“The child is able to deal with his emotions in a better way due to play therapy and working with Mathew. The child enjoyed his time during all of the play therapy sessions. I feel like the communication between myself and Mathew has been brilliant.” (Teacher)
“I can see so much difference in her now. She is like a different child, home and school are very peaceful now compared to what they were before playing therapy…. The therapy sessions really did come and occur at such a crucial time, and had such a powerful effect on so many things in my child's life. My daughter and I are now looking forward to the future.” (Parent)
“The child is able to deal with his emotions in a better way due to play therapy and working with Mathew. The child enjoyed his time during all of the play therapy sessions. I feel like the communication between myself and Mathew has been brilliant.” (Teacher) “I can see so much difference in her now. She is like a different child, home and school are very peaceful now compared to what they were before playing therapy…. The therapy sessions really did come and occur at such a crucial time, and had such a powerful effect on so many things in my child's life. My daughter and I are now looking forward to the future.” (Parent)
SERVICES
We offer an individualised approach to meet the needs of the child, young person, adult, family or organisation.
In therapy a person uses objects to help them explore and process their experiences and feelings. Through this exploration an individual or group can learn to respond differently to situations as they better understand themselves and the world around them. Play Therapy is like counselling/ talking therapies but the focus is on what is done and said rather than the conversation. Through both self-initiated and at times directed activities a person or family can work through the challenges they are facing and gain new perspectives and approaches on life.
Our Services
Play Therapy
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Play therapy is a therapeutic approach designed to help children, young people and at times adults express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Unlike traditional talk therapy, play therapy uses play—such as drawing, role-playing, or using toys—as a medium through which children can communicate, especially when they may not have the words to express what they have or are going through. It is particularly beneficial for children and young people who are dealing with emotional, behavioural, or developmental issues, such as anxiety, trauma, family or school conflict, or social difficulties. Play is natural for children and young people and play therapy captures this innate ability to help children explore their emotions, build coping mechanisms, and gain insight into their problems. The role of the therapist is crucial in this process, as they create a trusting relationship with the child or young person, which helps them feel safe enough to express themselves. The therapist observes the child’s play and identifies key components to help the child or young person, their families and school staff understand underlying issues and develop strategies to improve their well-being. For families and school staff, the therapist provides guidance on how to support the child at home and school, fostering a holistic approach that encourages healthy family and school dynamics. The involvement of parents and school staff enhances the effectiveness of play therapy by ensuring that children receive consistent support across different areas of their lives. Overall, play therapy not only helps the child but also strengthens the family unit, promoting resilience and emotional growth across the child or young person's life.
It is important to distinguish the Play Therapy, a form of counselling requiring Post-Graduale qualifications, that Horizon Play Therapy provides from that of Play Specialists who have a different skills and qualifications and often work in hospitals helping children understand and undertake medical procedures and Therapeutic Play which involves practitioners, often in schools, being trained to use different types of play such as Lego or Messy Play as an intervention technique. Each of these approaches are valuable and the professional skills and expertise over-lap but there is an important and different role, which distinguishes them and is why we offer a free telephone consultation to help you know if Play or related Therapies are right for you or your situation.
Sand Play Therapy
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Sand play therapy is a unique therapeutic approach that utilises a sand tray that can be filled with various miniatures, figures, and natural elements to help children, young people and adults express their thoughts and feelings in a non-verbal manner. By moving the sand and arranging figures, individuals can create scenes that reflect their inner world, allowing them to explore emotions and experiences that might be difficult to articulate. This form of therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or other emotional challenges, as it provides a safe and creative outlet for processing complex feelings. The therapist plays a crucial role in facilitating this process, creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel free to explore and express themselves. The therapist observes the creations and interactions with the sand, helping to interpret the symbolic meanings behind the play. This understanding can also extend to families and professionals, as the therapist may share insights with relevant others, enabling them to support the individual's emotional needs better.
