Chris McMahon

Chris began his counselling journey in 2009, following many years in business management and then essential skills tuition when he achieved a High Diploma in Counselling through NRC and the UU, as an integrative counsellor, focusing on a person-centred approach. He later completed a Diploma in CBT and is currently finishing off a PG Diploma in Substance Use Disorders and Co-Morbid Mental Health Disorders with Queens University.

Chris worked in Cuan Mhuire, a residential centre for people with drugs and alcohol problems, for three years, delivering one to one and group therapy to people in recovery. Later Chris worked in Trinity Counselling, Belfast as a Protect Life Counsellor and was assigned to PIPS, Suicide Awareness, and the Probation Board for NI (PBNI) to provide counselling to at risk men and women who had suffered major troubles related, transgenerational and other childhood traumas in their lives.

Chris went onto Contact NI, Lifeline, working on the helpline and in the community with high to medium risk clients and their families. He returned to management, as an area manager for Northern and Western Trust areas supporting community staff and locum counsellors.

Chris then joined Ascert as a Service Manager and today is responsible for developing and delivering adult addiction and mental health services across NI with a team of staff and sessional counsellors. Chris also delivers training programmes within Ascert and the community via workforce development programmes, some of which he helped write and develop.

Chris is also a qualified Clinical Supervisor and supports new and very experienced counselling practitioners working in counselling organisations and private practice. He maintains a private counselling practice and sees clients with a range of presenting issues including poor mental health, alcohol and drug problems, trauma, self-esteem, bereavement and relationship problems. He is an active member of men’s groups and facilitates online and face-to-face connections for men.

Chris is an Accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. To view Chris's profile click here.