Nicole Ali

I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Dalhousie University. I completed my residency with the Saskatchewan Health Authority working with out-patient mental health, complex diagnosis and assessment, and children’s rehabilitation teams. I have returned to my home province of Nova Scotia and registered as a  Candidate Register in October 2021.

One of my passions is assessment, including psychoeducational across the lifespan and psycho-diagnostics assessments for children and youth. I have a particular interest in neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and am dedicated to helping clients and their caregivers understand how clients think and learn. This includes considering not only neurodevelopment, but also the way environmental and psychological factors impact thinking and learning.

I also provide treatment to children and youth experiencing worries/anxiety, low mood/depression, difficulties managing emotions, and social challenges. Another passion of mine is working with children and youth with diverse identities. As a queer, person-of-colour, I am dedicated to providing a safe, accepting, and empowering space for children and youth to explore and understand their developing identity.

My training has primarily focused on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and I have experience modifying CBT delivery for individuals with varying cognitive abilities. I also strive to include elements of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), art therapy, mindfulness/relaxation, and other strategies as they fit with my clients’ needs, interests, and abilities.