Marissa B. McNeill, RCC and Professional Art Therapist
She/Her
CHILDREN (6+ years), TEENS, YOUNG ADULTS
Marissa is a registered clinical counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors and a professional art therapist with the British Columbia Art Therapy Association. She works with children, youth, and young adults through traditional talk-based counselling and expressive art therapy. She supports individuals who have undergone trauma, stress, and substance use, as well as those who experience challenges with identity, anxiety and depression, relationships, and life transitions.
Her counselling approach is integrative and tailored to each client, drawing from art therapy, Adlerian psychology, solution-focused brief therapy, and narrative therapy, and is trauma informed, strengths-based, and person-centred. She believes therapy is most effective when it meets people where they are, and she works collaboratively to create a safe space for exploration, growth, and healing with each client.
As a lifelong artist, Marissa values creativity and self-exploration as powerful tools for understanding oneself and creating a life one is excited to wake up in each day. With a BA in Social Sciences (Psychology major, Visual Arts minor) and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology with a focus in Art Therapy, she brings both clinical and creative skills to her counselling work. She continues to deepen her knowledge and practice through further training in trauma-aware practice, neurodiversity, gender diversity and LGBTQIA+, and dialectical behaviour therapy. In her practice, she emphasizes process and progress over product, helping individuals use creative expression to discover new perspectives, build resilience, and reconnect with themselves.
Outside of her counselling work, Marissa enjoys spending time by the ocean, swimming, or simply reading. She enjoys iced coffees and baked goods, cozy video games, and a good nap.
RCC Designation Number: 27089
Professional Art Therapist Designation Number: 0701P