Meet Danielle
Founder of Nurturing Hearts Play Therapy based in Wicklow Town.
Danielle is a dedicated Play and Creative Arts Therapist, and the heart behind Nurturing Hearts Play Therapy in Wicklow Town. As a mum of two and a highly trained professional, she brings both personal insight and nearly 20 years of experience working with children and families to her practice.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Early Childhood Education and Care, Danielle continued her studies at the Academy of Play and Child Psychotherapy, earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Play Therapy accredited by NUI Galway and Play Therapy International. This qualification allows her to support clients across a wide range of emotional and developmental needs.
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Danielle has extensive experience of working with children and families affected by trauma, particularly those impacted by addiction, domestic violence, separation, loss, developmental and complex trauma. Her background includes working in Tusla funded therapeutic settings and in family support projects with one of Ireland's leading children's charity. This experience has equipped her to create tailored, supportive environments that honour each child's unique needs and strengths.
Danielle also has experience working with neurodivergent children and their families. She has a deep understanding of the intricacies of neurodiversity, allowing her to foster a compassionate space where children can thrive emotionally and socially. She empowers them to navigate their world with confidence, helping them develop the skills they need in navigating their world.
With a deep interest in attachment, neuroscience, sensory somatic psychotherapy, and developmental trauma, Danielle is committed to ongoing learning. She has completed TraumaPlay training with Paris Goodyear-Brown, trained as a Level 1 Breath Body Mind facilitator with Breath Body Mind Institute™ , offering breathwork workshops for both children and adults. Additionally, she also has also trained as a Creative Mindfulness practitioner for children. Danielle blends these therapeutic approaches into her play therapy sessions.
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Danielle specialises in supporting children and families impacted by developmental trauma and sensory differences. Her work is informed by training in Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI), an integrative approach that supports regulation through sensory-based and attachment-focused experiences. This intervention is designed to help both children and adults strengthen their capacity for emotional regulation.
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She is currently further expanding her professional development through training in AutPlay® Therapy, a neurodiversity-affirming play therapy approach that enhances her ability to support neurodivergent children and their families in a respectful and strengths-based way.
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In addition to offering one-to-one play therapy for children, she provides guidance and support to parents, social workers, and educators around emotional regulation and the importance of secure attachment. Her aim is to equip caregivers with practical, compassionate strategies that deepen connection and nurture meaningful, trusting relationships with the children in their care.
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Alongside her private practice, Danielle works within two local schools, providing both one-to-one and group play therapy sessions. She also collaborates with Greystones Family Resource Centre, where she offers individual play therapy services.
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She currently accepts referrals from parents, GPs, teachers, social workers, GALs, and community agencies.
Danielle is a member of Play Therapy Ireland, and holds up to date Garda vetting as part of this membership. She is fully insured through the Psychologists Protection Society, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and safety in her clinical practice.
