Principal Lead Therapist, Clinical Director
Allison Cordner, M.A, RCC#19888, MTC & RCS #2517, (Quebec) TRA #6693,
Allison Cordner specializes in trauma recovery and relational therapy. With a Masters in Counselling Psychology and certifications in Somatic Experiencing and transpersonal counselling, she integrates humor, Gottman principles, and AEDP to encourage authentic communication. Reach out for a transformative journey towards emotional well-being. Allison is currently a Director on the board of the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists, where she will collaboratively spearhead a committee on post-regulation for its counselling members.
Welcome to Speakeasy Counselling & Associates
A Space for Healing, Growth, and Authentic Connection
Hi, I’m Allison Cordner, and I’m so glad you’re here.
As a therapist, I believe that healing happens within the safety of a trusting, authentic relationship. My work, heavily rooted in the principles of AEDP, means I aim to be more than just a witness to your journey—I aspire to be a partner in your healing process through trauma recovery. Together, we’ll explore the parts of your story that require compassion and attention, uncovering the resilience and strength that already resides within you.
I am a Certified Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner and a Registered Counselling Supervisor, and I draw from these frameworks to help you navigate the profound connection between your mind, body, and emotions. By working somatically, we can gently delve into the patterns and sensations that arise in your body, allowing for the processing and release of stress, trauma, and emotional pain at a deeper level. Additionally, as a supervisor, I have the privilege of mentoring and supporting other therapists in their professional journeys, continuously enriching my own practice.
At Speakeasy Counselling & Associates, I work alongside a team of dedicated and skilled therapists who specialize in addressing a wide range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and more. Each member of our team brings their unique expertise and compassionate presence to the work we do, ensuring that clients receive care tailored to their individual needs.
As a heterosexual, cisgender female, mother of two teenagers, and the daughter of a Queer parent, I blend professional expertise with personal experience in my practice. Having navigated my own healing path through adverse childhood experiences, sexual trauma, domestic abuse, and systemic prejudice based on my mother tongue while growing up in Quebec, I have cultivated a deep understanding of resilience, identity, and belonging. These experiences allow me to connect with my clients in an empathetic and human way.
I understand firsthand how transformative it can be to feel genuinely seen and supported. When I stepped into my own therapy years ago, I was burdened with self-doubt and fear about being vulnerable. However, I discovered the life-changing power of feeling safe enough to lower those walls. This experience taught me that healing isn’t just about fixing what’s “wrong”—it’s about discovering new ways to connect with yourself and others, in ways that feel alive, true, and free.
In our work together, I strive to create an environment where you feel both supported and gently challenged, enabling you to access your deepest emotions, process past wounds, and step into your most authentic self. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, relationship struggles, or the lingering impacts of trauma, I’m here to assist you in moving towards greater wholeness, connection, and joy.
I often use warmth, curiosity, and humor to foster connection—and yes, I may get a little teary-eyed with you when we touch on something profound. I firmly believe in the power of shared emotion to inspire change, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients through their most vulnerable and courageous moments.
When I’m not in the therapy room, I find joy in weight training, long quiet walks in nature, reading, learning, and caring for my many cats. These small moments of connection—with myself, with loved ones, and with the world—remind me of why I love this work so deeply.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing through relational therapy, I’d be honored to work with you. Let’s explore what’s possible together.
Book Allison Directly in her clinic calendar at allison.cordner@speakeasycounselling.ca
Associate Therapist
Gina Carnegie, M.A, RCC, Somatic Experiencing PracTitioner
(Reg. # 12143) Western Canada & Somatic Experiencing Eastern Canada
A Beacon of Hope in Virtual Counseling
In a world where the complexities of life often feel overwhelming, it becomes crucial to find a sanctuary where one can explore, heal, and grow. Gina Carnegie, a Registered Clinical Counselor with a Master of Arts in Psychology and a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), offers a secure virtual space for meaningful transformation through relational therapy.
