Ashley Ethier
Resident; Clinical Psychology
Ashley Ethier is a Clinical Psychology doctoral student at the University of Calgary. Ashley is completing her doctoral residency at the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (OICBT), as a Resident, Clinical Psychology, where she works under the supervision of clinical psychologists Dr. Ken Kelly-Turner, Dr. Mandisa Peterson, and Dr. Kyle Lemay. Ashley has experience providing assessment and therapy to adults navigating a range of concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, substance use and addictive behaviours, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), personality disorders, interpersonal difficulties, and major life transitions. She takes a warm, collaborative, and evidence-based approach, working with clients to better understand the patterns contributing to their current difficulties while building on their existing strengths and identifying meaningful goals for change. Her approach is primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while also drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused interventions when appropriate. Ashley is particularly passionate about helping clients develop greater insight into themselves, build practical skills for navigating challenges, and make changes that support a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Ashley provides both in-person and virtual therapy.
About Ashley
- Ph.D. Student, Clinical Psychology, University of Calgary, 2021-present
https://arts.ucalgary.ca/psychology/future-students/graduate/programs/clinical-psychology - Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology, University of Regina, 2016-2018
https://www.uregina.ca/arts/psychology/clinical-program.html - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, University of Calgary, 2010-2015
https://arts.ucalgary.ca/psychology
Ashley provides evidence-based assessment and intervention services under the supervision of registered clinical psychologists and works with adult populations (age 18–60) within the following areas of focus:
- Mood Disorders (Depression, Bipolar Disorder)
- Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic, Health Anxiety, Specific Phobias)
- Trauma/Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Substance Use and Addictive Behaviours
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Personality Disorders
- Psychosis-related disorders
- Interpersonal/Relational Concerns
- Grief and Loss
- Major Life Transitions
- Stress, Burnout, and Adjustment Difficulties
- Motivational and Behaviour Change Work
- Culturally Responsive and Identity-Affirming Care
Ashley takes an integrative, evidence-based approach to therapy, selecting interventions based on each client’s presenting concerns, goals, and individual case formulation. Her work is primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), while drawing from a range of complementary principles and strategies, including:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Behavioural approaches, including exposure, behavioural activation, and contingency management
- Interpersonal approaches
- Mentalization-based approaches
- Psychodynamic approaches
- 2022–2026 — Doctoral Fellowship, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/opportunities/canada-graduate-research-scholarships/doctoral-program.aspx - 2021–2025 — Graduate Student Scholarship, Alberta Gambling Research Institute (AGRI)
https://research.ucalgary.ca/alberta-gambling-research-institute/apply-grants/graduate-student-scholarships - 2025 — Research Development Grant, Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters (CRISM); Recovery on Campus Alberta’s Recovery Capital Model: Substance Use and Process Addictions
https://crismprairies.ca/funding/ - 2024–2025 — Graduate Research Scholarship, Recovery on Campus Alberta
https://www.recoveryoncampusalberta.ca/ - 2024 — Research Development Grant, Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters (CRISM); Recovery Capital Tool Validation
https://crismprairies.ca/funding/ - 2021–2023 — Graduate Grant, Branch Out Neurological Foundation (BONF)
https://branchoutfoundation.com/grant-opportunities/graduate-grant/ - 2023 — Lived Experience Award, Recovery on Campus Alberta
https://www.recoveryoncampusalberta.ca/ - 2021 — Graduate Scholarship Research Grant, Alberta Gambling Research Institute (AGRI)
https://research.ucalgary.ca/alberta-gambling-research-institute/apply-grants/graduate-student-scholarships - 2017 — Research Cluster Grant, University of Regina
https://www.uregina.ca/research/office-research-services/internal-funding/index.html - 2016–2017 — FGSR Entrance Scholarship, University of Regina
https://www.uregina.ca/graduate-studies-research/scholarships/external/fgsr-ur-excellence-entrance-scholarship.html - 2017 — Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship, University of Calgary (awarded, not held)
https://sapl.ucalgary.ca/future-students/admissions/entrance-scholarships-awards - 2016 — Canadian Graduate Scholarship – Master’s, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) (awarded, not held)
https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/opportunities/canada-graduate-research-scholarships/masters-program.aspx - 2015–2016 — Louise McKinney Post-Secondary Scholarship, University of Calgary
https://ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards/louise-mckinney-scholarship - 2014–2015 — Dean’s List, University of Calgary
- 2014–2015 — Jason Lang Scholarship, University of Calgary
https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards/jason-lang-scholarships - 2013–2014 — Jason Lang Scholarship, University of Calgary
https://www.ucalgary.ca/registrar/awards/jason-lang-scholarships - 2012–2013 — Dean’s Honour Roll, Red Deer College
Ashley has completed practicum and clinical training at the following sites:
- University of Calgary Psychology Clinic, Calgary, AB
Populations/Training Experiences: Adults and youth; individual therapy, psychoeducational assessment, and trans-affirming care.
