Nicole Caines

R. Psych (she/her) – Not accepting new clients

Get to Know Nicole

I help people understand the underlying reasons for their suffering and create a path toward a more meaningful, connected, and fulfilling life. I believe many mental health struggles make sense in the context of a person’s experiences, relationships, biology, and environment — not as evidence of personal weakness or inadequacy. By identifying the pieces of the puzzle that contribute to your symptoms, we can work collaboratively to develop insight, self-compassion, and lasting change.

I have provided individual and group counselling services in private practice, schools, and community settings, working with clients navigating a wide range of concerns. I have a particular interest in supporting individuals struggling with eating disorders, trauma, attachment and relationship difficulties, chronic illness, and major life transitions. I am also passionate about working with athletes, dancers, and individuals involved in aesthetic-based or high-performance environments, where identity, perfectionism, body image, and performance pressures can significantly impact mental health.

I recognize that no single therapeutic approach is right for everyone, which is why I draw from a range of evidence-based modalities tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals. Additionally, my background in neuroscience allows me to integrate an understanding of the biological and neurological aspects of mental health into my work, offering a holistic perspective on healing and wellbeing.

About Nicole’s Practice

What is your training?
I have a Masters of Counselling degree and am registered as a Psychologist in Alberta. I have training in acceptance and commitment therapy, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy (including attachment based EMDR and advanced training), Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy, ego state therapy, eating disorder therapy, mindfulness based therapy, and narrative therapy. I am committed to furthering my training on a regular basis.
Teens 13+ and adults. I work with people of all religions, races, ethnicities, abilities, and gender and sexual identities and aim to be an ally to the oppressed. I am a registered provider with Medavie Blue Cross, The Breaking Free Foundation, and The Trans Affirming Network.
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Chronic illness management
  • Eating disorders (for those that are medically stabilized) and body image-related concerns; HAES-aligned
  • Grief and loss, including anticipatory and ambiguous grief related to chronic and terminal illness or miscarriage
  • Trauma and attachment-related concerns, including abuse, PTSD, vicarious trauma, and codependency
  • Perfectionism and people-pleasing behaviours
  • Low self-esteem
  • Life transitions, including entry into or out of the workforce; the end of a relationship, marriage, divorce and separation; becoming a parent by birth or adoption (or deciding not to); adjusting to chronic illness; exit from sport; transitioning out of high school; or, career change
  • Stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue
  • Emotional regulation

You might notice that you fit into several of these categories, and this is not a coincidence. There is significant overlap between my areas of practice. For example, the experience of grief can involve trauma and life transitions often involve anxiety.
I live with chronic illness and am in recovery from an eating disorder. I have also experienced grief, most notably related to the death of my mother and to my illness. I have lived through the trauma that often accompanies these lived experiences and have benefited from my own EMDR therapy. Finally, I was a competitive athlete (rhythmic gymnastics and dance) into adulthood so have a special interest in working with athletes, particularly in aesthetic-based sports.

Not Sure Who to Choose? Start With a Therapist Match Consultation

New to therapy or unsure where to start? This brief call is a chance to learn about our approach, share what you’re looking for, and get matched with a therapist that fits your needs.