Julie Larouche, M.Ps.

About Me

I received my Master’s in psychology (M.Ps) in 1994 from l’Université de Montréal and completed my doctoral courses at Concordia University (1999). I completed my predoctoral internship at the Sex and Couple Therapy Service of the Allan Memorial Institute, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) in 2000 where I have remained involved and am currently co-director. In addition to conducting assessments and therapy for individuals, couples, and groups, I have been offering clinical supervision to graduate students and professionals for the past fifteen years. My main clinical and research interests lie in the field of sexual medicine. My doctoral research is on erectile dysfunction and I have also been involved in numerous clinical studies dealing with female sexual pain. I began my private practice in 2000. I see individuals and couples ranging in age from young adulthood to the elderly.

I have had the privilege of sharing my clinical and research experience with the public through a variety of public lectures offered, in both French and English, at the MUHC. Sample topics include: "Too busy for sex?", and "What's up in erectile dysfunction?". I also give presentations/discussions on coping with the stress of disease and various aspects of sexuality to patient support groups.

Psychotherapy Approach

My approach to therapy can best be described as integrative. My formal training has been in cognitive behavioural therapy, but I integrate complementary conceptualizations and techniques such that therapy is tailored to best meet the needs of each individual client. I will borrow from supportive, interpersonal, systemic, existential, and psychodynamic models in order to create a therapeutic framework that is unique to each individual or couple. The foundation of any therapy, regardless of approach, is the therapeutic relationship which I emphasize and work on cultivating, with warmth and humour, throughout the therapy process. I believe that people come to therapy in order to make changes, to grow, and to become. I consider the emotional, cognitive, behavioural, physical, interpersonal, social, spiritual, and cultural dimensions in order to attain a comprehensive understanding of strengths and difficulties in order to best help my clients meet their goals. I also strive to help my clients create meaning and connection in their lives.

I offer services to adult individuals and couples in both French and English. Although I am specialized in sex and couple therapy, I see a broad range of clients and have expertise with a variety of general areas such as depression, anxiety, stress management, coping with illness, relationship issues, as well as personal growth and development. I am also experienced in reproductive health issues that include infertility, pregnancy loss, postpartum depression, and adjustment to parenthood. With respect to sexual difficulties, I help individuals/couples with issues around decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, difficulties with orgasm, and sexual pain (genitiopelvic pain and penetration disorder). Couples often present with a variety of problem areas. Aside from individual and sexual concerns, some general issued addressed in couples therapy include communication, conflict management, problem solving, relationship boredom, infidelity, and enhancement of both sexual and nonsexual intimacy.

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Professional Affiliations

• Ordre des psychologues du Québec (OPQ)

• Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR)