Psychologist Specialties

Welcome. My name is Madeleine, I am a French-American queer third culture kid who grew up moving every few years. Having grown up amongst cultures (Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Angola, France, Italy, Canada and Brazil), I have never truly found “home” and consider myself more international, open to all kinds of languages and cultures different from my own, and intimately connected with the wonders and difficulties that come from moving to a new country.

I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Hispanic Studies at McGill University in Canada, and a Masters in Counselling Psychology at Webster University Leiden in The Netherlands. I also have completed a trauma-informed body psychotherapy training, Somatic Experiencing Professional Training, with Somatic Experiencing International in Italy. My approach to therapy is integrative, combining Somatic, Humanistic, Schema Therapy, Drama Therapy and Psychodynamic approaches.

Having written my master’s thesis on third culture kids and their experience of identity and interpersonal relationships, I enjoy working with experiences related to the impact of moving and transitions, adjusting to a new country, migratory grief, immigration, and third culture kids. I also feel passionately about working with those who experience social anxiety, burnout, grief and childhood trauma, as well as the queer and poly communities.

With over 10 years experience working in the mental health field through volunteering and working in crisis and emotional support lines, peer support centers, sexual assault protection centers and employee assistance programs, I am incredibly passionate about mental health awareness and mental health education. In terms of providing therapy and psychological care specifically, I have 6 years experience working with ex-pats, immigrants, third-culture kids, as well as the LGBTQIA+ and poly community. I also offer clinical supervision to internship student-therapists and starting therapists in private practice, as well as guest lectures and workshops on Somatic Psychology ad-hoc to various universities and privately.

I have experience working with international clients dealing with:

• social anxiety

• self-awareness and professional development

• self-compassion and self-confidence building

• assertiveness and interpersonal communications

• anxiety disorders and specific phobias

• issues related to gender and sexuality

• burnout (caregiver burnout, job burnout, social burnout)

• grief from bereavement, miscarriage, abortion, suicide

• migration grief, break-up grief, third culture kid grief

• compassion fatigue

• vicarious trauma and secondary traumatization of those working in social fields (activism, health professionals, law, social work, humanitarian work)

• PTSD

• developmental and complex trauma

• trauma from surgeries

• trauma from motorvehicle or other types of accidents

I also offer Clinical Supervision for internships student-therapists and therapists starting their own private practice. My supervisory philosophy is contemplative, reflective, and curious, allowing space for you to become your own kind of psychologist, understanding your transference and countertransference in the room, and developing your skills.

On a personal note, I am passionate about anti-oppression and advocacy, dancing, music, yoga, theatre and spending time in nature with my loved ones.

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Yoga Classes and Yoga teaching philosophy

I began my yoga journey in 2019, after experiencing multiple losses, the mental and physical practice brought motivation and comfort to more challenging times. After trying out various types of yoga, I found the most peace in the classical Hatha Yoga classes I attended, that offered me a safe haven. Throughout the years, I got more and more curious about this practice, learning more about the philosophy and origins, inspiring me to attend a 200hrs Hatha Yoga Teacher Training course in Rishikesh, India at Swasti Yogashala. I deepened my own personal practice, as well as the philosophy, anatomy and essence of sharing this beautiful, peaceful practice with others. My goal as a private yoga teacher is to focus on your own unique needs and desires, whether that be learning to slow down during busier days, adapt your practice after an injury, activate your body when you have less motivation, find more understanding of yourself and others, or deepen your own practice. Whether you are a beginner or experienced yogi, I am happy to explore a personalized plan that works for you.

Services are offered in English, French, and Spanish