About Hearten
heart-en | give heart to; to inspire with confidence, encourage; rouse to energy or enthusiasm; animate, cheer
At the heart of Hearten is me, Oona McClure. I am a Registered Canadian Art Therapist, clinical supervisor, instructor of art psychotherapy studies (at the Canadian International Institute of Art Therapy) and creative wellness facilitator that is passionate about celebrating the gifts of the healing arts.
As an art therapist, I employ respectful, empathetic and client-centered counselling practices. I have a wealth of experience delivering engaging, thoughtful, responsive, and creatively enriching arts-based therapy to clients in private practice and in partnership with local community programs/organizations. I am passionate about nurturing imagination, empowerment and confidence.
Sessions are tailored to address the unique needs, stories, and creativity of each client. They are held in confidence and offer a supportive place to explore, express and process thoughts and feelings about what has happened and what is happening in your life.
My goal is to support you as you engage in new ways to express yourself and to accompany you on a journey towards new possibilities.
My art supplies are ready for you – pens, paint, yarn, fabric, glitter, and all!
About Oona
Oona has deep respect for artistic communication and views art-making processes as enriching places for inquiry, empowerment, comfort, and relational connection.
Her education, professional experience, and comprehensive skill set bridge the spheres of arts-based therapy and community arts programming.
Nurturing a relentless interest in art led Oona to work at a variety of public and private art institutions and organizations across Canada and the UK, including the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Whistler Arts Council and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria.
As an art therapist and founder of Hearten Art Therapy & Creative Wellness, Oona delivers engaging arts-based therapy in private practice and in partnership with local community programs. Oona is currently the Site Supervisor and Clinical Lead of the Art Wellness Studios & Clinic (AWSC) program run in conjunction between Island Health and CiiAT. This weekly group program, for adults experiencing chronic mental health challenges, provides Oona with the profound opportunity to witness the potential of gathering, creating and healing. It is within these diverse spaces that Oona fosters an environment where the unique stories of each client are honoured and where confidence, resiliency and healing can roam.
Oona is a graduate of the Vancouver Art Therapy Institute and a Registered Canadian Art Therapist (312-R-22). Oona also offers clinical supervision to students and professional art therapists in-person and online.
Oona lives in Victoria, BC on the unceded Coast Salish Territory of the lək̓wəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ nations. As an immigrant and settler, she is grateful to live, learn, play, create, and raise her family on these beautiful lands.
To learn more about Oona's personal art practice, please take a peek over HERE.
Oona McClure (she/her) | BA, DVATI, RCAT