BrianJames McMahon, LMFT

Therapy for pastors, therapists, and organizational leaders

 

Welcome, I’m BrianJames!

I am the founder and owner of BrianJames Therapy.

Just to get it out of the way, BrianJames is my first name. Well, technically, Brian is my first name and James is my middle name. But I go by BrianJames. Why?

It’s a long story, but the short version is that much of my own voyage in life has been the pursuit of wholeness, of living as full as vibrant of a life as I can. Early in adulthood it felt significant to me that a full life deserved the use of my full name. So that is what I began to do. And as much as it confuses people, it has become symbolic to me of my commitment to engaging the whole person, the whole story, and the whole of life - beauty and pain, hope and longing, celebration and lament.

Much of the compelling drive within me to create space for each of our unique stories to be seen, made meaning of, and valued stems from years living in contexts far different than the culture into which I was born. Contexts that created moments and experiences that were unexpected and unusual. Contexts that introduced me to places and relationships far outside myself. Many to which I could never belong. Some of those moments, relationships, places, and experiences were beautiful. Some were tragic and painful. Many sat somewhere in between.

After years of experiencing moments, people, and places as I moved from New York to China to Thailand to Seattle to Los Angeles and finally to Kansas City, I have come to the conclusion that no matter how disoriented, lost or pained one might be, at the center is life and beauty waiting to be rediscovered and reclaimed.

There are just two requirements for the voyage of rediscovery and reclamation: bravery, and companionship. Very few us of (if any) survive this voyage alone. And it requires bravery from us all.

At the end of the day, that is why BrianJames Therapy exits: to be a team of therapist companioning one another as we bravely engage our own processes of rediscovery and reclamation. And to be a team of therapists who is able to create spaces to share with you and to companion you on your brave adventure of growing into who you’re becoming.

Let me tell you a little about the work that I do.

Areas of Clinical Interest + Training

The focus of my work is with pastors, therapists, and organizational leaders to

  • find healing from pain

  • overcome barriers to connection

  • unlock potential, and grow

  • into who they are becoming.

The word that has come to be the most significant to me is one that you will hear frequently in my work and in the work of my team: brave.

Why?

Because there are many things that are outside of our control. But not the choice to be brave. It isn’t always easy. Or preferred. Or fair. But it is always a choice that is available.

And this is what I have found to be true time and time again: when my bravery is met by your bravery, and our bravery is recognized and acknowledged, trust grows and we become safer together.

This matters because trust and safety lay at the base of empowerment and agency in our lives. If we can engage with bravery, and cultivate relationships with others who will be brave with us, we will lay a strong foundation from which we can grow into flourishing.

No matter how disoriented, lost or pained one might be, at the center is life and beauty waiting to be rediscovered and reclaimed.

We must be brave.
And no one should have to be brave alone.

Education + Training

  • BA Holistic Education from Seattle Pacific University

  • MS Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary

  • Level 2 Restoration Therapist (www.restorationtherapytraining.com)

I provide both short term counseling and long term psychotherapy. I have received additional training in working with couples and am a certified Level 2 Restoration Therapist. Restoration Therapy focuses on emotional regulation and establishing connection in relationship.

Additionally, I also have training in long-term psychotherapy working with unconscious experiences from a perspective called Intersubjective Psychotherapy. Intersubjectivity emphasizes using the therapeutic relationship to repair conscious and unconscious wounding that has occurred through relationships.

Logistical Information

Availability

  • Limited openings for pastors, therapists, and organizational leaders

  • In-person and Telehealth available

  • Serving CA, MO, VA, and FL

Cost: $175/session (50 minutes)

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Missouri (#2019016325), California (#112178), Virginia (0717001878), and Florida (Telehealth registration only).