Hello! I am an LPC based on Northern Virginia (just outside of DC). I received my Master's in Counseling from Capella University in 2013. I work in a private practice which is based in Fairfax, VA and I also see clients virtually (given they are in the state of Virginia). I work with anyone 5+ with most of my clients being adolescents and adults. Early Elementary children are only seen in person.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session I ask what is bringing you in? I may ask questions to help me understand your needs and concerns better. I also want you to be at ease, if it seems you are uncomfortable I may say something to help lighten the mood, if I feel like you are fearful of the process I explain it. If I am uncertain why you are not at ease I will invite you to share if you would like. I check in to see if you have any questions about the process of therapy and toward the end of the first session we will work on developing therapy goals as well as set up a schedule. With teens and children I touch base with the parents as well and explain confidentiality and under what circumstances I would need to break that confidentiality. How long the parent remains in the initial session depends on the age and comfort level of the child. I will also explain what I feel is the best approach based on the needs of your child.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have a great deal of empathy and am frequently told I am pretty friendly and easy to connect with. I really, truly care for my clients and I strive to give each client my all at every visit. I have a great deal of clinical knowledge and can adapt treatment based on what works best for the client (I don’t want the client to fit into my brand of therapy, I like to customize my approach to you)!
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
It is difficult to decide which client I love working with most. I just love my job, whether I am working with children, teens or adults! I love helping people understand themselves better, why they feel the way they do and helping them discover and develop their strengths. I enjoy helping people find the skills and resources that are the best fit for them. Each time I can help someone I feel like I made the world just a little bit brighter and that is where my passion lies!
About Tamara Elassal
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Address
10560 Main Street, Fairfax, VA 22030, Suite 310Appointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
EMDR
I have been doing EMDR in person and virtually since before the pandemic. I was trained through the EMDR Institute and am a member EMDRIA. This method helps people understand and process negative, internal beliefs about themselves, these are often acquired in childhood, such as, "I am not lovable", "I am not worthy", "I am not capable". While EMDR is generally used for trauma it is also very effective with anyone that has a great deal of negative self-talk. Clients often discover the origins of these beliefs and are often quickly able to process through them helping their surface symptoms such as anxiety and depression lessened. I have seen powerful personal transformations occur with 90% of clients with EMDR. Some do better with other interventions. Don't worry, I have many "tools" in my "toolbox" and once you work with me you will too!
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is the most commonly used therapy across the board. By using CBT the client will generally talk about the things that are going on and the therapist uses gentle questions and challenges to help subtly guide the individual to change their perceptions of the situation/belief or understand that they could respond in different ways. When with a talented therapist clients often do not realize that the therapist is using CBT, they are simply "talking" but the client over time slowly begins to shift their thinking patterns. This therapy is effective both in person and virtual.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT skills can be essential for anyone who has difficulty with their emotions (for example anxiety) and wants to acquire skills which help them learn how to cope better in their day to day life. DBT groups are often done in combination with individual therapy. This therapy is for adolescents and adults. This is also a virtual or in person therapy. For teens it is best done in person.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is one of the best therapies for people that are open to Mindfulness. Mindfulness is essentially "meditating" but it is also so much more. Such as being present in the present moment, being present with the people or things that are occurring in any given moment. Journaling is another aspect of MBCT. Learning these and other methods of mindfulness living are great ways to shift away from anxiety and depression and begin living a happier, more balanced life.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy is another very effective way to help some people deal with a living situation which is "less than perfect". For example, there may be things way out of your control, or you may be experiencing physical illness or challenges that are causing your mental health symptoms and are truly beyond your control. This is when ACT is a good method of therapy. It helps the individual learn to accept thoughts, feelings, and circumstances that are out of their control by incorporating more healthy ideals that align with your goals and personal values.