Creative Therapy
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Creative therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses art, music, drama, or movement to help children, young people and families express themselves in ways that go beyond words. It allows individuals whether adult or child to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences through creative outlets, which can be especially helpful for those who may struggle to articulate what they are feeling. Creative therapy can be a valuable tool for children dealing with challenges such as anxiety, trauma, or behavioural issues. Through creative activities, young people can process their emotions, develop self-awareness, and build resilience in a way that feels safe and engaging to them. The therapist plays a key role by creating a supportive environment where the child or adult feels free to express themselves while also helping to interpret their creative expressions to understand underlying issues. This approach not only benefits the individual but can also provide insights to families and professionals working with them by helping them better support the individual's emotional and mental health.
Tele-Play Therapy
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Tele-Play therapy is a form of therapy that uses an online platform to deliver Play Therapy to children and young people through secure video calls. It allows the therapist to engage with individual in a virtual environment, using creative tools like digital games, drawing apps, or role-playing activities. This approach is beneficial when in-person sessions are not possible, such as during illness, lockdowns, or for families living in remote areas. Tele-play therapy provides flexibility and convenience while maintaining the core benefits of traditional play therapy, helping individuals express their feelings, manage anxiety, or cope with life challenges. The therapist remains a crucial figure, guiding the session, building trust with the individual, and helping families understand how to support their child’s emotional and behavioural needs. While the platform is different, the goals remain the same: to help individuals navigate their emotions and strengthen friend and family dynamics, offering support in a way that fits modern, busy lives.
CRPTraining
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Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) is an innovative 10-week therapeutic approach designed to enhance the connection between parents and their children while addressing emotional and behavioural challenges. This therapy involves parents actively participating in sessions alongside their child, where they learn to engage in play and communication techniques that foster connection and understanding. CPRT focuses on equipping parents with the skills to respond to their child’s emotional needs, helping them to interpret their child’s behaviour and feelings better. By encouraging parents to play and interact with their children in a structured way, CPRT helps to strengthen the parent-child relationship, promote positive interactions, and reduce conflict. As a result, children often experience improved emotional regulation and behavioural outcomes. For families, CPRT offers a supportive framework that not only addresses immediate concerns but also builds lasting skills for effective communication and nurturing relationships. This collaborative approach can be particularly beneficial in school settings, as it helps parents reinforce positive behaviours and emotional health, creating a more cohesive support system for the child both at home and in the classroom.
Family/Group Therapy
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Getting family support from a play therapist can help families work through tough times and make their relationships stronger. In family therapy, the therapist works with everyone—mum, dad, and the children—using fun activities like games or drawing to help family members talk to each other and understand how they’re feeling. This kind of therapy is especially helpful when a child is having a hard time with their emotions, behaviour, or dealing with big changes like a divorce or the loss of someone. The therapist creates a safe space where everyone can share their feelings without being judged, and helps them learn new ways to solve problems together. Family therapy is a form of psychological counselling that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within the family unit, thereby enhancing the overall dynamics among family members. This therapeutic approach recognises that issues affecting a child or young person often arise within the family context and that involving the whole family in therapy sessions can lead to more effective solutions. In family therapy sessions, a trained therapist facilitates activities in sand or open discussions that help family members express their thoughts and feelings to enable a better understanding of each other’s perspectives. This collaborative environment allows families to address specific challenges, such as behavioural issues, emotional distress, or significant life changes, while also strengthening their relationships and support systems. By promoting healthier communication patterns and encouraging family members to work together, family therapy can significantly improve the emotional well-being of both the child/ren and family. Ultimately, this approach empowers families to develop coping strategies, resolve conflicts, and create a nurturing environment that supports each member’s growth and development.
Group therapy is a type of counselling where a small group of individuals meet regularly to talk, share, and work through their feelings and experiences with the help of a trained therapist. For children, group therapy often focuses on helping them understand and express their emotions, improve social skills, and learn ways to cope with challenges. In a group for kids aged 8 to 16, there might be up to 8 children, all working together on similar difficulties in a safe, supportive space. These sessions often use creative and playful activities like drawing, role-playing, storytelling, or games to make the experience fun and engaging while addressing serious topics. This approach helps children and adults feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and allows them to learn from each other. They might practice handling situations they face at school, work or at home and get support from their peers who might have similar struggles. The therapist guides the group to ensure everyone feels heard and helps them build confidence and skills for handling real-life challenges.
