Insight Psychological Therapists - Nicole Donovan

Nicole Donovan, Registered Provisional Psychologist, MC, Indigenous Practice Lead, (She/Her)

I work with school-aged children, youth and adolescents with unique and diverse needs. I offer a trauma informed, attachment based and person-centered approach to counseling. I have experience dealing with stress, anxiety, bullying, gender identity issues, mood disorders, self harm and social skills. I use play therapy with children and youth which allows them to learn new coping mechanisms and how to redirect inappropriate behaviors.

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, humour and directness in an environment that fosters curiosity about the values and strengths clients have that can contribute to their growth. I have worked in schools and community based mental health clinics providing mental health support to children, youth and adults. I use play therapy, sand tray therapy, art therapy, and somatic interventions for kids and youth. I work with kids on the autism spectrum and ADHD. I integrate parents into the therapy process and communicate with them at every step.

Helping clients with trauma history is another passion of mine. I use a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), body based interventions, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness to assist with the processing of traumatic incidents, navigating stress, and relationship concerns.

I have experience working for first responder organizations including police and fire rescue, and am familiar with first responder culture, the use of humour, and the importance of relational safety. I recently published an article in the Trauma journal about how peer support facilitates post-traumatic growth in first responders.

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 being witness to the positive growth that my clients experience. Knowing that I had some part in supporting them in their goals is very rewarding.

What are you most passionate about?

I have a passion for working with children and youth. I believe that early mental health intervention contributes to improved developmental and behavioural outcomes in young people.

Qualifications

City University, Master of Counseling degree 

Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologist’s Association of Alberta

Certifications

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

Languages

  • English

My areas of focus:

Anxiety & Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Insomnia
  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Workplace Stress
Other Areas
  • Stress Management
Thrive (Child & Youth)
  • Adolescent and Teen Issues
  • Behavioural Issues
  • Child & Youth Anxiety
  • Child & Youth Depression
  • Child & Youth Self Esteem Issues
  • Child & Youth Stress and Trauma
  • Children & Youth 10 to 12 Years
  • Children 6 to 9 Years
  • Children's Mental Health
  • Teen's Mental Health
  • Youth 13 to 15 Years
  • Youth 16 to 17 Years
Trauma Care
  • Abuse
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Trauma
  • Workplace Trauma
Uniformed Personnel & First Responders
  • First Responders Trauma or PTSD
  • Return to Work - Uniformed Personnel & First Responders

I have experience in:

  • Childhood Development Issues
  • Suicidal Thoughts

My treatment approaches:

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