“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Allison Cordner specializes in trauma recovery and relational therapy. With a Masters in Counselling Psychology and certifications in Somatic Experiencing and transpersonal counselling, she blends humor, Gottman principles, and AEDP to foster authentic communication. Reach out for a transformative journey towards emotional well-being.

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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 healing happens in the safety of a trusting, authentic relationship. My work is rooted in the principles of AEDP, which means I aim to be more than just a witness to your journey—I want to be a partner in your healing. Together, we’ll explore the parts of your story that need compassion and attention, uncovering the resilience and strength that’s already inside you.

I am a Certified Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner and a Registered Counselling Supervisor, and I draw from these frameworks to help you navigate the deep connection between your mind, body, and emotions. By working somatically, we can gently explore the patterns and sensations that arise in your body, helping you process and release stress, trauma, and emotional pain at a deeper level. As a supervisor, I also have the privilege of mentoring and supporting other therapists in their professional journeys, something that continuously enriches 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 bring a blend of professional expertise and personal experience to my work. I have walked my own healing path through adverse childhood experiences, sexual trauma, domestic abuse, and systemic prejudice based on my mother tongue while being raised in Quebec. These experiences have shaped my understanding of resilience, identity, and belonging, and they allow me to connect with my clients in a deeply empathetic and human way.

I know firsthand how transformative it can be to feel truly seen and supported. When I first stepped into my own therapy years ago, I carried a lot of self-doubt and fear about being vulnerable. But I also discovered how life-changing it is to feel safe enough to let those walls down. That experience taught me that healing isn’t just about fixing what’s “wrong”—it’s about finding new ways to connect with yourself and others, ways that feel alive, true, and free.

In our work together, I strive to create a space where you feel both supported and gently challenged, so you can 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 echoes of trauma, I’m here to help you move toward greater wholeness, connection, and joy.

I often use warmth, curiosity, and humor to help us connect—and yes, I may get a little teary-eyed with you when we touch on something profound. I deeply believe in the power of shared emotion to foster change, and I consider it a privilege to walk with 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 collecting cats, lots of them. 

These small moments of connection—with myself, with loved ones, and with the world—remind me of why I love this work so much.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, I’d be honored to work with you. Let’s explore what’s possible together.

Book Allison Directly in her clinic calender  allison.cordner@speakeasycounselling.ca

INDIVIDUALS & COUPLES AS WELL AS DYADIC FAMILY THERAPY (EXAMPLE MOTHER/DAUGHTER)

A very warm hello to you! If you've found your way here, you're likely on a journey toward

finding support for yourself, and I want to commend your courage in taking this step.

I'm Ojasvi (Oh-j-uh-s-v-ee), also known as Ojay, a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

specializing in Couples and Family Therapy.

Over the past decade, my passion for understanding the human mind and psyche began with

pursuing B.Sc. in Psychology, followed by M.Sc. in Counseling Psychology. Along the way, I've

worked in diverse roles worldwide, including as a mental health program specialist, therapist,

school counselor, and researcher but it is the role of a therapist which is most meaningful for

me because I get the privilege of accompanying numerous individuals and couples on their

mental health journeys.

My journey deepened as I realized the importance of addressing mental health within the

context of relationships. This realization prompted me to specialize in Couples and Family

Therapy at McGill University, Canada.

My areas of expertise encompass family and couple dynamics, individual concerns, complex

trauma, life transitions, grief, anxiety, and depression. I approach therapy with a deep respect

for your uniqueness, tailoring my methods to your specific goals and needs. Drawing from

evidence-based models such as CBT, ACT, psychodynamic therapy, transactional analysis and

mindfulness, I offer an integrative, humanistic, and experiential approach to therapy, with

heart-centered mindfulness at its core. For relational or couples’ therapy, I integrate traditional

systemic models such as structural, strategic, and Bowen family therapy models along with

contemporary models such as Gottman's, Developmental Couples Therapy for Complex

Trauma, Attachment-based psychotherapy, and Emotionally focused therapy.

Central to my practice is trauma-informed care with a strengths-based approach, ensuring

cultural sensitivity every step of the way. My work also entails skill-building in areas such as

conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and reflective thinking to empower you and support

you in becoming in charge of your own wellbeing.

I am proficient in both English and Hindi, with an understanding of Punjabi and Gujarati. If you

feel a connection with my approach and expertise, I encourage you to reach out to me.

Book OJ directly in our clinic system or send her a question at ojasvi.bhardwaj@speakeasycounselling.ca

 (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. 

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 coupled with practical strategies, Gina helps you transition from a reactive to a proactive state of mind.

Special Connection with Young Adults

What sets Gina apart from other counselors is her unique ability to connect with a specific 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. She offers them a platform to voice their concerns, explore their mental landscape, and develop coping mechanisms that will serve them well into adulthood.

Wide Spectrum of Specializations

Gina brings a wide range of expertise to the table, covering issues such as trauma, 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.

The Somatic Connection: A New Horizon

In her ongoing quest to offer holistic care, Gina is certified in Somatic Experiencing. This cutting-edge 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. This certification will add another layer to her already comprehensive suite of services, offering clients an even more 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 has committed to being knowledgeable 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 mere labels; they shape her therapeutic practice profoundly. Her academic foundation allows her to stay updated with the latest research and methodologies in psychology, ensuring you get the most contemporary and effective treatment possible.

The Virtual Advantage

In today’s digital age, the barriers to accessing quality healthcare are slowly 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, which can be 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.

Why Choose Gina Carnegie

1. **Personal Empowerment**: Gina's philosophy goes beyond symptom relief to offer transformative solutions.

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.

4. **Holistic Approach**: With her ongoing training in somatic counseling, 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 calender or send her an email Gina.Carnegie@speakeasycounselling.ca