Elaine Sharp

I have some availability on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. After-school online sessions available for those in full-time education.

Please contact me if you wish to discuss a day and time that is suitable for you.

I am Elaine, a fully qualified psychodynamic counsellor working with adults and young people aged 13 and over.

My approach is warm, thoughtful, and non-judgemental. If you decide to start therapy with me, together we will look at what may be troubling you in your life today and perhaps understand yourself and your relationships in a different way. You may also want to think more deeply about how your past experiences have shaped who you are, including experiences that may have had an impact on you without always being fully understood or recognised. Developing this deeper understanding can create space for new ways of seeing yourself and relating to others. 

I was a secondary teacher for many years and I have always seen learning as closely connected to growth; when we are able to understand something more fully, it can open up a greater sense of who we are and possibilities for change. My approach is collaborative and led by what feels important to you. There is no need to conform to expectations around what you think therapy should be like. It's OK if you find it difficult to explain exactly how you feel or to find the right words; I work with sensitivity and without judgement.

As a qualified and experienced psychodynamic counsellor, I offer short-term or long term for young people and adults of all ages. The 50 minute sessions are one-to-one, either in person at a centre in Hertford, online or by phone and take place at the same day and time every week.  I welcome clients trying therapy for the first time and those returning to it.

Payments are made weekly after each session. 

The first session

When you first contact me, we will arrange a free 20 minute conversation, either online or a phone call. This will help us both explore what support you are looking for and think about how we will work together in a way that suits you.

Starting therapy

There is no obligation to sign up at this point and you can take some time to decide whether you want to move forward into weekly therapy. If you decide to go ahead, I will send you a framework of information so that you know what to expect from our work together.

During our first session, I will gather some information about you, your needs for support and your experiences and history. Subsequent sessions will be led more by what you want to talk about and what is important to you. Everything you discuss in a session will be private and confidential unless there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others. Like all therapists, I sometimes discuss client work with a professional clinical supervisor for support and guidance, however please be assured this is anonymised and completely confidential.