Ashley Barrow - Therapeutic Space With Ash
I’m proud to say that I am the Play Therapist at Burscough Village Primary School. I started working at school in 2023 when my role was predominantly one-to-one play therapy sessions for children. I have over 15 years of working therapeutically not only with children but with everyone in their lives; parents, carers, teaching staff and siblings. By doing this, we bridge the gap between the playroom and the real world. The child is always at the centre and the focus of the work, but the parent/ carer is the expert; they know the child better than anyone! But by getting together, we can combine these clinical insights with lived experience from home and create a truly tailed source of support for your child. We recognise here at Burscough Village Primary School that when a child is struggling, whatever that might look like, the whole family feels it. By supporting the family ensures that everyone has the tools they need to thrive!
I strongly believe in the importance of trying to find moments of peace and joy in this modern and busy world. As parents, we are juggling work, life, family and countless other responsibilities so it's important we find moments for rest, gratitude and personal well-being wherever we can!
WHAT DOES PLAY THERAPY LOOK LIKE?
Well, I still offer 1-1 play therapy sessions. I feel that children need a safe ‘Therapeutic Space’ to be able to feel accepted, heard and understood. With this as their base, it allows them opportunity to explore their experiences through art, crafts, sand, clay, play doh, puppets, drama and music!
I also provide 1-1 therapeutic sessions for parents. As I mentioned, when a child is struggling, it can impact on the whole family. And in the busy, stressful and chaotic world that we live in today – when do we get the space and time to reflect on our feelings around our own situation or our child? This also provides parents and carers with that safe, therapeutic space too.
It has been a true privilege to run the Power of Connection Workshop. This looked at ways that we can connect with our children; through play, neuroscience, understanding emotions, behaviours and our nervous systems. It has given parents a deeper understanding of how our children experience the world, ways to be curious about their behaviour and clear ways to manage complex situations moving forward.
In addition, the whole team around the child includes the teaching staff too! And as such, I provide reflective supervision for teachers and teaching assistants. Reflective supervision provides a safe space for staff to explore their emotional responses and understanding to children’s needs. By "stepping into the child's shoes," they uncover the meaning behind behaviours, gaining deeper empathy for the child's unique family dynamics and lived experiences.
Once a week, I offer a Lunchtime Safe Space. This is not a therapeutic session but for children who may be struggling with friendships, or who just need some space to have a quiet, calm moment before they start their lessons again for the afternoon!!
Finally, when required, I can offer group play therapy sessions which is for up to four children at a time who all share a similar ‘worry’. Such as worry about transitions, schoolwork, friendships or low self-esteem.
I am enable all ages to get involved in this support, I also attend the Stay and Play Sessions once a term where I provide information about the importance of play, different types of play with your child and how to connect with your child through play!
WHAT IF I FEEL MYSELF OR MY CHILD WOULD BENEFIT FROM PLAY THERAPIST SUPPORT?
If you feel that you or your child would benefit from this support, please email or contact the school office on 01704 895403.
All referrals require parental consent and agreement from school.