https://arts.ucalgary.ca/psychology-clinic - Lifemark – Traumatic Psychological Injury Program, Calgary, AB
Populations/Training Experiences: Adults; psychological and physical injuries, trauma/PTSD assessment and treatment, individual and group therapy, and return-to-work support.
https://www.lifemark.ca/services/psychology - Alberta Health Services – Forensic Assessment and Outpatient Services, Calgary, AB
Populations/Training Experiences: Adults in forensic settings; group intervention and treatment of complex mental health concerns.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?Id=1905 - Alberta Health Services – Forensic Adolescent Program, Calgary, AB
Populations/Training Experiences: Justice-involved adolescents; psychological and risk assessment.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?Id=434 - Alberta Health Services – Addiction Centre, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, AB
Populations/Training Experiences: Adults with concurrent mental health and substance use concerns; psychological assessment.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=1017501&serviceAtFacilityID=1033001 - Child and Youth Services and Autism Centre, Regina, SK
Populations/Training Experiences: Children and youth; developmental, psychoeducational, forensic, and addiction-related services.
https://www.saskhealthauthority.ca/facilities-locations/regina-child-and-youth-services - University of Regina Psychology Training Clinic, Regina, SK
Populations/Training Experiences: Child and adult outpatients; psychoeducational assessment and case formulation.
https://www.uregina.ca/arts/psychology/psyc-training-clinic.html
Ashley also brings more than a decade of previous experience working in community-based addiction support roles.
- Research Assistant / Project Coordinator (2018–2021)
Addictive Behaviours Lab, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB
https://researchdirectory.ucalgary.ca/addictive-behaviours
Research and intervention work focused on substance use, addictive behaviours, contingency management, and treatment engagement. - Client Service Worker (2020–2021)
Simon House Recovery Centre, Calgary, AB
https://www.simonhouse.com/
Residential addiction treatment and recovery support for adult men with substance use and co-occurring mental health concerns. - Direct Service Support Staff (2018–2021)
Calgary Alternative Support Services, Calgary, AB https://www.c-a-s-s.org/
Community-based support for adults experiencing complex mental health, substance use, housing, and social needs. - Addictions Support Worker (2012–2016)
Central Alberta Safe Harbour Society, Red Deer, AB
https://www.safeharboursociety.org/
Front-line addiction, detoxification, crisis, and housing-related support for adults with complex needs.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
- Hodgins, D., Yi, J., Wallace, A., Lynch, L., Ethier, A., Long, L., & Cowie, M. (2025) Targeting addiction treatment engagement: A Canadian randomized effectiveness trial of remotely administered contingency management for treatment attendance. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1177/07067437261477550
- Burns, V., Ethier, A., Szeto, A., Hadad, N., & Hennessy, E. (2025). Canadian university student’s experiences of addiction recovery: A pilot study. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 55(4), 109-130. https://doi.org/10.47678/cjhe.v55i4.190581
- Ethier, A., Kim, H., Hodgins, D., McGrath, D., Tavares, H., & Scanavino, M. D. T (2025). Getting lucky: Clinical characterization of compulsive sexual behavior compared with gambling disorder and intermittent explosive disorder. Journal of Psychiatric Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.09.019
- Ethier, A. R., Tottenham, L. S., Singh, J., Neary, J.P, Piskorski, J., & Gordon, J. L. (2023). Menstrual cycle influences on cue-induced smoking cravings and heart rate variability. Behavioural Pharmacology, 34(5), 287-298. https://doi.org/10.1097/FBP.0000000000000734
