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Mental health guidance, therapy insights and practical support
Supportive, practical articles designed to help you better understand mental health, therapy and emotional wellbeing.
Whether you are exploring therapy for the first time, supporting someone else, or simply looking for reliable information, Horizon Connect provides clear and approachable guidance to help you take the next step with confidence.
We support people across Plymouth, Saltash, Ivybridge and surrounding areas, as well as online where appropriate.
Regaining Our Feelings Around Intimacy, Physical Connection, and Emotional Closeness
There are many people who quietly miss feeling emotionally and physically connected — not only with others, but sometimes with themselves too.
Often, this disconnection develops slowly.
Alan Stokes
4 days ago4 min read
The Pressure To Be Perfect: Why Perfectionism Quietly Damages Confidence, Relationships, and Emotional Well-being
The Pressure To Be Perfect
Many people wear perfectionism like a badge of honour.
Alan Stokes
Aug 104 min read
“Sometimes the hardest part is admitting something feels different.”
You tell yourself:
“I’m just tired.”
“It’s probably stress.”
“Things will improve eventually.”
But deep down, you know something has changed.
Alan Stokes
Jul 311 min read
You Are Not Broken: Understanding Shame Around Emotional Connection and Intimacy
Shame is often silent.
Many women struggling with emotional connection, intimacy, confidence, or
communication difficulties rarely discuss those experiences openly.
Instead, they internalise them.
They blame themselves.
Question themselves.
Criticise themselves.
Alan Stokes
Jul 151 min read
How to Choose the Right Therapist (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Starting therapy is one step.
Choosing the right therapist is another—and it’s just as important.
Many people assume:
“As long as they’re qualified, it will work.”
But in practice, the fit between you and the therapist often matters more than anything else.
Alan Stokes
Jul 133 min read
Emotional Disconnection After Separation: Why Healing Often Takes Longer Than People Expect
After separation or emotionally painful relationships, many women expect themselves to
“move on” quickly.
But emotionally, things are often far more complicated.
Even when someone knows a relationship needed to end, emotional experiences can leave lasting effects on:
Alan Stokes
Jul 81 min read
You are allowed to understand your needs without feeling embarrassed.
Many women spend years:
• overthinking their feelings
• avoiding difficult conversations
• feeling disconnected from their body
• struggling to communicate their needs
Alan Stokes
Jun 211 min read
How Children Are Affected When Their Parents Separate
Separation is a difficult time for any family. When parents decide to part ways, children often feel the impact deeply. Their world can change in many ways, and understanding these effects helps us support them better. I want to share what I’ve learned about how children cope with separation and what can help them through this challenging time.
Alan Stokes
Jun 184 min read
Why Talking to Friends Isn’t Always Enough (And When to Seek Professional Support)
When something’s not right, most people do the same thing first:
They talk to someone they trust.
A friend. A partner. A family member.
And in many cases, that helps.
But sometimes, even after talking it through, nothing really changes.
You feel heard—but still stuck.
Supported—but still unclear.
This is where the difference between informal support and professional support becomes important.
Alan Stokes
Jun 153 min read
Discover Affordable Therapy Options in Saltash
Finding the right support for your mental health can feel overwhelming, especially when cost is a concern. But you don’t have to face this journey alone or break the bank. Saltash offers a variety of affordable therapy options designed to help you, your family, or your workplace find balance and wellbeing. I want to share some practical ways to access quality mental health support without the long waits or high fees.
Alan Stokes
Jun 134 min read
What Rebuilding Yourself Actually Looks Like
I used to think rebuilding looked powerful.
Focused.Confident.Motivated.
I thought rebuilding yourself after difficult periods of life would feel inspiring.
The truth is, most of the time it feels uncomfortable, uncertain and emotionally exhausting.
At least it did for me.
Over the last few years, life stripped away multiple versions of the future I thought I was building.
Alan Stokes
Jun 93 min read
Support for Parental Alienation in the UK
Parental alienation is a deeply painful experience. It happens when one parent turns a child against the other parent, often during or after a separation or divorce. This can leave the targeted parent feeling isolated, confused, and desperate for help. If you’re facing this challenge, it’s important to know that support is available. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Alan Stokes
May 204 min read
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