Holly Webb

I have availability Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I am an Integrative Child and Adolescent Counsellor and Therapeutic Wellbeing Practitioner offering counselling to children, teenagers and young adults aged 4–25 in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex.

I work in a neurodivergence-affirming and trauma-informed way, recognising that every person experiences and communicates differently. My approach is warm, compassionate and collaborative, with therapy tailored to each person's age, developmental stage, strengths, interests and individual needs.

Talking therapy is an important part of my work, but it isn't always the easiest or most natural way to express what is happening. Depending on the individual, I may integrate creative arts, therapeutic play, mindfulness, grounding, sensory activities and nature-based approaches.

I support young people experiencing difficulties including anxiety, low mood and depression, self-esteem difficulties, emotional overwhelm, school anxiety and Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), trauma and PTSD, neurodivergence, relationship difficulties, bereavement, family change, identity and life transitions.

I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to effective counselling. Rather than following a fixed programme, I work alongside each person to develop an approach that feels safe, meaningful and useful to them.

I have over 24 years' experience supporting children, young people and adults across educational, therapeutic and community settings, including individual counselling, wellbeing support, groups and drop-in services within schools.

I offer counselling to children, teenagers and young adults aged 4–25. Before counselling begins, we will have an initial conversation to discuss what is happening, answer any questions and consider whether I am the right person to support you or your child.

For work with children and young people, I also offer a parent/carer consultation and gather more detailed background information before the initial assessment sessions. This helps me understand the wider context and ensures the work is safe and appropriate.

The first one or two sessions with the child or young person are an opportunity to get to know one another, understand their experience and consider what they would like from counselling. If we agree that counselling is appropriate, we will then arrange regular weekly sessions.

Sessions are usually 50 minutes and take place at the same time each week. I offer a confidential space where young people can talk openly and feel heard. Parents and carers are kept appropriately informed and involved, while respecting the young person's growing need for privacy and autonomy. Parents are not routinely present during sessions, although their involvement may be appropriate at certain points, particularly for younger children or where there are safeguarding or safety concerns.

I work collaboratively and at a pace that feels manageable. Sessions may involve talking, creative activities, therapeutic play, mindfulness, grounding or nature-based approaches, depending on age and individual needs.

We regularly review the work together to consider progress, ongoing needs and whether counselling remains helpful. My aim is to provide a safe, respectful therapeutic relationship in which each person can develop greater understanding, confidence and ways of coping.

The first one or two sessions are an opportunity for us to get to know one another, talk about what has brought you or your child to counselling, and consider whether counselling with me feels appropriate and helpful.

For children and young people, I will complete an initial assessment as part of the safeguarding and risk assessment process. This helps me understand their needs, circumstances and strengths, and ensures that the work is safe and appropriate.

For younger children, a parent or carer may be invited to join part of the first session if this helps the child feel comfortable. Young people will also have space to talk privately where appropriate.

Before the initial child or young person assessment sessions, I offer a separate parent/carer consultation and a further paid history-gathering call to understand the wider background and relevant history. This information forms part of the initial assessment process and helps me prepare appropriately for the counselling work.

We may also introduce a simple wellbeing measure to help understand how things are currently and, where appropriate, monitor progress over time.

There is no obligation to continue beyond the initial assessment stage. If we agree that counselling is appropriate, we will discuss the next steps and arrange regular weekly sessions. Following the initial one or two assessment sessions, an initial block of six weekly counselling sessions will be contracted.