Insight Psychological Therapists - Nicole Donovan

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

I work with school-aged children, youth, adolescents, and adults, including first responders. My counselling approach is trauma-informed, attachment-based, and person-centered. I have experience addressing ADHD, autism, bullying, diabetes distress, mood disorders, self-harm, social skills, and stress. With children and youth, I utilize play therapy to support the development of new coping strategies and adaptive behaviours. I also focus on parent-child attachment work to strengthen family relationships. For first responders, I use EMDR therapy and somatic interventions to help process trauma.

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.

Qualifications

City University, Master of Counseling degree 

Affiliations

College of Alberta Psychologists
Psychologist’s Association of Alberta

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

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
  • Neurodiversity
  • 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