One to one
The full Slánú Model, held just for you. Ten 90 minute online sessions, weekly or fortnightly, with a Starter Pack of workbook and guide before we begin. Ten sessions to do the work properly; many continue beyond.
Inner child healing work · Donegal & online
Come home to the child within.
A structured inner child healing journey, the Slánú Model, to meet what shaped you, release what was never yours to carry, and come home to who you are becoming. Gentle and grounded, the way the tide returns to shore.
or try the Intuitive Reveal first
Donegal · the Wild Atlantic
As featured onReady To Be Real by Síle Seoige
IAHIP Accredited
MA Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy & Play Therapy
Why water
The inner child knows water first. We begin our lives held in it, weightless and safe, long before the world asks anything of us. Inner child healing is a return to that held feeling. A slow, safe softening, so the parts of you that learned to brace can finally rest.
This work is not only for a named trauma. It is for anyone willing to look gently at the patterns running underneath their adult life, and to do the patient work of changing their relationship with them.
Who this is for
What this work helps with.
Inner child work gently eases the patterns sitting underneath so much of what we carry. People come to this work around:
Relationships Anxiety & fears Feeling stuck Self-sabotage Confidence & self-worth Shame Body image Low mood Sleep
If something here feels familiar, a free Clarity Call is a gentle place to begin.
The Slánú Model
Five stages. One for every letter of Slánú.
Inner child work is deep work, not a quick fix. The Slánú Model is a bounded journey of at least ten sessions, long enough to do real work, clear enough that you always know what you are committing to. Every journey begins with a free 15 minute Clarity Call.
S
Scéal Story
Bring gentle awareness to the past experiences, family system, and generational patterns shaping how you live today.
L
Luath Óige Childhood
Begin to let go of what is outdated. The beliefs, reflexes, and inherited weight that were never yours to carry.
Á
Áthruithe Changes
Change your relationship with the inner child. Reshape the patterns, in the body as well as the mind.
N
Neart Strength
Step into the authentic person you are. Grounded, integrated, no longer running an old script you did not write.
Ú
Údar Author
Become the author of your own story. Living true to yourself, with every inner part heard, and working together.
New · The Intuitive Reveal
A voice note, just for you.
Before you commit to anything, let me meet you where you are. Tell me a little of what is stirring, and I will sit with it, then send you a personal voice note, sensing intuitively what your inner child may be reaching for.
No forms to overthink, no pressure. Just my voice, and one gentle step back toward yourself.
€25one personal voice note, yours to keep
Request your Reveal on WhatsApp
A voice note from Deirdre · about 5 minutes
- Tell me what is stirringA short, private note. A few honest sentences on what is sitting with you.
- I listen, and I senseI sit with your words and feel for what your inner child may be reaching for.
- Your voice note arrivesA personal reflection in my own voice, with one gentle next step, within a few days.
Ways to work together
Three ways to do the work.
Every path begins with a free 15 minute Clarity Call, so we can feel whether this is the right container for you.
Online group circles
Small online groups walking the Slánú Model together. The same work, in a shared container, held and witnessed by others on the same journey. A gentle way to do deep work without doing it alone.
In person by the sea
Intimate in person circles in Kilcar, by the sea, meeting the many faces of the inner child: the shadow child, the wounded child, the playful child, the divine child. The embodied work the screen cannot give you, close to the water.
Workshops & gatherings
Upcoming events.
Circles, workshops, and gatherings appear here as they are announced. Each one is held in small numbers, so places are limited.
Inner child circle by the sea
An intimate in person circle in Kilcar, meeting the shadow child, the wounded child, the playful child, and the divine child, close to the water.
Online group circle
A small online group walking the Slánú Model together. The same deep work, in a shared container, held and witnessed by others on the journey.
New offerings as they come
Workshops and gatherings are added through the year. Message Deirdre on WhatsApp and she will let you know, personally, when the next one is announced.
About Deirdre
Inner child healing, held with a calm and steady presence.
I came to this work through my own long journey through inner child healing, adoption, and the quiet unravelling of generational patterns I had carried without knowing. The Slánú Model is the work that helped me, shaped into a gentle process I now hold for others.
Why Slánú?Slánú is the Irish word for healing, for making whole again. The name marks my own move from working with children in play therapy to inner child work with adults. A coming home, to the parts of us we leave behind.
I work from Donegal, online with people across Ireland, the UK, and further afield, and in person in small circles by the sea. I bring a loving, nature led presence to the work, and a steady hand to hold while you find your own.
Scope of practiceDeirdre Hegarty is IAHIP Accredited, offering inner child healing work. This is supportive, developmental work and is not a substitute for crisis or acute mental health care. If you are in crisis, please contact your GP or local emergency services.
Begin gently
What stage of inner child healing are you at?
A short, kind quiz to help you understand where you are on the journey, mapped to the five stages of the Slánú Model. You will also receive the free Slánú Starter Guide, a ten page introduction you can read in fifteen minutes.
From the journal
Writing from the practice.
Gentle, honest pieces on inner child healing, shame, and breaking the patterns we inherit. New writing here as the work unfolds.
Signs Your Inner Child Needs Healing
We will forever hold parts of our Inner Child with us for as long as we continue to live. Some parts so helpful and healing, ones…
Client reflections
Held for the words of those I work with.
Reflections will appear here only once a client has freely chosen to share them. Until then, the space is held for them.
“Slánú is a gorgeous programme where you can look at the origins of old beliefs and old wounds through the lens of your inner child. It is a gentle piece of healing work, guided by Deirdre who is so warm, calm and wholesome throughout the entire process. You don't have to go to places you don't want to, as you set the pace, which is respected by Deirdre. Your autonomy throughout is paramount. I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with my inner child and discovering things that needed released. I would highly recommend this to anyone on a healing journey and particularly to those who are new to inner work and healing in general. I knew Deirdre as a wonderful Child Psychotherapist first and this work comes very naturally to her. Billy”
Billy“Attending the “Reclaiming Her - Connection” workshop felt like a little miniature retreat. From the moment you step into the room it feels like you have been wrapped up in a warm embrace. Deirdre gently guides you on a journey down memory lane. Throughout the day you meet versions of yourself that have somewhere along the way got a little lost. Guided meditations allow for some beautiful moments of reflection and reconnection. The space feels safe and comforting and at all times sharing your thoughts and insights is optional. Thank you Deirdre for such a lovely experience.”
Lianne, Donegal“I really enjoyed the 'Reclaiming Her Connection' workshop. I was unsure about what to expect on the day. I found myself able to relax within the group quickly. I found Deirdre facilitated the day and held the space with great skill and empathy ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience.”
Kama, DonegalWhile this space waits: Deirdre is 100% recommended on Facebook.
Begin with a Clarity Call
Fifteen minutes. Free. No commitment.
The Clarity Call is where we gently establish what you are bringing, what you hope to release, and whether the Slánú Model is the right container for you. I work from Donegal, online with people across Ireland, the UK, and beyond.