Family Support
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Family support provided by a therapist plays a vital role in fostering a healthy and harmonious family environment. Therapists work collaboratively with individuals or families to strengthen relationships, address challenges, and improve communication skills. Through structured guidance and therapeutic techniques, therapists help family members develop effective strategies to manage conflicts, cope with stress, and nurture emotional well-being. This support can often include addressing issues such as parenting challenges, mental health concerns, and life transitions, aiming to create a resilient family unit. Family support offers a flexible approach to the intensity, frequency and length of sessions by targeting specific issues and so empowering families to foster mutual understanding and long-term emotional stability, which ultimately contributes to healthier, more connected relationships.
In family support parents and caregivers can meet with a play therapist once or multiple times to discuss the concerns and difficulties they have within the family. Through these conversations the Play Therapist looks to discuss and provide supportive strategies and guidance to help the family. For parents/ carers, family support can be a chance to improve how they communicate with each other and their children. It can also help them understand their child's needs better, especially if they are acting out or feeling upset. A play therapist can show parents different ways to manage challenging behaviours at home and help them create a more calm and loving environment. This support can teach parents and caregivers tools for staying patient and calm, which can make a big difference when things get stressful. The whole extended blended family can learn how to connect more deeply, support each other, and work together to handle challenges in a positive way. Ultimately, support can bring parents and kids closer and help everyone feel more connected and supported at home.
Professional Support
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Professional support involves a professional or organisation working with a Play Therapist either as a single event or over a more prolonged series of interactions. The Play Therapist will take the professionals/organisations lead but typically it involves the play therapist observing the situation to talk through the challenges and/or having discussion groups where individual difficulties/ cases can be raised and problem solved through together. After working with a play therapist, a professional is likely to feel more confident and empowered in their ability to support the children in their care. The collaboration helps them gain a deeper understanding of the child's emotional world and behaviour, enabling them to approach situations with greater insight and sensitivity. This enhanced understanding allows professionals to develop more effective strategies for addressing challenges, fostering positive emotional development, and creating a safer, more supportive environment. Additionally, learning to interpret non-verbal cues from children equips professionals with valuable tools for identifying hidden struggles or needs that might otherwise go unnoticed. On a personal level, the experience of seeking support from a play therapist can help reduce the stress of working with complex cases, providing the professional with a sense of reassurance and guidance. As a result, they are likely to feel more prepared to handle difficult situations, ultimately improving their practice and leading to better outcomes for the children. This process not only contributes to professional growth but also promotes a sense of personal fulfillment, as the professional sees the positive impact of their work on the children’s well-being.
Training
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Training with a play therapist can be incredibly valuable for both parents and professionals. Horizon Play Therapy offers regular parent/professional workshops to help educate about Play Therapy. Horizon Play Therapy can also run educational sessions for parents/ families and/or professionals on specific topics, like ‘what is play therapy’, ‘Connecting with children’ or ‘Mental and Emotional Well-being Awareness’. Training can equip individuals with compassionate approaches to connect with children, helping you better understand and support the emotional needs of those who are struggling. It provides parents or professionals with practical tools to create a nurturing and empathetic environment, fostering stronger relationships with children and themselves. Training can be individualised to meet your needs but will offer personal growth and build a deeper awareness of how to respond to emotional difficulties in a supportive way. After completing training, parents and professionals should feel a strong sense of confidence, as they gain new strategies for managing challenging situations and supporting children effectively. This sense of achievement comes from knowing they are making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, while also enhancing their own emotional resilience and skills in their roles.
