Evelyn McMahon - Occupational Therapist at Shore Psychology

Evelyn McMahon

Occupational Therapist

I am a compassionate, patient and nurturing therapist, who takes a holistic approach recognising each person’s unique experiences, strengths and potential. Occupational Therapists facilitate individuals to access and participate in everyday life through interests and activities which are of value to them. At every age, activities support people to develop and maintain other aspects of their lives, including life skills, relationships, and wellbeing. For children and young people in particular, this promotes and supports their ongoing development.

I understand how different types of challenges can impact daily life and create feelings of uncertainty about the future. The idea of doing new or different things can also feel overwhelming. Including meeting with a new person to discuss this. My aim is to ensure the person feels adequately motivated, competent, and supported to take part in
life activities. This can include developing balanced and fulfilling routines, to enhance wellbeing and
promote good mental health.

Clinical Experience

As an Occupational Therapist I have worked within NHS mental health services across both outpatient clinic and inpatient settings. My experience includes five years in Children’s and Young People’s Mental Health Services, and I currently work in Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation Services. Through various roles I have collaborated with children, young people, and their caring adults, experiencing a wide range of challenges associated with mental health and neurodiversity.

Therapies I offer

OT is an evidence-based practice focused on enabling individuals to participate in everyday activities and situations, in support of their health and wellbeing. Occupational Therapists consider the unique person, their occupation(s) and environment(s). This includes understanding the impact that developmental and life experiences can have on their
functioning, for example: trauma, neurodivergence, significant transitions, unexpected changes or events, physical and/or mental health challenges.

Occupations refer to the activities and tasks that we ‘need to do’ or ‘want to do’. Particular occupations make up the main areas of everyday life, which often structure our time: self-care, productivity, and leisure. Each type of activity can have varying impacts on health and wellbeing, depending on how they are engaged with. Sessions aim to support each person to develop an appropriate combination of skills, strategies, and suitable environments, which support them to take part in occupations that are purposeful and meaningful to them. This can include:

  • Adapting environments and/or tasks to match the person’s current ability
  • Facilitating individuals to develop strategies and skills which support their functional independence

Conditions I work with

Occupational Therapy does not require a specific diagnosis. Some presentations and challenges that I have supported children and young people with include:

  • Executive Functioning challenges
  • Sensory processing and regulation challenges
  • Emotional regulation challenges
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

Qualifications and Training

  • MSc Occupational Therapy – Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh (2020)
  • Certificate in Autism Studies – University College Cork (2018)
  • B.A Psychology and Sociology – University of Limerick (2014)
  • Other
    • Decider Skills (2024) – evidence-based skills for life; to facilitate distress tolerance,
    • Interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and mindfulness.
    • Trauma skilled practice – Children and Young People (2024)
    • Talking Mats (2025)

Professional Membership and Registrations

  • Registered member of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registration Number OT082556
  • Professional member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)