Magdalen Ser

  The experiences that have shaped us need not define who we become. When they are held with curiosity, compassion and understanding, they no longer need to determine what is possible. 

Many of the people who come to see me have already spent years trying to understand themselves.  They have reflected deeply, attended therapy, read widely and worked hard to make sense of their experiences. Yet despite this insight, they often find themselves returning to familiar patterns that no longer serve them.

This is the question that has quietly guided my work throughout more than thirty years as  a  mental health clinician.

Why is understanding sometimes not enough?

Early in my career, I recognised the value of helping people make sense of their lives. Over time, however, I became increasingly interested in what enables people not only to understand their experiences, but also to experience themselves differently.

That curiosity continues to shape both my practice and my commitment to ongoing learning.

Rather than searching for the next therapeutic technique, I have sought a deeper understanding of how healing unfolds. This has led me to undertake advanced clinical  training in attachment, trauma, neuroscience and experiential psychotherapy, including EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting, Neurofeedback, Ego State Therapy and Family Therapy.

Each has expanded the way I think about healing. Together, they have shaped an integrative approach that is responsive rather than prescriptive.

I do not begin by asking, "Which therapy should I use?" Instead, I ask, "What does this person need at this moment?"

Every individual's story is unique. The ways we learn to adapt to life's experiences are equally unique. 

My role is not to fit people into a particular model of therapy, but to understand their experience deeply enough that together we can find the approach that best supports their growth.

I believe that many of the difficulties people struggle with today once served an important purpose. Responses such as anxiety, perfectionism, emotional withdrawal, people-pleasing or feeling constantly on edge are often the legacy of experiences that required us to adapt in order to survive, belong or protect ourselves.

Therapy begins, not by trying to eliminate these patterns, but by understanding them. When our experiences are met with curiosity and compassion, they often begin to lose their hold. 

Gradually, space opens for new ways of relating to ourselves, to others and to life.

It is this process that continues to inspire me after more than three decades of practice.

Every person who walks through my door brings a unique story. It is a privilege to accompany them as they discover that the experiences which have shaped them need not define who they become. 

 Therapy offers an opportunity to reclaim their story, re-author its meaning, reconnect with themselves and with others to live the life they desire.  

Professional Background

I am a trauma and relational therapist with a passion in facilitating personal and familial  transformations in individuals, couples and families in Australia and internationally. 

My practice integrates contemporary research in attachment, neuroscience and trauma with experiential therapies that support both emotional,  nervous system and relational change.  

I work with adults experiencing the effects of trauma, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, life transitions and persistent patterns that continue to interfere with living the life they long for.

Alongside my clinical work, I remain deeply committed to ongoing professional education, consultation and supervision. I believe that thoughtful psychotherapy requires both lifelong learning and continual reflection, allowing my practice to evolve alongside advances in research while remaining grounded in the humanity of the therapeutic relationship.

Qualifications 

• MSc Family Therapy, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London 
• BA Social Work and BSocSci (Hons), National University of Singapore 

  Professional Memberships

• Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) 
• EMDRAA Accredited Practitioner, EMDR Association of Australia 
• Neurofeedback Practitioner ( Othmer Method Infra-Low Frequency,  EEG Institute (USA) 
• Deep Brain Reorienting Practitioner, DBR Training (UK) 

Advanced Clinical Training

•  EMDRAA Accredited Practitioner
• Deep Brain Reorienting (Level 3)
• Infra Low Neurofeedback 
• Family Therapy
• Ego State Therapy
• Internal Family Systems
• Advanced training in attachment, complex trauma and dissociation

Professional Leadership

I also enjoy teaching and mentoring clinicians, including providing training in Small Figures Work.  Teaching is a natural extension of my clinical practice and reflects my belief that learning is a lifelong endeavour—for therapists as much as for the people we work with. 

Visit www.smallfigureswork.com for more information.

Medicare Registered Provider

As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, Magdalen is a registered Medicare provider. Eligible clients may claim a Medicare rebate under the Better Access initiative with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from their GP or Psychiatrist.