My name is Steven O' Riordan (he/him).
I am a Counsellor and Psychotherapist providing adult therapy in Portlaoise and Online, by appointment. I am glad you are here and I hope I can support you along the way.
My approach is not "one size fits all"; rather, it is tailored to each individual's needs.
A cornerstone of counselling and psychotherapy sessions is to create a safe, kind and caring environment for our client-therapist relationship to grow and for trust to build between us over time.
My counselling and psychotherapy experience has allowed me to support people from all walks of life. I've worked with adults, teens, LGBTQ individuals and families needing support across a range of concerns. This diverse background helps me understand the many challenges people face in their lives and within society.
I believe that clients are the experts of their own lived experience, informed and shaped by the unique experiences they've had. In counselling and psychotherapy, we work together to understand the challenges you may be facing and support you towards your healing one step at a time.
Our therapy sessions are personalised to fit your individual needs and aspirations. Together, we foster an environment of openness, trust, and honesty to support you in overcoming challenges and enhancing your overall well-being.
Our online therapy sessions provide a safe and supportive environment to meet from the comfort of your own home, wherever you are.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an active, goal-driven approach that focuses on addressing current issues without needing to explore the past. It's a collaborative process designed to equip you with practical tools to manage challenges and reach your goals.
Mindfulness-based therapy focuses on cultivating present-moment awareness and acceptance, helping individuals manage strong emotions by observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. This therapeutic approach fosters emotional regulation and mental well-being.
We are so conditioned to let the mind lead, to think our way through everything, but the body holds a wisdom that runs deeper than thought. It encourages individuals to connect with their mind-body relationship, become more aware of physical sensations and emotions. This process helps release accumulated tension and process overwhelming experiences or trauma. Through gentle guidance, body therapy seeks to promote balance and enhance overall well-being.
In therapy, I support clients who identify as LGBTQ+ and beyond, recognising that everyone's experiences with gender, sexuality, and relationships are unique and valid. Exploring these aspects can be a crucial part of your therapeutic journey. You are welcome here, no matter your identity.
Attachment-based therapy focuses on how early relationships impact emotional and psychological development. Grounded in attachment theory, it highlights the need for a secure, trusting client-therapist relationship to address issues like relationship difficulties, emotional regulation, and self-esteem. Present attachment can improve early attachment patterns, and support healthier relationships and coping skills.
Trauma-focused therapy supports individuals in recovering from the psychological and emotional effects of difficult life experiences, which we call trauma.
It helps individuals process traumatic memories such as PTSD, regulating their emotions, and developing their unique coping skills.
Counselling for existential concerns explores questions about the nature, meaning, and purpose of existence to help individuals discover their own sense of meaning and lead more fulfilling lives. If you’ve been reflecting on your purpose, meaning, or value and wish to integrate these aspects more deeply into your life, this approach provides a safe and supportive environment to explore these important questions together.
While working in Community Development and studying French and Information Technology, I was still seeking a purposeful livelihood. This led me back to school to pursue a degree in Social Care.
Throughout my Social Care career, I developed a deep interest in integrated well-being – physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual. My experience has allowed me to support people from all walks of life. I've worked with adults, teens, LGBTQ individuals and families needing support across a range of personal matters.
In my counselling and psychotherapy work today, I am inspired by the incredibly courageous, vulnerable and resilient human beings that I have the privilege to meet. I am glad you are here and I hope I can support you along the way.
I know that taking the first step towards therapy can be difficult. That's why I offer a free 15-minute phone/video initial consultation to help you determine your needs, ask questions and if my practice is the right fit for you.
Contact Me today to schedule a call!
My professional education in Counselling and Psychotherapy includes a Masters of Science (MSc) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy validated and awarded by University College Cork (UCC), as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care, awarded by Munster Technological University, previously Cork Institute of Technology.
I have also completed Further Training in my areas of interest:
Professional Certificate in Couples Therapy, Professional Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Diploma in Personal and Business Coaching, Therapeutic Life Writing, Non-Violent Communication (NVC), Insight Dialogue, LGBTQ+ Training, Healthy Boundaries Facilitator Training, ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), Child Protection and Safeguarding.
Mindfulness Teachers Development Programme, Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness, Applied Specialisation in Mindfulness Meditation, Professional Certificate in the Therapeutic Use of Mindfulness, Teacher Training in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Programme.
I am a Certified Associate of the Irish Association of Humanistic and Integrative Psychotherapy (IAHIP) having completed a recognised Counselling and Psychotherapy training and I am working towards full accreditation as a member of IAHIP.
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Welcome to Therapy with Steven
From February, 2025, my schedule is currently full, and I do not anticipate having openings for new clients.
Get in touch to be added to my waiting-list.