Joseph W. LaFleur
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, MSW, LICSW, DWTF, SEP, C-PATP
Online in Multiple States
Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, D.C.
(Online Only)
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're navigating complex emotions, identity questions, or past trauma. I'm Joseph LaFleur, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and the clinical director of District Counseling and Psychotherapy, serving clients throughout DC, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, and New York.
**My Approach**
I specialize in helping men who often feel pressure to "have it together" find space to process what's really going on beneath the surface. Many of my clients come to me after years of pushing through—only to realize that approach isn't sustainable. Whether you're working through relationship challenges, career stress, depression, anxiety, or the aftermath of trauma, I offer a grounded, direct therapeutic style that respects your time and intelligence.
As an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I work extensively with gay, bisexual, and queer men navigating identity, relationships, and the unique stressors that come with living authentically in a world that doesn't always make that easy. My practice is a space where you can show up exactly as you are.
**Specialized Training**
Beyond traditional talk therapy, I'm trained in Somatic Experiencing (SEP), which addresses how trauma lives in the body—not just the mind. For clients interested in emerging treatments, I'm also a Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Provider (CPTAP), offering psychedelic integration therapy to help you make meaning from transformative experiences with ketamine, psilocybin, or other medicines.
**What to Expect**
I believe therapy works best when it's collaborative and practical. You won't find endless reflection without direction here. Together, we'll identify what's keeping you stuck and build concrete strategies for lasting change—while honoring the deeper emotional work that real transformation requires.
If you're ready to invest in yourself, I'd welcome the opportunity to connect.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Group, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen
Demographic Expertise: LGBTQ+, Men clients.
Treatment Approach
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Psychoanalytic Therapy Based on Freud’s theories, it explores unconscious conflicts and past experiences. It seeks to bring hidden issues into awareness.
- Psychodynamic Therapy Explores unconscious thoughts and patterns that influence current behavior. It builds insight into how the past impacts the present.
- Self Psychology Explores the development of self-esteem and identity. It emphasizes the importance of empathy in healing.
- Somatic Therapy Helps clients notice how emotions are stored in the body. It uses breath, movement, and awareness for healing trauma and stress.
Approach Description: I am a dedicated therapist & social worker who treats each individual client with care, respect, and very specific treatment approaches in order to suit your particular needs. Some approaches include: Psychoanalytic, Psychodynamic, Relational Therapy
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee Private session: $205+, Group session: $65+
- Accepts Insurance
- In-network with CareFirst, Optum or UHS, Cigna
Education & Credentials
Joseph W. LaFleur MSW, LICSW, DWTF, SEP, C-PATP
- Male
- License # LC3000819
- Licensed in District of Columbia
- Practicing Since 2000
Education: MSW: Master of Social Work degree-Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Washington Center for Psychoanalysis: Certificate training in Modern Perspectives in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
LICSW
MBA: Trinity University, Washington, DC
Joseph W. LaFleur Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available Online for residents of Multiple States Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, D.C.
- Online Therapy Details: ZOOM OR TELEHEALTH PORTAL
"We're a diverse collective of experienced therapists who listen first and understand second. With empathy as our hallmark, we meet you exactly where you are in your journey.
Our team brings together over 20 years of combined expertise across cutting-edge approaches — from traditional psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy to innovative psychedelic-assisted therapy and somatic experiencing. We're certified in specialized treatments including trauma processing, shame resilience, and mindfulness-based interventions.
What makes us different? We're not just therapists — we're real people who've navigated corporate stress, life transitions, and personal growth ourselves. Our bilingual capabilities, LGBTQ+ affirmative practice, and deep understanding of multicultural experiences mean we truly get the complexities of modern life.
Whether you're a young professional battling imposter syndrome, someone exploring your identity, managing anxiety or depression, or ready to heal from trauma, we create a safe space where your inner wisdom can emerge. We combine evidence-based techniques with collaborative, solution-focused approaches that help you develop practical tools for lasting change.
We believe in your capacity to heal, and we're here to walk alongside you — not ahead of you — as you discover your authentic, fulfilling life. Ready to take that brave first step?"