- Ethier, A.R., McKinney, T.L., Tottenham, L. S., & Gordon, J. L. (2021). The effect of reproductive hormones on women’s daily smoking across the menstrual cycle. Biology of Sex Differences, 12 (41), https://doi.org/10.1186/s13293-021-00384-1
- Sauer, T., Tottenham, L. S., Ethier, A., & Gordon, J. L. (2020). Perimenopausal vasomotor symptoms and the cortisol awakening response. Menopause, 27(11), 1322-1327 https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0000000000001588
- Ethier, A. R., Kim, H. S., McGrath, D. S., & Hodgins, D. C. (2020). High rollers: Correlates of problematic cocaine use among a community sample of gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 36, 513–525. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-020-09943-4
Other Written Contributions
- Lynch, M., Cowie, M., Wallace, A., Ethier, A., & Hodgins, D. (2023). Contingency Management implementation manual: How to make this evidence-based practice work for you. Addictive Behaviours Laboratory, University of Calgary. https://crism.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/interactive-with-links-contingency-management-manual-lynch-et-al.pdf
- Ethier, A., Cowie, M., Adams, D., Bedford, E., Brache, K., Christensen, D., … Hodgins, D. (2020). Project Engage: Interest and uptake of contingency management in Canadian addiction treatment programs. Final Report for Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse – Prairie Node. https://crismprairies.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Project-Engage-Technical-Report-FINAL.pdf
Research Presentations and Workshops
- Ethier, A., Kim, H., Hodgins, D., McGrath, D., Tavares, H., & Scanavino, M. D. T (2025). Getting Lucky: Comparing the Demographic, Personality, and Psychiatric Correlates of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour to Gambling Disorder and Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Poster presented at the Alberta Gambling Research Institute’s 24th Annual Conference, Banff, AB.
- Ethier, A. & Burns, Victoria (2024). Exploring Canadian university students experiences of addiction recovery: A pilot study. Poster presented at the European Behavioural Pharmacology Society 2024 Workshop, Banff, AB.
- Ethier, A., (2024). Branch Out Neuroscience Foundation Researcher. Invited research project demonstration presented at the Perlin Foundation’s Spring Bliss – Mental Wellness Festival.
- Ethier, A. & Hodgins, D. C., (2024). Investigating the Influence of motivational sensitivities and the application of contingency management to problem gambling treatment: Study Protocol. Poster presented at the Alberta Gambling Research Institute’s 23rd Annual Conference, Banff, AB.
- Ethier, A., Cowie, M., Lynch, M., Wallace, A., & Hodgins, D. (2023). Contingency management: Research & Clinical perspectives. Oral presentation presented at the CCSA’s Issues of Substance Conference, Vancouver, BC.
- Burns, V., Graham, C., Ethier, A., & Knight., L. (2023). Recovery on Campus (ROC) Alberta: A Province-Wide Collegiate Recovery Initiative for Students and Staff. Oral presentation at the Association of Recovery in Higher Education Annual Conference, Columbus, Ohio.
- Ethier, A., Cowie, M., Lynch, M., & Hodgins, D. (2023). Investigating the influence of motivational sensitivities and the application of contingency management for the treatment of substance misuse. Poster presented at the HBI 19th Annual Research Day, Calgary, AB.
- Cowie, M., Lynch, M., Ethier, A., & Hodgins, D. (2022). Contingency management: Research & Clinical perspectives. Invited webinar presentation presented on behalf of the Calgary Drug Treatment Court, Calgary.
- Ethier, A. (2022). Branch Out Neuroscience Foundation Researcher. Invited research project demonstration presented at the Perlin Foundation’s Spring Bliss – Mental Wellness Festival, Calgary
- Ethier, A., Kim, H. S., McGrath, D. S., Hodgins, D. C., & Taveres, H. (2022). Keep your head in the game: Demographic and clinical correlates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in gambling disorder. Poster presented at the Alberta Gambling Research Institute Conference, Banff.
