Allyson Coogan
Adults 18+
M.A. (Counselling Psychology)
Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Psychotherapist
Works with:
Monday: Day
Wednesday: Day
Thursday: Evening
availability:
In-Person, Virtual
Location:
About Allyson
Allyson is a Registered Psychotherapist at Centre Wellness who brings warmth, presence, and clinical expertise to each session. Allyson has worked with individuals and couples in a variety of settings, including Indigenous communities, law enforcement and military populations, and survivors of domestic violence. She is deeply grounded in the belief that healing is possible and that therapy can serve as a meaningful and transformative process.
She believes that therapy works best when clients feel safe, respected, and empowered in the process. Whether working through long-standing patterns or navigating present-day stressors, Allyson helps clients connect with their strengths and develop meaningful tools for change. In highlighting the essential aspect of safety within the therapeutic relationship, Allyson shares,
Allyson’s therapeutic style is warm, respectful, and affirming. She brings a deep appreciation for each person’s unique journey and is known for offering a grounded, non-judgmental space where clients feel truly seen.
Clients can rely on Allyson to be an active, supportive partner in their healing process. She offers gentle but honest feedback, supports clients in exploring their inner worlds, and helps them identify clear goals and strategies for change.
Her clinical work is informed by training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Allyson integrates EMDR into her work to support individuals in healing from trauma. She has been using EMDR since 2009 and is also trained in the group EMDR protocol (G-TEP). This evidence-based approach helps reduce emotional distress associated with traumatic events and supports a return to healthy functioning, often without the need to repeatedly revisit painful memories. She states,
Allyson integrates EMDR into her work to support individuals in healing from trauma. She has been using EMDR since 2009 and is also trained in the group EMDR protocol (G-TEP). This evidence-based approach helps reduce emotional distress associated with traumatic events and supports a return to healthy functioning, often without the need to repeatedly revisit painful memories. She states,
As therapy progresses, clients often experience greater self-awareness, stronger relationships, and more consistent emotional regulation. Allyson sees clients begin to identify and shift long-standing patterns, build coping skills, and gain clarity around their needs and choices.
In the first session, clients can expect Allyson to create a space that feels safe, open, and informative. She will explain key aspects of the therapy process and invite clients to share their story at a pace that feels comfortable.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Emotion Focused Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
The Gottman Method
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Narrative Therapy
Somatic-Based Therapy
Modalities:
Healthcare Professionals
Law Enforcement/Corrections
Military Personnel & Veterans
Indigenous Persons
Special Populations:
Anxiety
Depression
Emotion Regulation
PTSD
Substance Use
Stress
Trauma
Domestic Violence
Areas of Focus:
Bachelor of Science, Psychology - McGill University
Human Relations and Family Life Education - McGill University
Masters of Counselling Psychology - University of Lethbridge
Human Relations and Family Life Education - McGill University
Masters of Counselling Psychology - University of Lethbridge
Certified in: CBT, Narrative Therapy, EMDR, SFBT, G-TEP, R-TEP, IFS, Step Care, IFS, HR, Somatic Therapy.
Critical Incident Stress Management Level I and II
Domestic Violence Risk Assessment
Gottman Method Relational Counselling
Trauma-informed addictions assessment and treatment, Wellbriety Medicine Wheel & 12 Steps Facilitator Training
Critical Incident Stress Management Level I and II
Domestic Violence Risk Assessment
Gottman Method Relational Counselling
Trauma-informed addictions assessment and treatment, Wellbriety Medicine Wheel & 12 Steps Facilitator Training
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
The Internal Family System Institute
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association
The Internal Family System Institute
Allyson’s clinical experience spans a variety of settings, including remote communities in Canada and Ireland, where she has provided therapy to individuals and couples navigating a wide range of mental health and relational concerns. Her work has included supporting Indigenous clients, law enforcement and military personnel, individuals affected by domestic violence, and those facing addiction and trauma.
Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, with training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method for couples, EMDR, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Allyson is committed to lifelong learning and staying current with best-practice interventions, allowing her to bring thoughtful, up-to-date support to the clients she serves.
Her approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, with training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion-Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method for couples, EMDR, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Allyson is committed to lifelong learning and staying current with best-practice interventions, allowing her to bring thoughtful, up-to-date support to the clients she serves.
