Social-worker and cognitive behavioural therapist Sean Quinn presents a stand-up routine which takes you on a journey between the therapy room, his own head, and the Emerald Isle. Sean is an amusing and laid-back presenter, who seamlessly interacts with the audience to put them at ease (putting those professional skills to good use!) before sharing a series of anecdotes from his Irish upbringing, professional experience, and good old CBT basics. 

Sean begins by sharing his experiences and observations of working as part of the mental health system as a clinician from abroad. His dry Irish wit is supported by a trusty powerpoint, complete with philosophical quotes, dolphins, and thought-challenging exercises (shockingly, no worksheets for the clients… I mean audience!). Perhaps the highlight was Sean’s weaving of tales from his own upbringing near Belfast into CBT-related concepts for the mentally health inclined. Often, he presents the teachings from mental health theory as oppositional to aspects of Irish culture; ‘You’ll be grand’ used as a gently dismissive reassurance that it’ll all work out okay. 

Sean provided plenty of jokes with a sound balance of broadly appealing laughs and memorable moments for the numerous mental health professionals in the audience for this performance. However, smoothing some of the transitions between segments could help the show to flow more naturally. 

Throughout Sean is a generous and inclusive performer, consistently bringing the audience along for the journey, and frequently self-deprecating. His set clearly connected with the crowd, drawing frequent laughs which kept the audience laughing from start to finish.