Personalized Empowerment: A Core Philosophy
Gina's approach to counseling is not merely therapeutic; it’s transformative. Her goal extends beyond offering immediate relief to symptoms; she aims to provide you with the tools and insights necessary to navigate life's complexities effectively. Through a deep understanding of human psychology and practical strategies, Gina helps you transition from a reactive to a proactive state of mind, promoting trauma recovery and ongoing personal growth.
Special Connection with Young Adults
What sets Gina apart from other counselors is her unique ability to connect with a demographic that often goes underserved: teenagers over the age of 16 and students. Adolescence and early adulthood are periods rife with challenges, including academic pressure, identity exploration, and emotional turbulence. Gina’s empathetic yet practical approach makes her an ideal counselor for this age group, providing them with a platform to voice their concerns, explore their mental landscape, and develop effective coping mechanisms that will serve them well into adulthood.
Wide Spectrum of Specializations
Gina brings a wide range of expertise to the table, addressing issues such as trauma recovery, addiction, anger management, anxiety, and neurodiversity. No issue is too large or too small; Gina’s versatile skill set allows her to tailor her services to meet each client’s unique needs, ensuring a focused relational therapy experience.
The Somatic Connection: A New Horizon
In her ongoing quest to offer holistic care, Gina is certified in Somatic Experiencing. This innovative approach aims to treat the physical manifestations of trauma and PTSD, going beyond traditional talking therapies to incorporate the wisdom of the body in the healing process. Her integration of somatic experiencing adds another layer to her already comprehensive suite of services, providing clients with a well-rounded approach to mental and emotional well-being.
Bridging Cultural and Service Gaps
One of Gina’s passions is making mental health services accessible and relevant to Indigenous communities. She remains informed about local, provincial, and federal services, ensuring her therapeutic approach is inclusive. Her dedication to cultural sensitivity not only serves Indigenous clients but also enriches her practice, making her a more versatile and understanding counselor.
Academic Prowess Meets Practical Expertise
Gina's counseling services are deeply informed by her academic background. Holding a Master of Arts degree in psychology and being a Registered Clinical Counselor are not merely titles; they profoundly shape her therapeutic practice. Her strong academic foundation allows her to stay updated with the latest research and methodologies in psychology, ensuring you receive the most contemporary and effective treatment possible.
The Virtual Advantage
In today’s digital age, the barriers to accessing quality healthcare are eroding. Gina’s virtual counseling services ensure that you can receive high-quality therapeutic care from the comfort of your home. The virtual platform also adds a layer of anonymity and convenience, especially beneficial for teenagers and students who might be hesitant to seek help.
The First Step Towards Transformation
Choosing a counselor is a significant decision, one that requires careful consideration and trust. Gina Carnegie understands this deeply and is committed to making your journey towards mental and emotional well-being as smooth as possible. From the first consultation, you'll feel her genuine desire to help you transform your life with effective relational therapy.
Why Choose Gina Carnegie
1. **Personal Empowerment**: Gina's philosophy goes beyond symptom relief to offer transformative solutions through relational therapy.
2. **Young Adult Expertise**: With a special connection to teenagers over 16 and students, she fills a crucial gap in mental health services.
3. **Versatility**: Her wide range of expertise ensures that she can tailor her services to meet your unique needs, especially in trauma recovery.
4. **Holistic Approach**: With her ongoing training in somatic experiencing, Gina offers an even more comprehensive approach to healing.
5. **Cultural Sensitivity**: Her dedication to bridging service gaps in Indigenous communities adds depth to her practice.
6. **Quality Care**: Gina’s academic background deeply informs her practice, ensuring you get the best treatment available.
Gina Carnegie’s virtual counseling services offer a comprehensive, enriching, and transformative experience tailored to meet your unique needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life by choosing Gina Carnegie as your guide on the path to emotional and mental well-being.
Book Gina directly in her clinic calendar or send her an email at Gina.Carnegie@speakeasycounselling.ca
