Neuro-Affirming Play Therapy
As a neurodivergent person myself, and a graduate of the Postgraduate Certificate in Neurodiversity at UCD, Neurodiversity-Affirming Play Therapy shapes every aspect of my work at Heartlight. Neurodiversity-affirming means the child’s way of being in the world is never treated as a disorder — it is recognised, respected, and celebrated. At Heartlight Play Therapy, we create a space where children feel fully accepted and empowered to be their authentic selves, honouring their individual experiences and supporting them in navigating challenges with compassion and understanding.
We understand that this way of thinking about neurodivergence can feel very different to what parents have been told. Many families arrive carrying shame, fear, or uncertainty around their child’s diagnosis. Moving from seeing a “label” — with all the stigma that carries — to seeing identity, to seeing who their child actually is, is a profound shift. Parents doing this work are doing something that has never been done before — and that takes extraordinary courage. The unknown can feel frightening. We recognise that, and we work with you at your own pace, without pressure.
Neuro – Affirming Parent Coaching
At Heartlight we offer neuro- affirming parent coaching as part of your child’s play therapy journey and additional parent consultation sessions. Part of this journey for parents is learning your child’s communication style and understanding how it may differ from your own — and recognising that difference for what it is: a difference, not a deficit. At Heartlight we give parents the most up to date neuro- affirming information and research data. We also explore how the nervous system works, because understanding your child’s nervous system is one of the most powerful tools a parent can have.
We recognise that you are the ultimate expert on your child. We support parents to become empowered. This is your journey. This is your child. We are honoured to walk beside you ✨✨✨