Nicole Lai
ABN: 73 202 658 432
AHPRA Registration Number: PSY0002603794
Date of First Registration: April 2024
Qualification: AHPRA Registered Psychologist
Completion of 4+2 internship
Master of Counselling (Monash University)
Bachelor of Science Honours - Major in Psychology (University of Melbourne)
Bachelor of Science - Major in Psychology (University of Melbourne)
Languages: English, Mandarin, and Cantonese
Works with: Adolescents (13+ years), adults
Therapeutic modalities: CBT, ACT, DBT, Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness-based, narrative and solution-focused approaches, Gottman Couples Therapy
Fees: $230 for 50 minutes, $345 for 80 minutes
After 5pm and public holiday session $250/50 min and $375/80 min
Medicare rebate $101.5 for each session
Availability: Tuesdays and Thursdays at Doncaster
Nicole is an AHPRA Registered Psychologist coming from a multicultural background, with roots in China, Hong Kong and Australia. Nicole adopts a strengths-based, person-centred and trauma-informed approach, recognising the importance of understanding each individual's unique experiences, circumstances and goals.
Nicole has experience providing psychological support across private practice, community mental health, educational, developmental, disability and vocational settings. Her previous work includes supporting young people and families at headspace, where she worked with concerns such as anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, self-esteem, identity, family and relationship difficulties, academic stress and adjustment to life transitions. She also has experience supporting individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including those navigating cultural and immigration-related challenges.
Nicole works with clients experiencing a wide range of psychological concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, family violence, chronic pain, workplace issues, substance use, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She also works with neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and ADHD, supporting challenges associated with emotional regulation, executive functioning, social communication, organisation and everyday functioning.
In addition, Nicole has experience in vocational rehabilitation, supporting individuals experiencing psychological barriers to returning to work or study. She has developed and facilitated group programs focusing on stress management, coping strategies, self-confidence, perfectionism, problem-solving, assertive communication and workplace relationships.
Nicole draws on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to tailor treatment to each client's individual needs and goals. These include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-informed strategies, Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based, narrative and solution-focused approaches.
Nicole also provides couples therapy and has completed Levels 1 and 2 training in the Gottman Method for couples therapy. Her experience includes supporting individuals and couples navigating relationship difficulties, interpersonal conflict and communication challenges.
Nicole works with Medicare, NDIS and TAC/WorkCover clients. In addition to English, she provides psychological services in Mandarin and Cantonese, offering both in-person and telehealth appointments73