Nicole Krick-Ralston

About Me as a Human…

When I am not in therapy-land, you can find me:
Curling up with a book, playing video games, or spending time with my husband and our playful mini schnauzer puppy, Kinley, who’s always exploring and keeping us on our toes. I also love crocheting, baking, and binge-watching a good movie or TV series. In the warmer months, you’ll find me outdoors camping, hiking, or exploring nature trails, as being in nature brings me a sense of beauty and serenity.

For Self Care:
I prioritize activities that help me recharge, like practicing mindfulness through meditation, enjoying relaxing baths with candles, and dancing to my favourite music—especially Taylor Swift. I also make time to connect with my loved ones, whether chatting with my mom or spending quality time with family and friends. These practices keep me grounded, balanced, and ready to show up for my clients.

For Fun:
I enjoy exploring farmers’ markets and craft fairs, and supporting local businesses while discovering unique finds. Trying out new restaurants—especially for Mexican food—is always exciting. Taking Kinley to the dog park or spending time outdoors also brings me joy and allows me to recharge.

For Growth:
As a therapist, I’m passionate about learning and personal growth. I’m particularly interested in trauma and the mind-body connection, and I aim to deepen my knowledge of approaches like EMDR, play therapy, and art therapy. Stepping out of my comfort zone challenges me to develop new skills and fuels my passion for helping others.

Something unique about me is:

I’m partially colour blind! I sometimes have trouble distinguishing between colours like blue and purple or certain shades of red, which makes for some fun (and occasionally confusing) moments.

Before I was in the mental health field...

I was working toward my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
During my undergraduate studies, I volunteered at an elementary school, leading student groups like friendship-building activities. This sparked my passion for working with young people and laid the foundation for my future as a therapist.

The most impactful thing about my experience here was:

Seeing the positive changes that can happen when people feel supported and understood. Witnessing the growth and resilience of clients—whether it was children building friendships or adults navigating life’s challenges—has deeply inspired my approach to therapy.

Three things you are currently obsessed with and why:

1. Kinley (my puppy): She’s full of personality and brings so much laughter and joy into my life. Watching her explore and grow has been such a rewarding experience.
2. Taylor Swift: Her music feels like it was written just for me—relatable, creative, and inspiring. I love how she evolves with every album while staying true to herself.
3. Iced chai tea lattes: They’re my ultimate treat, with the perfect blend of sweetness and spice. Add some caramel cold foam, and it’s a little piece of heaven in a cup!

The most helpful book I have read is

When the Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk.

My biggest takeaway from it was understanding how trauma is stored in the body and affects both mental and physical health. Recognizing this connection has reshaped how I approach healing in therapy.

The most interesting book I have read is Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff.

Because it challenges the belief that self-criticism leads to growth, showing instead how kindness toward ourselves fosters resilience and sustainable change.

Specialty and Specific Interest Areas:

Client populations: I work with children (6-10), pre-teens, teens, and adults. I believe that early intervention can have a profound impact on emotional well-being, and I’m passionate about supporting clients at all life stages in developing healthy coping mechanisms, resilience, and self-awareness.

Clinical concern: I specialize in working with anxiety disorders (social and generalized anxiety), trauma-related concerns (PTSD and complex trauma), ADHD, depression, stress, and borderline personality disorder. I’m passionate about helping clients manage symptoms, navigate challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.

Non-clinical concern: I’m particularly interested in helping individuals through life transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth. I’m committed to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in exploring their identities and embracing self-acceptance. Additionally, I enjoy working with clients to improve communication, mindfulness, and work-life balance.

Expertise and Additional Areas of Study:

I have the following additional courses / workshops / training:

1. 3-Day Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Course Certification Training
2. Intensive Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Training
3. EMDR: A Rapid, Safe, and Proven Treatment for Trauma
4. Mental Health First Aid

I have expertise and experience working with:

1. Anxiety Disorders: Helping clients manage worry, avoidance, and self-doubt through strategies for emotional regulation and confidence building.
2. Depression: Supporting clients in regaining balance and motivation while exploring the underlying causes of their struggles.
3. ADHD: Developing personalized strategies for improving focus, organization, and emotional regulation to help clients thrive.
4. Trauma: Helping individuals process PTSD and complex trauma while building a sense of safety and resilience.

Some of the clinical orientations, methods, and theories I integrate with ShiftGrit’s therapy protocol:

Some of the clinical orientations, methods, and theories I draw from are:

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): To help clients reframe unhelpful thought patterns and develop practical coping strategies.
2. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): For improving emotional regulation, building interpersonal skills, and reducing distress.
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helping clients embrace their emotions, clarify their values, and take meaningful steps toward growth.
4. Trauma-Informed Therapy: Ensuring a safe, supportive environment for healing.

People like working with me because

I create a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where they feel heard and valued. My empathetic and collaborative approach helps clients explore their concerns while building confidence to take meaningful steps toward their goals. With a touch of humor and practicality, I strive to make therapy approachable, effective, and even enjoyable.

A Bit More About Me...

One of my favourite quotes is by Martin Luther King Jr.:
"If you can't fly, then run, if you can't run, then walk, if you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."
This resonates deeply with how I approach therapy. Progress isn’t always linear, but every step, no matter how small, is a step toward growth and healing.