Dr Joanna Webb

Assessment

I provide a holistic assessment process to help understand your individual needs, strengths and challenges. I am also able to offer diagnostic and specialist assessments, including neurodevelopmental assessments for Autism and ADHD, alongside assessments for specific learning difficulties.

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The initial assessment period allows me to build a detailed understanding of your experiences, current difficulties and day-to-day functioning, as well as the wider factors that may be contributing to these challenges. It is also an opportunity for you to get to know me, understand how I work, and consider how we might work together moving forwards.

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This may take place within a single extended appointment (equivalent to 100 minutes), or we may agree that it would be more helpful to meet across two or more sessions. This can be discussed during the free 20-minute telephone consultation.

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The initial assessment is an important first step before undertaking any further therapeutic or diagnostic work. Following this process, we will agree a plan together based on your individual needs and goals. This may involve further specialist assessment, regular therapeutic sessions, parent support, or a combination of approaches.

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Sessions are generally offered weekly and on a term-time basis. Appointments can take place either online or in Haywards Heath, depending on what is most appropriate and helpful for your individual needs.

Therapy

 

Therapeutic Approach

 

I provide therapeutic support for children, young people, parents and carers, either individually or as a family where appropriate. I use a range of evidence-based psychological approaches tailored to the individual needs of each person and family, with the aim of helping you better understand and manage the difficulties you may be facing and improve overall wellbeing and quality of life.

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The therapeutic approaches I may draw upon include:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

• Narrative Therapy

• Systemic and Family Therapy approaches

 

I most commonly support individuals and families experiencing:

• Anxiety, stress and worry

• Specific phobias

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• School-based anxiety and emotionally based school avoidance

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Low mood and depression

• Self-harm

• Relationship difficulties

• Bereavement and loss

• Family conflict

• Adjustment to complex life events or physical health conditions

 

Neurodiversity and Specialist Experience

 

I have extensive experience working with children and young people with learning disabilities and neurodevelopmental differences, including Autism and ADHD. I work in a neuroaffirming and compassionate way, making thoughtful adaptations to ensure individual needs are appropriately understood and supported.

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I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals and families following a diagnosis, when there can often be a complex mix of relief, uncertainty, grief, identity questions and adjustment. Together, we can work towards understanding what that diagnosis means for you or your child, and how it shapes day-to-day experiences, relationships and wellbeing.

 

 

Sessions

 

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in length.

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Where I am working directly with children or young people, we would agree together how information is shared with parents or carers in a way that feels safe, appropriate and respectful of confidentiality. In some situations, it may be more helpful for me to work directly with parents or carers to support change within the wider family system.

 

Often, therapy involves a combination of both approaches depending on the needs of the young person and family.

Consultation

A consultation offers you the perspective and expertise of a Principal Clinical Psychologist. This may involve working with parents and carers, professionals within educational settings such as schools, or other organisations and services.

Consultations can include:

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• an assessment of need,

• the opportunity to explore concerns around a recent diagnosis,

• space to ask questions relating to psychology, mental health, or neurodevelopment,

• or ad hoc supervision and consultation for professionals seeking psychological formulation, reflection, or specialist input.

 

All consultations are grounded in current psychological research, evidence-based practice, and extensive clinical experience. They aim to provide a holistic, systemic, and formulation-led understanding of difficulties, helping individuals and professionals feel more informed, supported, and empowered in considering next steps.

Supervision, Teaching and Training

I provide professional supervision to both individuals and groups, alongside reflective practice and coaching sessions to support teams and organisations.

I also offer bespoke teaching and training tailored to the needs of educational settings, services, and professional groups. Topics may include:

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• Understanding Autism

• Trauma and trauma-informed practice

• Supporting Looked After and Adopted Children

• Adjustment to long-term physical health conditions, including Type 1 Diabetes

• Self-esteem and confidence

• The impact of social media on children and young people

 

In addition, I can provide psychoeducation and practical toolkits to support those working with young people experiencing specific emotional, behavioural, or neurodevelopmental difficulties, including anxiety and depression.