Kelly O'Hearn
Registered Psychotherapist, qualifying
Kelly has a natural curiosity and compassion for people of all ages and stages of life. With compassion and a great sense of humour, Kelly works along side her clients to navigate life’s challenges and their own inner process. Kelly has a strong focus on meeting clients where they’re at and building a solid therapeutic alliance with her clients to create a safe space of empathy and understanding. Kelly gently encourages you to connect to yourself and explore. In her personal time, which with three young children, doesn’t happen often, Kelly can be found exploring the outdoors or new yummy brunch location, baking (she’s never met a cookie or brownie she didn’t like), reading a book or playing UNO with her family.
My Story
My work in the mental health field began 12 years ago after graduating from Sheridan College with a diploma in Child and Youth Work. My first stop in my therapy career began with work at a clinic that offered Play Therapy services for children, and their caregivers and families who were currently or had been in the foster care system or who had experienced abuse and/or trauma. While I did not provide therapy services myself, I found the work of therapists and the changes they were able to elicit with clients that had experienced trauma was truly inspiring. While I continued to work as a CYW with children and youth within the school system and through individual support, I wanted to offer the opportunity to provide psychotherapy. In 2020 I started my Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology with Yorkville University, graduating in December 2022. With a focus on building a therapeutic alliance, I look to support clients as they navigate various life challenges and stressors with compassion, understanding, and positive regard. In partnership with clients, I work toward honouring their lived experience, recognizing the uniqueness in all individuals’ journey, while also exploring self-discovery, self-acceptance, and growth. Starting with the therapeutic alliance as the foundation, my hope is to build genuine connections and to encourage clients to recognize their inherent strengths while simultaneously connecting them with their authentic selves.
While at heart I would probably consider myself a city person, I currently live in a smaller town, which has allowed me to spend a lot more time outdoors, which is something I enjoy. Summer is by far my favourite season, and I will take the heat over the cold any day of the week! I enjoy reading all genres and, on the weekend, you can find me sitting on my front porch with a tea and a book. While running, weights, and nutrition are a part of my week, I won’t say no to a cookie or brownie and enjoy baking whenever I get the chance. I am a parent to three amazing kids and spend as much time as we can exploring our area or
finding new and interesting places to visit. Travelling is another one of my passions, and I love going to see new places or things and am always excited for a new adventure!