Name: Maggie Leclerc
Pronoun: She/her
Supervisor: Jacinthe Dion, PhD., Isabelle Daignault, PhD., and Alexandra Bernard-Vidal, PhD.
Email address: maggie.leclerc@uqtr.ca
Describe your research project in a few lines.
My doctoral research focuses on problematic sexual behaviors in children aged 12 and under who have experienced trauma. Using a mixed-methods approach, it first aims to examine the role of dissociation as a mechanism explaining the link between trauma experiences and the severity/types of behaviors. A second qualitative component explores the mentalization and subjective experiences of these children using attachment interviews and play situations, to better understand the psychological and relational meaning of acting out and to contribute to more tailored and less stigmatizing clinical interventions.
Can you share with us a memorable moment or experience from your academic journey?
A highlight of my academic career was my student mobility program during my bachelor's degree in Lyon, France. It allowed me to deepen my knowledge of psychoanalytic approaches, develop professional relationships with researchers in the field, and familiarize myself with French culture. These experiences also fueled my interest in a research approach more grounded in clinical practice, subjectivity, and intrapsychic processes, which continues to inform my doctoral research today.
What is the most challenging aspect of your research or studies, and how do you overcome it?
One of the most difficult aspects of my research is working with a vulnerable population of children. This reality requires constant attention to ethical issues, clinical posture, and respect for the pace of the children and their families. I overcome this challenge by relying on close supervision, rigorous protocols, and a trauma-sensitive approach.e.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time outdoors, especially wild camping, which helps me recharge my batteries. I also enjoy creative activities and visiting museums, which feed my curiosity and my relationship with culture.
