Therapeutic Space with Ash

Therapeutic Space with Ash By providing a child with a 'therapeutic space', we are able to unlock their full potential! I started my journey working in a college in Paris, France.

Welcome to Therapeutic Space!
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I have been working therapeutically with children for over 14 years. I was there to support students with their English skills but was quickly given the role of supporting them with their emotional well-being, relationships and social issues.
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I returned to the UK where I gained a Masters in Social Work. From the outset, my priority has always been working with children therapeutically to support them through some of the most complex and challenging times in their lives. A specialist focus of mine has been working with children whose first language is not English; utilising my French skills whenever possible. This has led to me undertaking research and gaining a significant amount of experience of working with children and families within the asylum seeking and refugee communities.
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I have worked alongside Children’s Psychologists and psychotherapists to provide children and families with the bespoke psychoeducation and therapeutic support they require. In order to deepen my therapeutic knowledge, in 2021, I began my journey into the world of Play Therapy with PTUK and APAC via Leeds Beckett and Chichester Universities. 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 and support them on their journey of emotional healing.
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During my 14 years working with children, I have worked with children who have experienced a significant amount of complex trauma, bereavement, loss, parents in prison, anger, anxiety, children in care, refugee and asylum seeking children and children diagnosed with ASD and ADHD.
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Everyday, I am grateful to be able to do the job that I do. I feel it is an honour and a privilege to be a part of a child's therapeutic journey.

The fact is, we can’t connect with our children when we are running from an empty cup!! We’ve all been there. That momen...
02/03/2026

The fact is, we can’t connect with our children when we are running from an empty cup!! We’ve all been there. That moment where we “snap” and yell, followed immediately by that heavy, hollow feeling of guilt....we later tell ourselves, “I should be more patient,” or “Why can’t I just stay calm?”

But the reality is, we are only human!!
The snap isn’t a character flaw. It’s a physiological limit...and we all have our limits!!

I’ve found it easier to reflect on the I think about my nervous system as a cup. Throughout the day, it fills up with “drops” of stress:
💧 The morning rush
💧 Sensory overload (loud toys, constant touching)
💧 Absorbing my child’s big emotions
💧 My own (unmet) needs such as being hungry and tired (which is often!!)

When that cup is full to the brim, our brains automatically shift out of “Connection Mode” and into “Survival Mode.” Our brains have no space left in the cup, screaming for air and room to breathe...

And we cannot connect with our child when our own system is drowning. So the start doesn’t need to be their behaviour, or ours for that matter! It’s thinking about our nervous system and what we need to fill our cup up today...✨

01/03/2026

Mindful March

1st March- Set an intention to live with awareness and kindness 💚🧡

The sound of the nervous system regulating. As we listening for the sound of the sigh, we need to remember it’s not alwa...
26/02/2026

The sound of the nervous system regulating.

As we listening for the sound of the sigh, we need to remember it’s not always a sign of tiredness. But rather, their physiological reset. Their vagus nerve calming.

And our children, they need the movement to get to the sigh!

And when we hear the sigh, the body feels safe and the mind can rest 💫

25/02/2026

Moments of Connection and Celebration 💫

I spent the day today surrounded by so much kindness from . From the thoughtful gestures to the shared smiles, it’s a beautiful reminder of what I advocate for every day: the power of connection.

When we feel seen, celebrated, and valued by the “village” around us, our nervous systems can truly rest and recharge. I’m heading into my next (big 😬) decade feeling very regulated and very loved.

Thank you to everyone who made today so special! 🎈🍰

💫 Is your child never empty-handed?! No matter where they go?!💫The toy in their hand, well it’s not really about the toy...
25/02/2026

💫 Is your child never empty-handed?! No matter where they go?!💫

The toy in their hand, well it’s not really about the toy to be honest?! I forever wondered about this with my eldest! Always had a dinosaur, Lego figure or some kind of toy in his hand. Whether climbing a slide at the park or crawling around the ball pit at soft play!

But the toy isn’t just a toy! It’s their transition. It’s the bridge between the safety of home and the ‘noise’ of the world.

If we try to pry it out of their hands?! We are removing their safety net. Their life line. But we can acknowledge “I see how hard this is for you. I’m with you. I’m on your team” 💫

These are some wonderful ideas Positive parenting
24/02/2026

These are some wonderful ideas Positive parenting

“Can you sit still and be calm for just one second?!”We’ve all said it?! Perhaps because we’ve been raised to believe th...
23/02/2026

“Can you sit still and be calm for just one second?!”

We’ve all said it?! Perhaps because we’ve been raised to believe that sitting still means being “well-behaved” or “calm”.

But as a play therapist, I see it differently.

Sitting still all day can be tough for children, overwhelmed by noise and busy surroundings. But how do we notice if it’s functional ‘freeze’ or ‘active regulation’.

Is your child breathing steady? Eyes are bright and alert? Engaging with you? If so, they are regulated and ready to learn!

Remembering that movement is how many children digest the world around them 💫

What is a “Big Day Out” anyway?! 💫If your “Big Day Out” was a long walk, a messy kitchen, or an extra hour in pyjamas—ou...
19/02/2026

What is a “Big Day Out” anyway?! 💫

If your “Big Day Out” was a long walk, a messy kitchen, or an extra hour in pyjamas—our children didn’t miss out. Their parent/ carer showed up. And for them, that’s as big as it gets. ✨

And that’s all they need this half term. Our time. Our connection. Time to relax, regulate their nervous system and have moments of play 💫

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Wigan

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