Nicole Issa, PsyD

Meet Dr. Nicole Issa

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and the Founder of PVD Psychological Associates. I am licensed in Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts, and offer online sessions to individuals in all three of these states.

I provide individual therapy to older adolescents, college students, and adults. I have advanced training in psychodynamic therapy as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). My areas of specialization and interest include: anxiety, depression, perinatal mental health, college student mental health, and working with LGBTQIA-identified individuals. I also specialize in executive coaching and work with individuals in leadership positions at high power corporations who are seeking help with work-life balance, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and burn out.

I view therapy as a collaborative and egalitarian process that allows both therapist and client to grow and change. My relationship with each client is something I greatly value and focus on throughout therapy as it evolves.

In addition to my psychotherapy practice work, I dedicate much of my free time to social justice and advocacy work. I am the Treasurer of the Rhode Island Psychological Association (RIPA). I previously Chaired the Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Committee of the RIPA and am a member of the Social Justice and Public Policy Committee. Previously, I served as a committee member on the American Psychological Association’s Policy and Advocacy Committee via Division 44, The Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender issues. Lastly, from 2012-2016, I served as the Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Disaster Response Network. I provided Psychological First Aid after the Boston Marathon Bombings and volunteered at the Marathon for several years following, which allowed me the opportunity to work with local emergency teams, the American Red Cross, and the Boston Athletic Association to help relief workers and survivors of natural disasters and other such traumatic events.

My Background

I earned my doctoral degree from William James College (formerly Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology). I went on to receive additional training and experience at Worcester State Hospital/The University of Massachusetts Medical School and Connecticut College, as a psychology intern. I then joined a private practice in the greater Boston area as a post-doctoral fellow and then staff psychologist. After going into private practice on my own, I co-founded Azimuth Psychological in Boston and then Center for Dynamic and Behavioral Therapy in New York before founding PVD Psychological Associates in Rhode Island.

My Approach & Philosophy

My style is caring and validating, with an emphasis on joining my clients wherever they are on their individual journey and working toward their self-identified goals. Many of my clients come to me because they feel “stuck” in some way. I understand that change cannot be forced, and my patient nature allows space for my clients to move at whatever pace works for them. I integrate a combination of CBT skills and exploratory work into therapy to help my clients make desired changes, develop deeper, and more authentic relationships with others, and develop a kinder inner voice in their relationship with themselves.

I’m honored that you’re considering working with me and I would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Please feel free to contact me.