Welcome to Retreat South, your sanctuary for rest, recovery and restoration to a happy and healthy life.
Retreat South is one of Australia’s leading facilities for the treatment of trauma, PTSD and grief. We also specialise in effective and enduring treatment for depression, anxiety, stress and Co-Occurring Disorders (COD)
What We Treat
We show you how to manage the symptoms and we treat the underlying causes of PTSD, grief, trauma, addiction and mood disorders.
Many people who come to us for depression, stress, burnout and other issues use alcohol or narcotics as a form of self-medication to find temporary relief.
Conversely many of our clients who come to us for help with alcohol, narcotic or prescription pill dependence are suffering from the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression or just enormous stress.
Our system for diagnosis and the treatment methods employed are dynamic and holistic, your program will adapt during your stay with us to treat underlying issues as they are unveiled.
Trauma & PTSD
At Retreat South, we believe major trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) should not dictate the terms in your life. Our lives are a tapestry of events that can cause us happiness and sometimes, sorrow. Dealing with events that have had a devastating impact on our lives can and do change the...
Find out MoreDepression
A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition...
Find out MoreAnxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses. Only about one-third of those suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment, even though the disorders are highly treatable. Generalised anxiety disorder (or GAD) is characterised by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday...
Find out MoreStress & Burnout
Stress & Burnout Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.
Find out MoreOur Advantages
Meet the Team
Ruth Magnusson
Founder & DirectorPsychologist Ruth Magnusson., B.A. Dip.Ed., Dip., Applied Science. M.A.P.S. Retreat South founder Ruth Magnusson has extensive experience in a wide variety of [...]
Andrea Lane
Retreat Manager & Staff Coordinator & Clinical HypnotherapyDip Clinical Hypnotherapy Brainspotting Therapist Psychotherapist VER Practitioner EFT Practitioner
Ryan Dawson
Clinical Exercise PhysiologyBachelors Degree of Sports and Exercise Science Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Rehabilitation) ESSA accredited Exercise scientist and Exercise physiologist [...]
Fiona Mc.Quie
Nutritionist and Catering SupervisorFiona has worked in the food industry for over 25 years and has an extensive experience in various method of cookery. Currently studying [...]
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Client Testimonials
“I am not sure where else on earth you would find such a passionate, committed supportive and professional group of people who together make up retreat south - what an amazing team. I cannot express my gratitude to you.”
“It has been a long time however I thought I would send you a short note to show you how far our daughter has come since the time she spent with you. She is living independently and working, recently we celebrated her birthday with her. Our relationship with her is more real and honest.”
“Coming to Retreat South was the best thing I have done. I learnt how to deal with the stress created by my illness and how to say “I can’t do that” without feeling guilty. I know now that I can still have a great life, just by doing things differently. I think that’s the best thing I learnt.”
“ It is with the deepest gratitude, that I write this letter of sincere thanks to all members, employees and supporters of Retreat South. You have given me the opportunity to take control of my life again. ”
“I have tried several rehabs. It took lots of courage to decide to try once more, but I am glad I did. Retreat South offered me a completely private program that I was able to follow in a beautiful therapeutic setting. I am thankful the team at Retreat South were there for me. ”
“Two weeks at Retreat South after a 7 day detoxification from my alcohol habit was a challenging experience. But I learnt how to live without alcohol and how to recognise the triggers that had led me to develop my problems in the first place.I will always be grateful for the time I spent at Retreat South and the supportive way they helped me. ”
“To write your thank you is the hardest because I have so much to thank you for!
You have created a beautiful healing space that is outstanding. The linchpin of an amazing opportunity for me that haas had such a successful outcome.”