Interview with Mistress Seren: Mastering the Art of Psychological Domination
In the world of professional domination, few bring as much depth and artistry to their craft as Mistress Seren. With a career spanning the art world, technology, fashion, and finance, Mistress Seren has transitioned her diverse expertise into the realm of BDSM with a focus on psychological mastery.
Her approach is deeply inspired by the raw power of nature and the profound theories of Carl Jung. Raised amidst the Rocky Mountains, she views nature itself as a formidable Domme, and she channels this inspiration into her work, seeking to bring her clients to a place of true self-discovery and individuation through kink.
Mistress Seren's scenes are more than just acts of submission—they are meticulously crafted journeys into the psyche, designed to evoke catharsis and profound personal growth. For those seeking fleeting thrills or superficial pleasure, her approach may not be the right fit; however, for those ready to confront and explore the hidden aspects of their own minds, her expertise offers a unique and transformative experience.
I had the privilege of sitting down with Mistress Seren to delve into the mental and emotional dimensions of her work. Here’s a closer look at how she navigates the complex landscape of psychological domination:
1: Can you describe how you approach the Bad more from the mental preparation and mindset needed before a session with a client?
My Domina is an archetype of who I am. So, when preparing for a scene, I use a ritual to shift from my everyday woman into Mistress Seren. I create a playlist for the scene and listen to it while putting my makeup on and getting ready for the scene. I’m envisioning what is about to unfold which is a very fun creative process for me. I always have a plan, but I allow myself to adapt based on the client's emotional state and my intuition. Once I arrive to the dungeon, I light a candle and call in my Domina by saying her name three times. I tell my everyday woman to step aside and tell my inner child she is safe but this space is not for her. This ritual helps me fully embody my Domina and allows my sadist to come alive. I’ve had lazy moments when I didn’t follow my ritual, and it shook me. My everyday woman showed up and saw a particularly harsh degradation scene unfold. I felt like I had a split personality. My everyday woman was alarmed, and my Domina felt ashamed. So, I learned it's essential to take the time to transition into my Domme. After the scene, once the client has left, I speak words of gratitude to my Domme, I say what happened in the room stays in the room, and then I call my everyday woman back and blow the candle out. I believe my Domina is meant to exist when she is consented to, I don’t let that version of myself leak out when I am in public, with friends, or family.
2: How do you establish and maintain control over a client mentally and emotionally throughout a session?
I’ve always loved being in control, and this work is the perfect outlet for it. Each client is a new game for me, a game that I win. I pick apart their psyche and use everything I observe about them, against them, and for them.
In session, I am completely present. My energy is wholly focused on my client. I create a world built exclusively for them. I control their five senses—or withhold them. Every detail, from the lighting to the music, is meticulously curated to influence their mood. I like to act unpredictably to create a sense of chaos and keep my client on edge. I also recently finished a trauma-informed somatic therapy course, so I use tactics from that to move people through a spectrum of emotions.
3: What techniques do you use to build trust and create a psychological connection with your clients?
The well-being of my clients is what I care about most. I consider myself a true caretaker, even in my cruelty. I first build trust with my client through a 30-minute intake call. In that conversation, we are not in a power dynamic, but I am assertive and my dominance is clear even in its subtlety. I create a safe place for them to share their most intimate thoughts, desires, and challenges. And I listen to them very closely. I show my care through my presence and curiosity. I see my clients for exactly who they are, and I accept them. To be a submissive is to be vulnerable, and I adore seeing someone in a state that no one else in their life will.
In session, I honor their answers to my Preference and Consent Form, and I expect them to honor my boundaries. I create moments for them to build trust with me. I tell them when those moments are happening. I’ll say things like: “This is a test” or “ I am going to give you this opportunity for you to build trust with me. Don’t disappoint me.” Sometimes, I will tease them about their boundaries. For example, if they have acted poorly but they select NO to “Feeling Punished” in my consent form then I may say something like, “I see what you did there, but I am not going to punish you, because you didn’t consent to that.” Or if they ask for something they didn’t originally consent to (aka up-negotiating), I will deny them and explain why. I will also use that as an opportunity to hint they might have the chance to explore that desire in a future session. That is if I allow them to session with me again.
4: How do you handle situations where a client might resist or challenge your authority during a session?
I am fortunate to not have this happen. I have strict steps someone must follow to see me, and if they can’t do that, I won’t session with them. I clearly explain my rules and boundaries during the intake call and again at the start of the scene. I share that they will have to follow them in order to see me in the future. In that moment, I’m challenging them to behave appropriately, and threatening my absence if they don’t. It works very well as the client typically wants to win my approval and the opportunity to be in my presence again.
