Horizon Play Therapy offers personalised mental health support to children (over 3 years), teenagers, families and adults face-to-face in Cornwall and internationally online. Play Therapy involves using toys, symbols, sand, art, sound and movement to enable an individual to express themselves and explore life’s challenges. Play therapy is similar to counselling and other psychodynamic talking therapies, but rather than the focus being on the conversation, the emphasis is typically on the ‘play’, ‘art’ or use of symbols, which is often the medium children and teenagers use to explore their experiences and the world around them.

About Horizon Play Therapy

No one should be left to struggle through mental health, emotional well-being, or behavioural difficulties alone. I offer therapy to help you and/ or your child, partner, or family work through any difficulties to enable healthier relationships at home, school, or work. Therapy can prevent school exclusions, improve academic engagement and help limit childhood and adult mental ill-health from continuing into and through adulthood.

Building a brighter future for everyone

When to Seek Help

Children attend play therapy for various reasons, as it provides a unique and effective avenue for addressing their emotional, behavioural, and developmental needs. Through play, children can express themselves naturally and comfortably, allowing them to explore and process their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Play therapy offers a non-threatening space where children can engage in imaginative play, creative expression, and symbolic communication, enabling them to work through issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, and social difficulties. By engaging in therapeutic play activities under the guidance of a trained therapist, children can develop coping skills, improve emotional regulation, enhance social interactions, build self-esteem, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. Ultimately, play therapy empowers children to navigate life's challenges more effectively and promotes their overall well-being and mental health.

This is not an exhaustive list of reasons to seek support, but it aims to help you recognise whether therapy may be helpful.

To process and express emotions in a safe environment.

To develop coping skills for dealing with stress and anxiety.

To improve social skills and communication with peers.

To address behavioural issues such as aggression or withdrawal.

To explore and understand difficult life changes or transitions.

To build self-esteem and self-confidence.

To learn problem-solving skills.

To enhance emotional regulation abilities.

To address trauma or abuse in a supportive setting.

To work through grief and loss.

To develop empathy and understanding of others' perspectives.

To learn relaxation techniques and stress management strategies.

To address issues related to divorce or family conflict.

To improve impulse control.

To develop a sense of identity and self-awareness.

To address academic difficulties or learning challenges.

To build trust and rapport with a supportive adult.

To explore and express creativity.

To develop healthy boundaries and assertiveness skills.

To address sibling rivalry or conflicts within the family.

To address attachment issues or difficulties forming relationships.

To work through feelings of loneliness or isolation.

To explore gender identity or sexuality in a supportive environment.

To address issues related to adoption or foster care.

To improve focus and concentration.

To address perfectionism or fear of failure.

To learn effective communication skills with parents or caregivers.

To address bullying or peer pressure.

To explore cultural identity and heritage.

To address issues related to immigration or acculturation.

To improve problem-solving and decision-making skills.

To address obsessive-compulsive behaviours or tendencies.

To develop resilience and coping mechanisms for adversity.

To address issues related to chronic illness or disability.

To explore spiritual or existential questions.

To address phobias or fears.

To improve sleep patterns and address insomnia.

To address difficulties with transitions or changes in routine.

To develop a sense of belonging and acceptance.

To foster a sense of joy, playfulness, and curiosity in life.

Sometimes, family therapy or parent-only sessions can be valuable in preparing you or your child for therapy if your child/ partner is not ready, as it enables you to feel supported and, thus, more able to help your child/ partner.