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Nicole Donovan

Nicole Donovan

Registered Provisional Psychologist

MC, Indigenous Practice Lead, (She/Her)

Areas of Specialty: Adults, Children (3-5), Children & Youth (6-12), Adolescents (13-17)

Are you carrying the weight of past hurts, feeling constantly on edge, or watching your child struggle with big emotions you cannot seem to reach? True healing requires more than just talking through what happened. It requires an approach that helps your mind, body, and story feel safe again.

I specialize in helping children, adults, families, and first responders navigate trauma, anxiety, occupational stress, behavioral challenges, and major life transitions.

When you work with me, we move beyond generic, surface-level advice. I use an integrative approach that weaves together EMDR, narrative therapy, play therapy, and somatic tools to meet your specific needs. Together, we use somatic tools to calm your nervous system so you can feel grounded in your body. We use EMDR to process the deep memories and high-stress exposures keeping you stuck, while narrative therapy empowers you to rewrite the stories shaping your life. For children and creative adults, play therapy offers a powerful, non-verbal space to express what words cannot.

You do not have to keep carrying this burden alone, and you do not have to stay trapped in old patterns. A more peaceful, resilient future is possible for you and your family. Reach out today to schedule your initial session, and let us take the first step together.

Please Note: For clients under 18, the first session with Nicole must be with the parent(s) before proceeding with the child’s session.

More About Nicole Donovan

I approach clients with warmth, humor, and directness, creating an environment that encourages exploration of their values and strengths to support their growth. My experience spans working in schools and community-based mental health clinics, providing support to children, youth, and adults. I employ various therapeutic techniques, including play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, and somatic interventions for kids and youth, and I work with individuals on the autism spectrum and those with ADHD. I actively involve parents in the therapy process, maintaining clear communication throughout.

I am passionate about helping clients with trauma histories. I use a blend of narrative therapy, body-based interventions, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness to assist with processing traumatic events, managing stress, and addressing relationship issues.

My work with first responder organizations, including police and fire rescue, has given me insight into first responder culture, the role of humor, and the importance of relational safety. I  published an article in the Trauma journal about how peer support fosters post-traumatic growth in first responders.

In my role as Indigenous Supervision Lead, I bring my perspective as a Métis individual to advocate for a well-rounded approach to mental health that emphasizes the importance of community and family connection.
A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS

Nicole, what has been the most satisfying part of being a psychologist?

The most satisfying part of being a psychologist is seeing my clients’ positive growth and their progress toward achieving their goals. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about working with children and youth, believing that early mental health intervention can greatly enhance their developmental and behavioural outcomes. I find it rewarding to witness positive changes and improved interpersonal relationships within families as a result of our work together.

Certifications

Intergenerational Wisdom

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition

JDRF Mental Health + Diabetes Certificate Training

EMDR for Parent Child Attachment

First Responder Culture, Warrior Health Training

Introduction to Trauma Exposed Professionals, Warrior Health

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Critical Incident Stress Management

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Training

Mental Health First Aid

Introduction to Play Therapy

EMDR Parent-child attachment specialist

Qualifications

City University, Master of Counseling degree 

Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists

Psychologist’s Association of Alberta

Warrior Health

CAPT Foundation Play Therapy

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), Indigenous Therapy

Approved Service Provider | Community Assistance Program (CAP), Autism Canada (2026–Present)

Languages

English

My Areas of Focus/Specialty Training:

Abuse, Adolescent and Teen Issues, Anxiety, Anxiety Disorders, Behavioural Issues, Child & Youth Anxiety, Child & Youth Depression, Child & Youth Self Esteem Issues, Child & Youth Stress and Trauma, Children's Mental Health, Depression, PTSD & First Responders, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Insomnia, Major Depressive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Return to Work – Uniformed Personnel & First Responders, Self-Esteem Issues, Stress Management, Trauma, Workplace Stress, Workplace Trauma, Children & Youth 10 to 12 Years, Youth 13 to 15 Years, Youth 16 to 17 Years, Teen's Mental Health, Children 6 to 9 Years, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Adults, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Neurodiversity

My treatment approaches:

Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Person Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychotherapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychotherapy

Assessment

ADHD Assessments, Autism Assessment

I have experience in:

Childhood Development Issues, Suicidal Thoughts, Neurodiversity, Indigenous-Informed Counselling, Mental Health Impact of Type 2 Diabetes

Awards & Recognition