Nicole Kelly

Nicole is our Provisional Psychologist here at Minds & Hearts and primarily works with clients aged 4 and above, with a special interest in supporting young children, adolescents, and their families. She enjoys the variety of working with clients across the lifespan and is particularly passionate about emotion regulation, behavioural management, parent support, and helping individuals with Autism and ADHD navigate coping skills, self-identity, and self-acceptance. She also supports clients dealing with anxiety and depression.

Nicole’s journey into allied health began with roles as a Mental Health Support Worker and Psychosocial Recovery Coach, which she undertook while completing her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Criminology, as well as her Honours degree in Psychology. These roles provided invaluable insight into the significance of mental health support in diverse settings.

Nicole later worked at the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre as both a Youth Worker and Psychologist, where she encountered many young individuals with undiagnosed neurodevelopmental or mental health disorders. These experiences highlighted the impact that such challenges, often intergenerational, can have on individuals’ lives. Her passion for early intervention to help clients thrive and achieve their goals grew from these experiences.

During her Master’s program at Griffith University, Nicole completed a placement at Minds and Hearts, which deepened her expertise in supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. The most rewarding aspect of her work is empowering clients and families to navigate their challenges, achieve their therapeutic goals, and improve their overall well-being.

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science, a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours). Her Honours thesis explored how Dark Triad personality traits (Psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and Narcissism) predict aggression in young adults. She has also completed a Masters of Professional Psychology, followed by an internship year at Minds and Hearts.