Renee St-Jean
- M.A. Honours in Psychology (2023), B.A. in Psychology with High Distinction + Concentration in Health Psychology & Minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health (2021)
Renee earned her Honours Bachelor of Arts with High Distinction in Psychology, with a concentration in Health Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience and Mental Health, in 2021, followed by her Master of Arts in Psychology in 2023. She is currently a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student at the University of Ottawa, while also serving as a practicum student at The Royal and a Research Assistant at the Centre for Psychological Services and Research (CPSR), contributing to both clinical practice and research.
“My advice would be to embrace rejection and failure when they come, because they are an important part of the process. My journey was anything but linear—I changed programs, minors, and even universities along the way. After being rejected from every clinical psychology program I applied to during undergrad, I decided to pursue a master’s degree at Carleton University before reapplying and eventually being accepted. At the time, those moments felt like major setbacks. In hindsight, though, everything unfolded the way it needed to. I’m now living my dream, and I know those experiences made me a stronger, more resilient, and more experienced clinician.“
Brief description of what I do!
I am a Clinical Psychology doctoral student with clinical interests in evidence-based treatment for individuals affected by trauma and substance use/addiction, including first responders and trauma survivors. I am currently completing a placement at The Royal within the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) program. My research and publications span substance use, trauma, and sexuality, with my doctoral dissertation focused on sexual dysfunction and reproduction. Outside of academia and clinical work, I enjoy running, birding, and finding a good work-life balance!
Pursuing Graduate Studies or other Education?
Doctor of Philosophy – Clinical Psychology
What inspired your career path after graduation?
Becoming a Clinical Psychologist has been my goal since I began my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Carleton University. I’ve always been fascinated by psychopathology and passionate about storytelling, and clinical psychology felt like the ideal way to bridge those two worlds.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
The psychology program gave me the foundational knowledge and support I needed to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology. I gained so much from my professors and peers, while also learning more about myself and the kind of clinician I wanted to become. Every step of the way, I was reminded how competitive admission to clinical psychology programs can be, but that only strengthened my determination to succeed.
As a first-generation university student—and the first person in my family to earn a master’s degree and now pursue a PhD—I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship and guidance I received throughout the program. A huge thank you to Dr. Michael Wohl, Dr. Chris Davis, and Dr. Kim Lassiter. I would not be where I am today without them.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
The foundational clinical skills I developed in Dr. Kim Lassiter’s introductory clinical psychology courses helped set me apart from my peers in graduate training. The critical thinking and research skills I gained prepared me for success at both the master’s and doctoral levels. Most importantly, the program gave me confidence in myself and my abilities, which has been the most valuable takeaway of all.
Do you have a favourite memory from your program at Carleton?
Dr. Kim Lassiter’s courses: Introduction to Clinical Skills and Clinical Approaches to Substance Use Disorders (life-changing!). Dr. Michael Wohl and Dr. Chris Davis (iconic researchers and professors). Also the campus itself–I miss it so much (the nature, chonkers, vibes).
What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?
I’m quite proud of my publications and landing a placement at The Royal. That felt like my “I made it” moment for sure!