Tamara Elsmark

I currently have availability for in person therapy in St Albans and I also have availability for online or telephone therapy.  

Welcome

Arriving here may mean that you are facing challenges that are affecting your day-to-day life.  You might be wondering how therapy could support you - or someone you care about.  

I am an experienced, BACP trained professional and I provide a warm, safe and confidential space for you to share your personal story.  Being able to talk aloud, feel deeply listened to and heard is at the heart of therapy.

At times our difficulties can feel overwhelming, leaving us isolated, drained or stuck in repetitive thoughts.  Our mood can drop, we can lose our focus and, we can feel as though we're running on empty.  Sometimes our emotions spill over, leading us to react in ways that feel unfamiliar or out of character.  

We are all susceptible to internal and external stresses and to feelings of unbearable loss.  But when left unaddressed, they can distort how we see ourselves and the world around us.  This can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and, difficulties in relationships (at work, in the family and socially).  Sometimes we turn to addictive or compulsive behaviours to cope.  I have worked with clients who have experienced all of these and more.  

Whatever it is that you are experiencing, it can be shared and thought about together. Together we can begin to uncover what is holding you back or getting in the way of you living your life well. 

Working together - side by side- is central to how I practise.  Through internal reflection and collaborative exploration, healing and personal transformation is possible.

My approach

My approach is empathic, collaborative and, deeply respectful of your lived experiences.  I will listen carefully to you so I can understand what it is you are going through.  We will work at a pace that feels right for you, for as short or as long as you need.  I offer both in person and online therapy to adults over 18 years.

I am trained in psychodynamic therapy, which means that I am interested in how early life experiences and relationships may be influencing present-day difficulties.  Patterns formed in childhood can continue into adulthood without our conscious awareness.  Together, we can explore these patterns and, where appropriate, I may gently challenge you to help you gain new insights into the way you relate and how we relate together.

Early experiences can leave emotional wounds that need tending to and healing.  They can affect sleep, appetite, thought patterns and also manifest physically.  I will treat you with care, concern and respect and I will work sensitively with cultural considerations and different forms of neurodivergency, such as ADHD and Autism.

I believe that when we create a therapeutic space to pause and gently notice what is happening in our minds and bodies, we can learn a great deal about ourselves.  With increased awareness - and with the right support around us - we can better regulate our emotions.  Healing can take root and, personal growth can unfold, opening the door to a more meaningful and joyful life. 

Introduction (15 minutes)

Please enquire by emailing me.  I will arrange a 15 minute telephone call (free of charge) so we can discuss the difficulty you are currently experiencing.  I will give you a client information form to complete.

Initial Consultation Session (1 hour)

If we agree that therapy would be helpful to you at this time, I will arrange an initial consultation session (£60.00).  This will give you the opportunity to see whether I am the right fit for you, and for me to ensure I am the right service for you. 

If you and I agree we are happy to proceed, we will agree the terms of our contract.

Ongoing Sessions (50 minutes)

We will work together and meet weekly for 50 minutes at the same time each week (£60.00) for a time-limited or open-ended period.