10 Questions with Kate McMaugh

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

• I originally chose to study psychology as an 18 year old who was interested in "brains and behaviour" but I did not come from an academic family at all (I am the first person in my family to finish school) So I really had little idea what a psychologist did and I don't think I had ever met one! However it turned out that my choice, all those years ago, was a lucky one, as I love what I do.
  
  As I got older and more aware of my profession it was the mind-body connection and the huge potential of the human being to heal that really hooked me into counselling. Psychology is such a broad profession and we can work in lots of areas but by half way through my training I knew that it was trauma counselling in particular that fascinated me and I have spent much of my life in that field. Unfortunately, I am no longer able to take on counselling clients but I consider it a privilege to support other counsellors through supervision and case consultation.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional/personal development?

• I am influenced by psychodynamic and sensori-motor theories in particular. Mindfulness is also an approach that I have grown to love (although I assure you it was not a natural approach for me originally!) I am also fascinated by the field of trauma and dissociation and there are several approaches that have very much influenced me such as 'Structural Theory of Dissociation'. I like the way some of the newer models of trauma and dissociation therapy propose that trauma symptoms were actually adaptive survival responses at the time of trauma, and also recognise the strengths of trauma survivors. It is a less 'pathologising' approach that I find refreshing.

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

• Pretty much everything !! My main interest is obviously complex trauma and dissociation. This is my passion and what I have devoted my career to.
  
  But I am also interested in health in general. Call me a nerd, if you will, but I can read just about any research article on a health topic, even if I don't work in that area! Before I became a registered psych I worked in health policy, health promotion and health education. I feel this gave me a 'big picture' view of human life that psychology could not. I became interested in how people live within the systems of our society. I am passionate about supporting people to have the best life they can. As such I love working with health and fitness and lifestyle change as well. For me, it is not 'all about trauma'.

• What method/s do you use?

• Trauma processing therapy, psychodynamic therapy, ego state therapies, sensorimotor therapy, mindfulness, art therapy, CBT, ACT, EMDR and others as my clients need.
  
  In regard assessments I use evidence based, well research and normed assessments. These will vary depending on the condition being assessed.

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

• This varies from client to client and depends on the severity of their situation. However I think clients should know within a few sessions if this is moving in the right direction for them.

• How has therapy made you a better person?

• I think I am calmer and more grounded as a result of trying to 'practice what I preach'!
  
  Being a therapist has helped me remain connected to wider society and helps me remain empathic and connected to the issues of many, varied people in our society. It really is a privileged position to do what we do.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

• Meeting a wide variety of people and supporting people as they make changes and process the issues that are bothering them. I like the way it gives me the chance to really be with people in a deep and personal way. Therapy feels very 'real' to me and that connection is rejuvenating and rewarding.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

• Absolutely. I usually straighten my hair but when it is rainy the messy curls escape. This can shock the clients who think I genuinely have straight, smooth hair.

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

• Environmental destruction. And love of money. I mean, we all appreciate money, dont get me wrong. But when we put money ahead of goodness, kindness and looking after our world, including the environment, then we have REALLY stuffed up.

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

• It is almost too many to mention. I love reading and music! But if I can share with you the words of Kathy Steele - this is poetic, I think, and it inspires me as I sit with the most wounded people, who share their trauma with me.
  
  Sitting With The Shattered Soul -Steele, K. (1987)
  
  So how do you sit with a shattered soul?
  Gently, with gracious and deep respect.
  Patiently, for time stands still for the shattered, and the momentum of healing will be
  slow at first.
  With the tender strength that comes from an openness to your own deepest wounding, and to your own deepest healing.
  Firmly, never wavering in the utmost conviction that evil is powerful, but there is a good that is more powerful still.