, in my first role supporting children with complex needs in summer day camps. Since then, I’ve worked exclusively in support and therapy-focused fields—as a respite care provider, behaviour interventionist, music therapist, educator, family outreach counsellor, and clinical counsellor. Across every role, one truth has remained clear: relational safety is foundational to well-being.
I’m committed to offering mental health support for complex concerns, including trauma, psychiatric challenges, neurodivergence, and relational stress, using a strengths-based and non-pathologizing lens. I believe we need more actionable, experience-based, and educational therapy models—especially for those who don’t thrive in traditional talk therapy alone.
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Certified Music Therapist, with master’s degrees in both fields, I’m passionate about helping people experience therapy through the arts, nature, recreation, and movement. When these mediums are paired with safe and attuned relationships, they can support powerful shifts in regulation, connection, and self-trust.
Relational safety is at the core of every program offered at the Creative Counselling Centre. It's not just a value—it’s the foundation we build from.
Meet the Team
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Michelle Baraba, AThR, MAAT, B.Sc Hons (Psych)
Cinical Counsellor - Art Therapy
Michelle is a trauma-informed Art Psychotherapist passionate about helping people of all ages navigate life’s challenges through the healing power of creative expression. She holds a deep belief in the inner wisdom of every individual and the transformative potential of a therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
Her approach integrates trauma-informed care, person-centered therapy, mindfulness practices, and an anti-perfect, affirming, and inclusive philosophy. Michelle is committed to creating a warm, welcoming space where you can reconnect with your strengths and explore your inner world safely and authentically.
Born in Croatia and raised in Singapore as a Third Culture Kid (TCK), Michelle has personally experienced the complexities of cultural transitions and understands the vital importance of finding safety and belonging in unfamiliar environments.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or a loved one, Michelle is dedicated to guiding you on a journey of self-discovery and transformation that honors your whole being — mind, body, and spirit.
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Selina Sobolewski, B.A. (Psych), B.A. (Nature Tourism)
Outdoor Rec and Nature Based Therapist
Selina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in counselling and human development and a Bachelor of Arts in Nature Tourism. She has over 10 years of experience working with children, youth, and adults. Prior to moving to Canada, she worked in the outdoor education sector in Australia and since 2021 has worked with children who require extra support in Squamish.
She is interested in the intersection of outdoor activities as support for mental health and wellness across the lifespan. Her approach is client-centred where the client's personality, communication style, thoughts, ideas, and interests become the catalyst for growth. She sees outdoor activities as a unique platform from which to work towards therapeutic goals.
In her spare time, Selena enjoys rock climbing and has over 20 years of experience. She loves to spend time in nature, particularly in alpine environments. She also enjoys cooking and loves to connect with her Sri Lankan and Polish heritage through researching and re-creating childhood dishes.
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Ryan Johnston, B. Sc (Health and Sports Science)
Recreation Therapy and Behaviour Intervention
Ryan Johnston is a passionate and dedicated teacher from Ireland with over a decade of experience working with children and youth aged 3-18 in both educational and recreational settings. Now based in Squamish, Ryan brings his extensive background in teaching, coaching, and behavioural support to the local community, helping children of all abilities thrive in recreational and therapeutic environments.
With a strong foundation in child development and engagement, Ryan has worked as a behavioural interventionist, supporting children with additional needs in one-on-one and group settings.
Ryan is excited to be part of Squamish’s growing community, using his expertise to inspire and guide children toward growth, connection, and fun through recreational and behavioural therapy programs.
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Rafael Vargas
Community Outreach Support
Based in Squamish during the summer, and his homeland of Costa Rica over winter, Rafi is a climbing guide who brings youth from ages 4-18 into nature through climbing and reforestation educative programs through the non profit that he founded, Palo Vivo.
He has experience providing care for children and youth with complex needs. You can see more about his ventures in Costa Rica through documentaries Climbing Giants and Canopy Climbers.
+Naturalist Guide +Wilderness First Responder
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Interested?
Join our team!
Click here for more information.
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$165-$200/hr
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$50-$100/hr
Rates
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We offer a free 15 minute video or phone consultation with Lisa to learn more about our programs and discover if our approach is a fit for you. You can book a consult here.
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Upon booking your first session, you will be required to sign a consent form and fill out an intake form.
You can indicate what experience or support program you are interested in during intake, but you do not have to commit to any additional programs at any time. These programs are voluntary and are not a requirement for accessing counselling services.
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We require 24 hours notice to cancel scheduled appointments. Less than 24 hours notice and the session is billed at the full rate.
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