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About Me

My name is Maddie (she/they), and I am so excited to join you on your mental health journey! I am a Registered Psychotherapist. I graduated with a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology from Athabasca University and I hold an Undergraduate Degree from McMaster University.

I have 5+ years of previous counselling experience. This includes working at a youth mental health clinic in Milton, being a Counsellor for Kids Help Phone, a Smoking Cessation Coach at Smokers' Helpline, and working as an Adventure Therapy Instructor for youth with Wendigo Lake Expeditions. 

Fun Facts

I am queer, neurodivergent, Lebanese Canadian who prioritizes self-awareness is finding liberation from C-PTSD. I love nature in all its shapes and forms, I love music - a lot, I love my adorable dog Izzy, and am a big fan of all things chocolate. 

I really enjoy coming up with improvised songs and experiential baking recipes, and can be quite sarcastic. I like making therapy fun and enjoyable. I love biking, going on canoe trips, rock climbing, and making puns. Lastly, I have my Black Belt in Karate!

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This is Izzy! 

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My Approach

I incorporate an eclectic approach to therapy that is rooted in a client-centered, trauma-informed, attachment-based and anti-oppressive systemic framework.

Additional models that I draw skills from include:

  • Emotionally-focused therapy (EFT)

  • IFS informed parts work (think Inside Out 1 or 2) 

  • Inner child work

  • Mindfulness, Presence, Self-Awareness and Introspection practices

  • Practicing somatic (body based) awareness  

  • Walk and talk ecotherapy

  • Processing themes and patterns 

  • Solution-focused and strengths based strategies

  • Play-informed-therapy.

  • EMDR 

 

We can spend our therapeutic sessions doing some deep processing, doing art together, calming the nervous system listening to music, connecting to our authentic selves, or deeply processing our experiences, thoughts, emotions, and challenges.   

Education, Certifications & Professional Development 

McMaster University - Honours Bachelor's in in Life Sciences - 2017

Athabasca University - Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology - 2022

Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy Level 1 Certificate - 2022 

Emotionally Focused Family Therapy Level 1 Certificate - 2023 

Emotionally Focused Family Therapy Level 2 Certificate - 2023

Motivational Interviewing Certificate - 2017 

Trauma Informed Mindful Movement Certificate - 2022 

Mastering Internal Family Systems Online PESI Course - 8 Hrs - 2022

DBT Skills Training for Adolescents and Families - 12 hours - 2024 

EMDR training - March/May 2024 - Completed

I acknowledge that Hamilton is located on land that has been inhabited by Indigenous people for thousands of years.  It sits on the traditional territory of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation peoples. I am grateful to have this opportunity to work, live and play on this land. 

© 2024 by Madeleine Serhal 
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