Psychotherapeutic Occupational Therapy: Supporting your child to thrive as their authentic self
About Stephen
Stephen (he/him) is a Specialist Psychotherapeutic Occupational Therapist and EMDR Therapist practicing clinically with children and adolescents. He specialises in a psychotherapy remit, underpinned by his core training and registration in Occupational Therapy. Stephen has extensive experience in mental health practice in the UK and Ireland, in the public and private sectors.
Stephen is a Coru-registered therapist who works holistically and in a client-centred manner. He is passionate about delivering trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming clinical services, sensitive to each child’s unique needs and goals. Stephen provides an inclusive therapy service for clients and families from the LGBTQIA+ community. Stephen offers a space where children and adolescents can remember their unique value and worth, and build lives in alignment with their authentic selves.
Stephen practices in a variety of psychotherapy modalities, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), underpinned by his core training in Occupational Therapy. Stephen is a CORU-registered therapist who is committed to ongoing research and professional development in his field. Stephen engages in regular clinical supervision to ensure the highest clinical standards are maintained. Stephen is committed to ensuring that child protection and welfare is prioritised for children attending the service; see Stephen’s Child Safeguarding Statement here: Child Safeguarding Statement – Stephen Long
Areas supported in therapy:
- Emotional regulation
- Anxiety and mental health difficulties
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Puberty and adolescent development
- Identity exploration
- Sensory differences
- Executive function
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Body image concerns
- Insecure attachment / separation anxiety
- Psychological trauma & childhood sexual abuse
- Understanding neurodivergent identity (diagnosed / self-identifying)
- Co-regulation support for caregivers
- School accommodations / reasonable adjustments
The Healer never Heals
Stephen believes that in providing a therapeutic space that offers deep empathy and unconditional positive regard, children can remember their own inherent worth and become empowered to experience healing, growth, and self-actualisation. In this way, the therapist isn’t ‘doing’ the healing; rather, they are providing connection, safety, and a secure base to make healing and growth possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a Psychotherapeutic OT?
It can be confusing to know what mental health professional to choose for your child – Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Play Therapists or Occupational Therapists. There are so many options and often lots of recommendations that can feel confusing.
As a Psychotherapeutic Occupational Therapist, Stephen blends psychotherapy practice with functional life skills, helping children with emotional processing and also building routines, roles, skills and habits in alignment with their values.
What is EMDR therapy?
Do I need a referral to book an appointment?
You can self-refer to this service by contacting Stephen directly by email or completing an enquiry through the Contact section. Stephen also accepts referrals from healthcare providers such as your GP.
Can I talk to you about my child's needs to make sure you are a good fit for them?
Stephen offers a 15-minute introductory call at no cost to explain his role and assist caregivers in deciding if the services available match their needs.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies for each person. Some clients benefit from short-term work, while others may choose ongoing support. Stephen will discuss your goals in the Initial Intake Assessment and create a plan that works best for you.
Are sessions confidential?
Conditional confidentiality applies to all sessions. The child’s therapy session is a safe space for them to explore personal challenges and the content of sessions is not disclosed to caregivers, unless agreed with the child for the purpose of feedback. However, in some instances, confidentiality cannot be maintained, such as when child protection concerns are disclosed in session. As a mandated person, Stephen is required to report child protection and welfare concerns to Tusla, the Child & Family Agency.
How is consent obtained for therapy services?
How can I prepare my child for the appointment?
It can be helpful to show your child pictures of Stephen and the space that he works in, which are available on the website. Your child is encouraged to bring toys, teddies or fidgets that help them to self-regulate and feel safe. It is important to provide advance notice of the appointment to your child, and to explain the reason why they are coming to therapy.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Get in Touch Now
Whether you’re looking for support for your child to process a traumatic experience, understand their emotions, or build self-esteem, I am here to help. You don’t have to go through this alone.