Books
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I have self-published three books designed to support parents, families, and professionals in better understanding and connecting with children. Two of my books focus on grounding and mindfulness, offering practical tools and strategies to help adults and children alike manage stress, stay present, and build emotional resilience. The third book centres on compassionate, connected parenting, providing guidance on how to foster stronger, more empathetic relationships with children. Together, these books aim to empower caregivers and educators to create supportive environments where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. My goal is to help adults feel more confident in their roles and to equip them with the knowledge and techniques to nurture the well-being of the children in their care.
“Mathew, I just wanted to say a huge thank you on behalf of the parents, school and staff, and myself for your passionate contribution to supporting children with mental health, emotional and behavioural difficulties you have made to the school since working with us. We have learned so much from you, and we have and will continue to make changes to how we support these children. Never give up on your mission to support children who are struggling. I certainly won't.”(SENCO)
“Play therapy really helped my daughter recognise her feelings, and she is now able to overcome her negative feelings and put in place strategies within the home and the classroom. I feel that I have the opportunity to communicate my fears and thoughts about my child, and I strongly feel that play therapy has been beneficial for my child. Mathew has listened to my concerns about my child.” (Parent)
“Mathew, I just wanted to say a huge thank you on behalf of the parents, school and staff, and myself for your passionate contribution to supporting children with mental health, emotional and behavioural difficulties you have made to the school since working with us. We have learned so much from you, and we have and will continue to make changes to how we support these children. Never give up on your mission to support children who are struggling. I certainly won't.”(SENCO) “Play therapy really helped my daughter recognise her feelings, and she is now able to overcome her negative feelings and put in place strategies within the home and the classroom. I feel that I have the opportunity to communicate my fears and thoughts about my child, and I strongly feel that play therapy has been beneficial for my child. Mathew has listened to my concerns about my child.” (Parent)
The unique nature of our service means we can offer therapy and support flexibly to meet the needs of the individuals, families, or services involved. To help funders, we have also put together a selection of packages as an alternative to client-led provision.
Typical provision includes:
One to one weekly sessions with an individual. Minimum commitment of 5 sessions, average requirement is approximately 20 or more sessions which is determined by individual, family or funding. For children and young people, regular parent meetings are required (minimum of 3 additional sessions depending on intervention length and need).
10 session group parent block using CRPT programme. Parents attend weekly group sessions. Parents additionally undertake therapeutic activities with their child at home.
Small Group weekly sessions. Max 4. individuals with a common need undertaking typically a 10 week/session block. For children and young people, regular one to one parent meetings are also required (typically 2 additional sessions depending on intervention length).
Parent, Sibling or Family Group weekly sessions. Minimum commitment of 5 sessions.
Flexible Individual, Parent and Family Therapy. Involves short blocks (average 6 sessions) of weekly therapy with parent/ guardian, then block of individual therapy with a child/ young person and follow-up block with parent/ guardian or family. Block length and session ratio is driven by individual and family need. This is often a helpful approach if/when a child does not want to partake in therapy, or it is felt the child/ young person is not yet ready for therapy.
Individual or Group professional sessions. Typically, block of 6 weekly sessions to address specific issues but can be need led. Negotiable minimum commitment of 3 session.
School-based weekly therapy. Involves small group or individual sessions with pupils and regular one to one parent meetings. Professional sessions and support can be included. Minimum commitment of half a term, average input length one term.
Please talk to us to discuss your individual needs. Minimum commitments are suggested to give you time to build trust with the therapist and see if it is the right approach for you.
Interested? Contact me today for information
Location: Therapy can be provided in-clinic, in-school, on-line, occassionally at home or in an alternative venue. Please note: Horizon Play Therapy is currently working to create a purpose-built therapy space, but in the meantime therapy is still available, in interim accommodation, on site.
Funding: Please contact us for our current pricing. We recognise the cost of therapy input can sadly be prohibitive but we’d love to work with you to try to make therapy fundable for you. We welcome initiatives like group parent funding or shared organisational funding e.g. 4 families fund a block of group therapy (i.e. the cost per individual would be significantly less than an equivalent block of individual therapy) or a school raises half the funds and a charity/parent(s) match this to cover individual(s) block of therapy and/or half-full day (2-4 individual or group sessions) per week in a school/organisation.