About

My background, my posture, what I offer.

A few words to give you context before you book. I'd rather you arrive knowing who I am and how I work.

Judy Turcotte, social worker, standing in front of a traditional Canarian windmill in the evening light

Background

Three countries, three languages, one posture.

I'm Judy Turcotte, social worker in independent practice since 2023. Graduate of Université Laval (Bachelor's in Social Work, 2014), member in good standing of the Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec (OTSTCFQ).

My career has unfolded across three countries. In Québec: crisis intervention, women's shelters, youth protection, school settings, CLSC internships. In Alberta, where I lived and worked for three years. In Spain, in a psychology practice. Then from 2020 to 2022, as mental health specialist in telemedicine for Dialogue, supporting people across Canada in French, English and Spanish.

Today, I work independently, fully online. My framework is Canadian, my tools are francophone, my clientele is Québécois and Canadian, and my offering is trilingual.

Clinical posture

What I believe, what I do.

A transition is not a gap to fill. It's a moment when something is changing shape, and internal coherence has to be rebuilt. My work is to hold the frame, to listen without rushing, and to offer concrete handholds so you can move forward at your own pace.

I don't believe in one-size-fits-all approaches. Every follow-up is adapted to what you bring: your story, your language, your current concerns, your cultural context. I combine several recognized approaches based on what fits your situation.

  • Confidentiality, no exceptions

    Whatever is said in session stays in session. Clear framework, protected records, platform compliant with OTSTCFQ standards.

  • Cross-cultural sensitivity

    Living between languages, countries, or life stages calls for a kind of listening that accounts for it. It's part of my practice, not an add-on.

  • Active inclusion

    No one should have to explain their identity to be heard. Trained in sexual and gender diversity awareness.

  • Evidence-based

    Certified motivational interviewing, solution-focused brief therapy, trauma intervention. Active continuing education, not locked into a single framework.

Independent practice

Why I work on my own, and remotely.

After ten years in institutional and community settings in Québec, Alberta and Spain, I chose independent practice for two concrete reasons.

First, because the quality of the therapeutic relationship requires time. Time to return to what was said last session. Time to let a question settle before answering it. Time is what institutions are increasingly unable to offer.

Second, because online practice expands access. Someone in a remote region, with reduced mobility, with a packed schedule, or simply more comfortable at home, no longer has to choose between commuting and not seeking support. Sessions take place on a secure videoconference platform that meets OTSTCFQ standards for online practice.

Continuing education

A practice that keeps updating, by choice.

Selected key trainings completed since graduation.

  1. 2023
    Sex, gender and sexual orientations: understanding diversity INSPQ · École de santé publique, Université de Montréal
  2. 2023
    Inclusive writing Fondation Émergence
  3. 2022
    Motivational interviewing in counselling practice Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ)
  4. 2022
    Motivational interviewing Dialogue, internal training
  5. 2021
    Solution-focused brief therapy Dialogue, internal training
  6. 2021
    Manager coaching Dialogue, internal training
  7. 2020
    Recent and complex trauma · Domestic violence · Suicide risk evaluation · Grief intervention Dialogue, clinical trainings
  8. 2018
    Substance dependency and its impacts Al-Anon Family Groups, Cairns (Australia)
  9. 2014
    Active listening and suicide crisis intervention Centre d'écoute et de prévention du suicide, Saint-Georges
  10. 2013
    Violence, neglect and parental alienation Centre jeunesse de Québec

Working languages

Français, English, Español.

The language we work in is part of the frame. French is my mother tongue. I've lived and worked in English for five years, and in Spanish for two. I can carry out a full follow-up in each of the three.

If you think in two languages, we can alternate. If you prefer one language to talk about your life and another for the clinical work, that's also possible. They are tools, not barriers.

First step

Ready to take the first step?

A first meeting, no commitment. The conversation starts when you decide.

Book a session