ABOUT MARILYN CYR, PhD, PsyD

From Brain Science to Life Design: A Journey in Human Potential

For over two decades, I’ve explored one essential question: What helps us thrive—and what holds us back?

Trained as a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist, my career began in academic research labs, studying how lifestyle choices—like movement, nutrition, and mental training—shape brain health and cognitive vitality across the lifespan. From my early work on aging and cognition at the University of Quebec at Montreal, to my doctoral research on the neurochemical systems that regulate decision-making and behavior, I was captivated by the science of human potential.

Alongside my research, I trained clinically at McGill University’s Allan Memorial Institute, where I worked with people facing depression, anxiety, eating disorders, OCD, addiction, and burnout. What struck me was the same thread running through so many struggles: the power of habits—often unconscious, deeply wired patterns that drive our lives.

That insight became the focus of my postdoctoral research at Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, where I used brain imaging to study how habits are formed, sustained, and changed. I worked with global experts to investigate the neural mechanisms of motivation, decision-making, and behavioral change across a variety of populations.

But while I was helping others understand their minds, I was quietly confronting a deeper truth in my own life: I was burned out, disconnected from joy, and out of alignment with the purpose that first drew me to this work.

That realization sparked a bold shift. I stepped away from academia and founded Vita Intenta—a science-rooted, soul-forward platform dedicated to helping women 40+ reclaim their vitality, redesign their habits, and redefine what it means to age.

I created the THRIVE Method to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into practical tools that support intentional living. Because thriving isn’t about willpower or quick fixes—it’s about understanding your brain, aligning your choices, and living each day with clarity and courage.

MY MISSION

My mission is to help women rewrite the story of midlife through the power of habit, self-leadership, and intentional living.

I bridge science and soul to empower women 40 and beyond to reclaim their energy, clarity, and purpose—one evidence-based shift at a time. Through education, practical tools, and a supportive community, I help you understand your brain, change your habits, and align your life with what truly matters.

Because midlife isn’t a crisis. It’s a calling. And I’m here to help you answer it—with confidence, clarity, and calm.

MY STORY

I grew up in the wilds of rural Quebec, in a hand-built dream house on a hill—surrounded by lakes, forests, and love. But after a beautiful early childhood, my family life slowly unraveled. My father, once full of creativity and joy, fell into a silent decline—physically, mentally, emotionally—until he became a shadow of himself. That mystery fueled my life’s work.

I became a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist to understand what causes us to lose our spark—and how we can get it back.

Over the next two decades, I immersed myself in the study of decision-making, habits, and brain health. I saw how the choices we make each day—often unconsciously—shape the trajectory of our lives. And I discovered a truth that changed everything:
When our habits align with purpose, we thrive. When they don’t, we slowly fade.

But even with all my knowledge, I too found myself burned out, misaligned, and disconnected from what made me feel alive. I had followed the traditional path of success, yet something essential was missing.

That’s when I walked away from the lab and launched Vita Intenta—a calling born from both research and lived experience. My mission now is to help women like you reconnect with your vitality, rewrite the narrative of aging, and live with fierce intention.

Vita Intenta blends the best of science with grounded guidance to help women 40+ transform their lifestyle—not through hustle, but through habit.

This is more than wellness. It’s a reclaiming.

Let’s thrive, together.

EDUCATION

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2015-2020
Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University
New York State Psychiatric Institute

Doctorate in Psychology (PhD, PsyD) 2008-2015
University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM) 
Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University

Doctoral Internship in Clinical Psychology 2013-2014
Allan Memorial Institute, McGill University Medical Centre

Master of Science in Psychology (MSc) 2008-2010
University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM) 

Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology (BSc) 2005-2008
University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM) 

Contact me

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