Creating waves of positive change, one ripple at a time
Supporting adults, children, and families to improve mental and physical wellbeing through compassionate, evidence-based psychological care. Discover a path toward greater balance, resilience, and confidence with personalised support from Dr Nicola O’Donnell.
Dr Nicola O'Donnell
You may be visiting this site because you or your child have been newly diagnosed with a health condition. Or you might have been living with a difficulty for a long time. When dealing with health challenges it can be common to experience anxiety, depression, or stress. As a practitioner health psychologist, Dr Nicola O'Donnell uses an integrative approach to support people of all ages. Throughout her extensive training Nicola has developed competence in many different therapeutic techniques, meaning that she will tailor your sessions to you, rather than trying to make you and your experiences fit into a particular approach.
Alongside her clinical work, Nicola is an established researcher with a PhD in Health Science from the University of York. Developing and publishing research focused on cancer, paediatrics, palliative care, type 1 diabetes, and women's health, she is dedicated to influencing health at individual and societal levels. You can find a list of her recent publications on our 'Research' page.
Get in touch today to arrange a free 15-minute consultation. This is an opportunity to ask any questions, talk through your concerns, and explore whether therapy feels like the right next step for you or your child.
Education & Qualifications
- Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology
- PhD Health Sciences
- HCPC Registered Health Psychologist
- Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (CPsychol)
- MSc Health Psychology
- BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology with Clinical Psychology
Professional Experience
Dr Nicola O'Donnell practices as a psychologist in the NHS alongside private work. She has many years of experience working therapeutically with individuals across the lifespan. Having worked in world renowned mental and physical health services dedicated to children and adults alike, she is able to draw on these experiences to support you with how you are feeling. Nicola is passionate about supporting people to live better with physical health conditions, manage complex feelings about illness, and make changes to their behaviour to improve their quality of life.
Areas of Specialisation
Whilst Nicola has a list of specialisms, this is not exhaustive. If you are seeking support with a difficulty that is not listed, please get in touch to see if we can help. If we cannot, we will signpost you to someone who may be more suitable. Please be assured that Nicola will only offer support with issues and using therapies that she is qualified and competent to do so.
- Chronic illness / Long-term conditions
- Chronic pain
- Coping skills
- Depression and low mood
- Diabetes
- Eating disorders and disordered eating
- Gynaecology
- Fertility and Infertility
- Medically unexplained symptoms
- Neurodiversity
- Self-esteem
- Sleep issues
- Stress
- Weight-related concerns
- Anxiety
- Attachment difficulties
- Behavioural difficulties
- Bereavement and grief
- Cancer (including childhood and teenage)
- Cardiology
- Child and adolescent mental health
Health Psychology
Health psychology looks at the links between our mind and body, and how our thoughts, emotions and daily habits affect our health and wellbeing. Many people find that illness, symptoms, or medical treatment bring worry, uncertainty, or big life changes, and it can be hard to cope with this alone. A health psychologist like Nicola provides a supportive, understanding space to talk about these experiences and to find practical, compassionate ways to manage them. This might include learning how to cope with anxiety about health, adjust to a diagnosis or long-term condition, manage stress or pain, or make changes that support your wellbeing. The aim is to help you feel more confident, more in control, and better able to live well, whatever your situation.
Let's Connect
Find Us
Malton, North Yorkshire
Get In Touch
Phone: 01944 797037
Email: hello@ripplespsychology.co.uk