My safety comes first, so if a client were to challenge my authority in session I would end the scene and escort them out. I’ve fired clients the day of our session due to their communication which revealed a lack of submissiveness and an inability to follow my direction. In these moments, they will often offer to pay me more to see me, and I take great satisfaction in turning down a man who believes they can use their money to change my mind.
5: In what ways do you tailor your mental domination techniques to suit different clients' needs and psychological profiles?
I shapeshift. Growing up I was a people pleaser, and I would adapt my personality to fit the person in an attempt to get them to like me. Now, I get to use this skill intentionally, to meet the energy of my client. My previous career in tech sales also taught me how to quickly evaluate and mirror someone. It’s fun to be a chameleon in this setting, as I get to express many different aspects of my Domme. I can stretch facets of my personality that I know will resonate deeply with the client. I enjoy tailoring my approach, as it keeps me engaged and interested. I am easily bored by sessions if they are repetitive and that’s not fun for me, or the client.
6: Can you share an example of a particularly challenging session and how you successfully navigated the mental dynamics involved?
My favorite scenes involve safely creating an opportunity for my client to release suppressed anger through emotional masochism and heavy-impact play. It was my third time with a client and I hadn’t seen them for months due to travel. I began the scene with a somatic practice of dropping them into a memory of frustration. They were seated, eyes closed. I scanned their body, noticing where they were fidgeting, and asked how it felt in their body to go to this place. When I asked what the moment was, they revealed their sister just died, and they were really angry at her for leaving. I was shocked to hear this. It felt like I had stepped on a landmine that I didn’t know existed. I knew that this anger was so present and tender, it was not the time to go after it. Sometimes, I feel that being a Domina is the most human job. So in that moment, I held my clients' hands, looked into their eyes, and told them I was sorry for their loss. I shifted us away from that topic. Later in the scene, I used the same somatic tactic to guide them back to a different memory of anger, and I said to make it a 5 on a scale of 1-10. In combination with mercilessly using an evil stick on their chest, and taking them to that challenging moment mentally, my client, who is typically emotionally stuck, was able to release the frustration and anger that he previously swallowed back. It was a stunning scene.
7: How do you ensure that the mental and emotional boundaries you set are respected during a session?
I simply don’t have time for those who push my boundaries. I have also positioned myself financially so that I can easily say no to someone who is exhibiting behavior pre-session that I don’t like. Similar to my answer above, I am evaluating the client’s ability to follow my direction and honor my boundaries from the moment they reach out to me. If they try to subvert steps or gain exceptions to my rules, I won’t see them for a session. I feel fortunate to not have my mental and emotional boundaries crossed in session. However I can tell you this, subs always want more from their Domina. And they will ask for it. Upholding my boundaries is an ongoing practice, reminding them of what I am—and am not—available for.
8: What role does aftercare play in your practice, and how do you address the psychological needs of clients post-session?
Aftercare is vital, especially after a cathartic scene. In my Preference and Consent Form, I ask: What type of Aftercare do you find supportive? This tells me a lot about how to meet them at that moment. I check in with my client the day after a scene via email, and if someone is in a monthly retainer, or 3-session package, I provide integration calls between sessions to discuss the scene and how they are feeling.
9: How do you differentiate between healthy psychological control and manipulative behavior, and how do you maintain ethical standards in your practice?
When my client leaves a session, my goal is for them to feel lighter, freer, and more connected to themselves. The psychological safety of my client is paramount. I hold myself to a very high standard in session. And, I never manipulate. I recognize the vulnerable place a client is in and I see how easily someone could take advantage of them. But, it’s just not me. I work within my limit of scope, meaning I only approach play that I have the competency and training for. My training has always been trauma-informed whether it was the 6-month FemDom school or the somatic practitioner training. Consent is crucial, but it’s more than that. It’s about evaluating where the client is at psychologically and as the practitioner I determine what will ultimately benefit them. I don’t want to re-traumatize someone. I don’t want to push them beyond their limits, even if that’s what they have asked for, if they can’t handle it. Or perhaps, they are ready to be pushed to their edge, and slightly further. I always make sure my client knows they have agency even in the role of submissive. Since I am so diligent about their safety, there’s trust, and that gives me the freedom to take my client into the depths of their subconscious.
10: What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in professional domination, particularly in terms of mastering the mental aspects of the role?
It’s all about studying, and then taking action. Absorb as much information as you can about the types of play that inspire you. Then expose yourself to that type of play whether it's at kink parties, through courses, or in film, and books. Find someone to practice with to help gain confidence in your Domina. Then go for it and learn on the way. Do not let clients use their money to influence the type of play you engage in. Prioritize the play you desire, that will lead to authentic scene play which will keep clients coming back.
Discover more about Mistress Seren:
https://www.instagram.com/its.mistress.seren
