Andra Gemmell

Andra is an encouraging psychotherapist helping people to understand and work through their past trauma, and supporting individuals through life transitions such as parenthood, university, career, or relationships. She also supports those experiencing anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, addictions, or body image concerns so they can navigate life with confidence.

​

There are many different types of trauma, and even the word trauma can mean something different to each individual depending on the person's perspective and experience. Andra considers in her approach that trauma counselling doesn't look the same for everyone, and helps people to understand their experiences and how they have impacted them, and how they continue to impact their lives today. Whether they have sought therapy specifically for trauma or they aren't sure if "trauma" is the right word to describe what they have experienced, Andra can help bring clarity regarding the past and provide tools to help move forward in a healthier way, based on the individual client's needs.

​

Andra aims to create a welcoming, empathetic environment where clients feel truly understood and safe, while also incorporating appropriate humour to make the therapeutic journey more engaging.
 

Andra’s current focus is dedicated to helping clients navigate changes such as entering parenthood, , navigating school studies, beginning a new job, or managing relationship dynamics. She also works with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, addictions, and body image concerns. Andra’s approach focuses on empowering clients to handle these transitions with confidence and establish strong personal boundaries. By addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of these changes, she helps clients build resilience and adapt effectively to new circumstances. Some of her modalities include Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), that aid in developing practical skills and coping strategies that promote emotional balance and a sense of control in one’s own life.

​​

Andra Gemmell is a Registered Psychotherapist (#11293) and member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. She received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Guelph, and Master of Arts Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. 

​

Her experience in the mental health field comes from working with individuals facing diverse mental health challenges in various settings. During her time as a Behavioural Counsellor at Stonehenge Therapeutic Community, Andra worked with both incarcerated and non-incarcerated individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges in a residential treatment setting. She gained insight into the ways people attempt to manage trauma from their past,  and recognized how these coping strategies can sometimes be counterproductive over time. Building on this experience and employing a trauma-informed approach in her counselling practice, she guides individuals towards developing healthier methods to address past traumas once they feel secure and grounded to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed in the process. 

Drawing from her role as a Service Coordinator at Here24/7, where she provided one-on-one crisis support and referrals to people experiencing suicidal ideation, addiction, and mental health crises, Andra is skilled in helping clients feel quickly understood and prepared to engage in therapeutic work. Her approach aims to help clients be ready to handle therapy effectively by addressing their immediate emotional needs with empathy while helping them have a plan for next steps.