- Ethier, A., Cowie, M., & Hodgins, D. C., (2021). The influence of treatment providers’ recovery status on therapeutic orientation and attitudes towards evidence-based practices. Poster presented at the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies Association 11th Annual Virtual Conference.
- Ethier, A. & Hodgins, D. C. (2021). Predictors of treatment goal outcome for problem gamblers who received a brief motivational intervention. Poster accepted for presentation at the Alberta Gambling Research Institute, Banff.
- Ethier, A., Kim, H. S., McGrath, D. S., Hodgins, D. C., & Taveres, H. (2020). Upping the ante: Demographic and clinical correlates of antisocial personality disorder in gambling disorder. Poster presented at the Hotchkiss Brain Institutes’ 16th annual Research Day, Calgary.
- Ethier, A., Mullens, G., Martineau, M., (2020). The other epidemic: Panel discussion on how businesses can help save lives. Invited panelist for webinar presentation on behalf of the Alberta Businesses for Evidence-based Policy, Calgary.
- Ethier, A., Kim, H. S., McGrath, D. S., Hodgins, D. C., Tavares, H., & Scanavino, M. D. T. (Mar 2020). Getting lucky: Comparing the demographic, personality and clinical correlates of gambling disorder to compulsive sexual behaviour. Poster presented at the Alberta Gambling Research Institute Conference, Banff.
- Hodgins, D., Cowie, M, Wallace, A., & Ethier, A. (2020). The PRISE Project (PRoviding Incentives to Sustain Engagement): Implementing contingency management for methamphetamine use. Invited webinar presentation presented on behalf of Alberta Health Services, Calgary.
- Hodgins, D., Cowie, M, Wallace, A., & Ethier, A. (2020). The PRISE Project (PRoviding Incentives to Sustain Engagement): Implementing contingency management for methamphetamine use. Invited webinar presentation presented on behalf of Alberta Health Services, Edmonton.
- Ethier, A., Cowie, M., & Hodgins, D. (2019). Contingency management: Research & Clinical perspectives. Invited webinar presentation presented on behalf of Alberta Health Services, Calgary.
- Ethier, A., Cowie, M., & Hodgins, D. (2019). Contingency management: Research & clinical perspectives. Invited webinar presentation presented on behalf of Addiction Services, New Brunswick.
- Ethier, A., Hodgins, D. C., Adams, D.L., Leslie, R. D., & Wild, T. C. (Nov 2019). Project Engage: Comparing treatment providers’ and clients’ attitudes towards contingency management. Poster presentation presented at the CCSA’s Issues of Substance Conference, Ottawa.
- Ethier, A., McKinney, T. L., Sykes Tottenham, L., & Gordon, J. L. (Jun 2019). The effect of reproductive hormones on women’s daily smoking across the menstrual cycle. Oral presentation presented at the 11th Annual Addiction Day Conference, Edmonton.
- Ethier, A., Sykes Tottenham, L., Singh, J., Neary, J. P., & Gordon, J. L. (Jun 2019). The influence of menstrual phase and hormonal fluctuation on stress-induced smoking cravings in women. Poster presentation presented at the 80th CPA National Convention, Halifax.
- Ethier, A., Kim, H. S., Sharif-Razi, M., McGrath, D. S., & Hodgins, D. C. (Mar 2019). Hasty high rollers: Assessing the role of impulsivity in individuals with gambling disorder and problematic cocaine use. Poster presented at the Alberta Gambling Research Institute Conference, Banff.
- Ethier, A. & MacNeil, J. F. (May 2015). When art strikes a chord: An evaluation of music’s influence on emotionally-evocative fine art. Poster presentation presented at the University of Calgary 19th Annual Department of Psychology Student Research Conference, Calgary.
- Ethier, A. & MacNeil, J. F. (Mar 2015). When art strikes a chord: An evaluation of music’s influence on emotionally-evocative fine art. Poster presentation presented at Red Deer College’s Annual Department of Psychology Student Research Conference, Red Deer.
Other Contributions
- CRISM Canada. (2024, March 7). Implementing contingency management: Demonstration videos, key principles on how to effectively and competently implement contingency management. Video. YouTube.
Role: Therapist administering contingency management; Contributor: Implementation manual.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mthBLMW23Ys