Mr Mark McMahon
Psychologist, Counsellor
Incorporate Psychology / Mark McMahon Psychology
Red Hill, QLD 4059
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
I am a passionate psychologist with extensive experience in clinical, counselling, and performance settings. I have travelled and worked extensively, and have developed a broad understanding of a diverse range of people and cultures. I offer offer a person-centred approach to therapy, building a strong therapeutic alliance, and utilising evidence based treatments to enable positive change in client's lives, so that they may enjoy improved mental health and greater wellbeing.
Background
Mark has worked in Private Practice, for Headspace (the National Foundation for Youth and Adolescent Mental health), is currently a preferred provider of Mental Health Services to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), and has delivered courses in Counselling and Mental Health to Masters students at the University of Queensland. Mark was also an embedded psychologist with the Australian team at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Services
As a Psychologist, Mark brings a wealth of experience working with adults and adolescents supporting an extensive range of mental health and general life issues including: anxiety, depression, adjustment, attachment issues, mood disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, self-harm, trauma, anger, bullying, decision making, relationship issues, LGBT+ issues, gender and sexuality, identity issues, low self-worth, alcohol and substance use, shame and guilt, grief and loss. Mark also works with performance issues such as: confidence, dealing with negative self-talk, assertiveness, creating enriched environments, attention, focus and concentration, goal-setting, Anxiety and arousal, effective communication.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) - 2014
- Master of Applied Psychology - 2017 - University of Queensland
Modalities
ACT - CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - DBT - Existential - Interpersonal - Mindfulness - Motivational Interviewing - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Psychodynamic - Schema Therapy - Solution Oriented - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
While Mark's primary approach to therapy is person-centred and holistic, he also utilises a number of other therapeutic approaches to help clients improve their mental health and wellbeing. Mark works collaboratively with his clients, assisting them in finding a way forward, so that they may enjoy improved wellbeing, mood, and functioning. Mark offers an eclectic approach to therapy drawing on modalities that include CBT, ACT, mindfulness based approaches, MI, CFT, IPT, DBT, problem-solving, narrative, schema, trauma-focused, existential, and psychodynamic therapy.
Professional Associations
- Australian Psychological Society
Practice Locations
Perfect Wellness Centre
148 Arthur Terrace
Red Hill QLD 4059
Contact Mark
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Mark McMahon
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I have been a listener and observer all of my life, and find that fits well with the values of trust, empathy and compassion needed when in the privileged position of working with clients. I am passionate believer that people deserve to enjoy optimum mental health and wellbeing.
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As a practitioner I believe I take a Rogerian approach to therapy offering unconditional positive regard - validation - for a client's lived experience. I have an eclectic approach to my practice drawing on a number of philosophical approaches and life experience.
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I think it's important to take a biopsychosocial approach to clients' lives when looking at overall health and wellbeing. Wellbeing and mental health is optimised when physical health (genetic factors, diet, exercise, sleep), psychological aspects (thoughts, feelings, behaviours) and social factors (social supports, networks, relationships) are approached in a holistic way.
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A solid therapeutic alliance and good rapport is essential to providing effective outcomes for clients (research suggests up to 70% of improved wellbeing in clients is due to the therapeutic alliance with the practitioner). Bringing a non-judgemental approach, while providing "containment', and a safe "holding space', while building trust is a good starting place for therapy. I draw on an eclectic approach by exploring which modalities may work best for the client after formulating a suitable treatment plan.
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As above - one of the most important components of therapy is the client/ practitioner relationship. Often, when clients present for therapy, it would be the first time they have had the opportunity to explore any issues that they are currently experiencing. Just by having someone to talk to, in a safe non-judgmental environment, can reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety significantly. Most clients I have worked with have reflected that improvement in life outcomes begins with the initial engagement - if the practitioner is the right "fit' for the client. If a client feels that a practitioner is not the right "fit' for them - then it is important to talk about this in session, and the psychologist would encourage the opportunity for referral.
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It is a complete privilege to sit opposite a client (as an equal in the room), and for them to share the details of their life. The therapeutic space may allow clients to be vulnerable, and for the first time, they have felt safe enough to explore difficult issues such as trauma or addiction. This space allows a therapist to really listen, and to validate that client's lived experience, and offer a supportive, collaborative and non-judgemental way forward. I do believe that as a therapeutic process, the dynamic created can also be a healing one for the practitioner, and I certainly have developed a deep sense of gratitude for the work that I am able to do, and the people I meet.
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Often clients can present hoping that therapy might give them a better understanding of their own lives. They may feel "stuck', or not know how they have got to this point in their journey. Exploring past experiences and patterns can often allow a client to "join the dots', and there is that wonderful moment when they gain insight into what has been elusive. Sometimes this is the start of introducing a way forward to improved wellbeing and greater life satisfaction.
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As a therapist you have to be very aware of "what's going on' for you in the therapy room. If you feel triggered or have a reaction to something a client has said or done - it is really important to examine your own processes, and if necessary explain to the client how you are feeling, if you believe that will be of benefit to the client.
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I think one of the most significant problems is disconnection with each other due to the use of technologies, that can be quite addictive. As with everything else though, technology can be used for both positive and negative outcomes - it is a wonderful way to maintain connection through a pandemic such as the recent and ongoing COVID-19. Another issue we face is the backlash to more individual freedoms, and there has been an increase in racism, homophobia and transphobia in recent times; so advocacy for social change is important.
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I'm going to pick the art of the French impressionist Claude Monet - his "plein air' paintings manage to capture so much light, and I believe that sometimes that is what we are doing in the therapy room - allowing the light to come in!