Émilie Magaud, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist

Becoming a psychotherapist has been the most fulfilling experience of my life
I am continually moved by the opportunity to engage with remarkable individuals and inspired by their courage to step into the therapeutic process. I also feel humbled by the trust they place in me.
Because I understand how vulnerable it can feel to seek support and to "open up", I place empowerment and advocacy at the heart of my practice.
My role is not to dictate, but to *walk alongside* you—ensuring that you remain an active partner in your growth, moving forward in a way that feels safe and sustainable.

Who Am I?
Hi, I'm Emilie.
My pronouns are "she/her/elle". What are yours?
I carry many labels—“female”, “white”, “immigrant”, “queer”, “ADHDer”—but I believe labels alone never capture the whole of a person.
I am a person, first. Just like you.
My friends describe me as “caring, bubbly, crafty, and resourceful”, though I like to think of myself as a “social introvert with a deep interest in Beings.”
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an observer, fascinated by people—what makes us act, hold back, connect, or withdraw.
As a child, I was the one who welcomed newcomers at school. As a teen, I became the friend others could trust.
That instinct to see the good in people hasn’t always made life easier, but it has shaped who I am today.
Now, as someone who belongs to several minority groups and has navigated my own challenges, I feel privileged to offer a professional space where others can show up authentically-raw, honest, and safe to simply be.

Career
Two years into university, after taking a course in clinical psychology and psychopathology, I knew I could not imagine a life without psychology.
My career began in Marseille and Paris, where psychiatry— especially psychosis—became my first love.
I spent 8 years working in hospitals within multidisciplinary teams, supporting people living with chronic mental illness, adolescents at risk, and even inmates in a penitentiary psychiatry unit.
Those years taught me resilience, compassion, and the value of collaboration.
Research was another important thread in my path. I contributed to projects focused on quality of life and the early detection of severe mental illnesses such as psychosis and bipolar disorder.
That passion eventually led me across the ocean to Canada.
After eight years as a clinical researcher at the University of Calgary, I moved to Montreal in 2020 and started private practice in 2021.
Since then, I have expanded my training in art therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and EMDR, with a particular interest in complex trauma and attachment issues—which has become my area of expertise.
I am also passionate about supporting individuals and couples navigating the challenges of building a family. As part of this work, I offer support and information sessions within the Quebec program for potential surrogate mothers and parents of intention.
Education
2012-2019
Post-doctoral Scholarship
| Psychiatry
Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education | Hotchkiss Brain Institute
University of Calgary - Calgary, Alberta - CANADA
2007-2011
Ph. Doctorate
| Applied Neurosciences
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte Anne | INSERM research unit
University Paris Sorbonne - Pierre & Marie Currie - Paris - FRANCE
2006-2007
Masters Degree (Research)
| Cognitive Psychology
Cognition - Langage - Emotions | PsyCLE Lab.
University Aix-en-Provence - Aix en Provence - FRANCE
2003-2005
Masters Degree (Professional)
| Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology & Psychopathology
University Aix-en-Provence - Aix en Provence - FRANCE
