Mr Shaun McMahon

A conversation with Shaun McMahon

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  I had a rough start to life, which ignited a burning desire to answer a simple question: why do people do what they do? As early as my teens I developed an interest in psychology and self-development, which steadily evolved into a dream to become a psychotherapist. While the Enneagram has gone a long way in providing answers to that initial question, I am still driven by a curiosity to learn about people and to offer them understanding, rather than answers or quick fixes.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  Stoicism has had a profound impact on both my personal life as well as my professional life. This ancient philosophy encourages us to evaluate what we do, and do not have control over in our lives. Often I find that so many of our grievances with life can be boiled down to wanting things to be a certain way, and yet no control over people, circumstances or events in order to make them that way. Stoicism reminds us of the amount of effort and energy that we often unconsciously invest into this striving, which distracts us from that which we do have control over: our attitudes towards what is unfolding around us.

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  I'm forever fascinated by the notion of people being able to transcend their past. It is so easy to spend life being consumed by the same hurts, grievances and troubles that have plagued us since we were young. And yet such compulsions so easily get in the way of us being able to find something greater in life, and to ultimately play our part in serving humanity. This closely ties in with my engagement with the Enneagram, which is a map that demonstrates how we can grow into something more and truly be of service in the world.

• What methods do you use?

  I am trained as an integrative psychotherapist. This is an orientation that focuses upon finding the right approach to fit you, rather than trying to fit you to the approach. Imagine going to a restaurant and being told what to order on the menu, because the chef only knows how to cook one meal, and that's all you're getting. Sounds a bit odd, doesn't it? Integrative therapy is about developing a solid understanding of the problems you're facing, along with why they have emerged at this particular time for you, and matching an approach to that unique set of challenges, while making sure you're in full agreement about the direction we're taking.

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  My mentor once shared with me that there is no point pulling at the grass in order to make it grow faster. In our modern world of instant messages and meals delivered to your door in 30 minutes or less, I can understand why people expect therapy to have an immediate impact. Sometimes, it does - I've have clients comment to me that they feel a shift even after our first session. However, I have a great deal of respect for the journey of therapy, and the commitment individuals demonstrate by sticking in it for the long haul and "doing the work". While it's not a convenient truth when you're going through a hard time, I try to keep in mind that good things often take time.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  My own therapy has resulted in a simple, yet important fact to acknowledge; that I'm human. It's so easy in today's world to expect perfection, both of ourselves and others. We seldom allow ourselves to have bad days, to be upset, to not want to do that one thing we know we should do. Self-compassion is a difficult, yet rewarding quality to foster, and I believe it's something I'll never stop working on. My engagement with the Enneagram has also been very therapeutic, and has given me the tools I need to be able to respond to the challenges I face in life, rather than reacting from an unconscious, and often unhealthy place.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  Being a therapist grants me the profound privilege of bearing witness to people's stories. Despite how easy it is to compare ourselves to others and find ourselves lacking, I've learned as a therapist that there is nobody in this world who has not been brushed by misery and misfortune at some point in their life. I find each and every story to be humbling, and a reminder to find gratitude in the most unlikely of places.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  Funnily enough, I'm more likely to have bad beard days!

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  I think it's tempting to become fixated on the problems of our world today, but I believe the most significant problem is how often we forget to acknowledge how far humanity has come. We are, in Australia, incredibly blessed to live in a free society where we are able to pursue our goals and engage in civil conversations with each other, without the risk of imprisonment, or worse. A brief glance at history will reveal unspeakable suffering at nearly every step along the way, and the fact that we're somehow able to get along and not revert to barbarism is a sheer miracle. Even the wealthiest of Kings and Emperors 300 years ago would eagerly trade places with the average person today, if only to be able to enjoy the conveniences of modern plumbing!

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  The profound story of Yeonmi Park will forever be an inspiration for me. Her sheer willingness to not only endure the horrific circumstances of life in North Korea, but to also thrive and find meaning in life is a remarkable testament to the human spirit.