FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions | Counseling & Psychotherapy DC

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions About Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, and Integration Answered

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Services

"Is therapy really effective for mental health issues?"
Yes. Research consistently shows therapy is highly effective for mental health issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems. Many clients find therapy is one of the best investments they've ever made in themselves.
"What if I don't know what to talk about in therapy?"
That's completely normal and common among people starting therapy. Your therapist (Joseph LaFleur or one of his associate therapists) will guide the conversation and help you explore what's most important to work on.
"How long does therapy take to see results?"
Some clients notice improvements within the first few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term therapeutic work. Your therapist will regularly check in with you on your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
"Will my therapy information be kept confidential?"
Yes. All therapy sessions are completely confidential, with rare exceptions required by law (such as imminent danger to self or others). We understand the importance of privacy and discretion.
"Can I do therapy online effectively?"
Absolutely. Remote therapy is our primary service delivery method and research shows it's just as effective as in-person therapy for most people while offering greater convenience and privacy.
"Do you understand diverse perspectives and challenges?"
Yes. Our practice serves diverse populations with specialized expertise including men's mental health, LGBTQ+ affirming care, and cultural sensitivity training with over 20 years of experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Experiencing

"Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?"
No. Somatic Experiencing focuses on present-moment body sensations rather than trauma narratives. You can heal without retelling traumatic stories.
"What if I don't feel much in my body right now?"
That's common with trauma. Part of SE work involves gently awakening body awareness in a safe, gradual way.
"Is it normal to shake or tremble during sessions?"
Yes, trembling and spontaneous movement are natural discharge responses that help complete interrupted survival responses.
"Can Somatic Experiencing help if my trauma was years ago?"
Absolutely. The body holds trauma regardless of when it occurred, and SE can help resolve old patterns at any time.
"How is this different from massage or bodywork?"
While we work with the body, SE is psychotherapy focused on nervous system regulation rather than physical manipulation.
"Can I do Somatic Experiencing online?"
Yes, many SE techniques work effectively through video sessions, though some clients prefer in-person work initially.

Frequently Asked Questions About Integration Therapy

"Do I really need professional help to integrate my experience?"
While some people can integrate experiences on their own, professional support ensures you get the maximum therapeutic benefit and can safely process any challenging content that arose.
"How soon after my psychedelic session should I start integration?"
Ideally, integration should begin within 24-48 hours while the experience is still fresh, though it's beneficial at any time after your session.
"What if I had a difficult or scary experience?"
Challenging experiences often contain the most valuable insights for healing. Our therapists are specially trained to help you safely process difficult psychedelic content.
"Can integration therapy help with old psychedelic experiences?"
Absolutely. Integration can be valuable for experiences from years ago that still feel unresolved or confusing.
"Is integration therapy confidential?"
Yes. All therapy sessions are completely confidential, and we understand the sensitive nature of psychedelic experiences.

Why Choose Our Counseling and Psychotherapy Services?

Comprehensive Mental Health Expertise

  • Broad understanding of diverse psychological needs and therapeutic approaches
  • Specialized expertise in men's mental health alongside general practice
  • Experience with varied communication styles and therapeutic preferences
  • Culturally sensitive to diverse identity questions in changing social contexts

Proven Track Record of Success

  • 20+ years of successful outcomes under Clinical Director Joseph LaFleur's leadership
  • Thousands of clients helped since 2003 by Joseph and his associate therapist team
  • Evidence-based treatment approaches delivered by qualified mental health professionals
  • Measurable results with regular progress monitoring and treatment adjustments

Comprehensive Mental Health Care

  • Individual, relationship, and group therapy options for diverse needs
  • Traditional and innovative treatment methods including psychedelic-assisted therapy
  • Holistic approach to mental wellness delivered by experienced clinical professionals
  • Integration with other therapeutic specialties for comprehensive treatment

Accessible and Convenient Services

  • Primary focus on remote therapy with limited in-person options available
  • Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends for working professionals
  • Insurance accepted with sliding scale options for financial accessibility
  • Same-week appointments often possible for urgent mental health needs

Have More Questions?

We're here to help answer any questions you have about our services.

Contact Us Today

Call or Text: (202) 641-5335 Email: contact@districtcounseling.com Visit Website

Transform your psychedelic insights into lasting healing with professional integration therapy in Washington, DC and DMV area.