Questions About Starting Therapy? You're Not Alone.
FAQ
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First, know that starting therapy is more common than you might think—and there's no reason to feel nervous. In our first session, we'll talk about what's been going on for you, what you're hoping to get from therapy, and how I can best support you. I'll ask questions to understand your story, and you're welcome to ask me anything about how I work.
Therapy is a conversation, not an interrogation. It's a space where you can be honest, vulnerable, and human—without judgment.
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It depends on what you're working through and what your goals are. Some people come for a few months to navigate a specific challenge, while others stay longer.
I don't believe in keeping you in therapy longer than you need to be. We'll check in regularly about your progress, and when you're ready to wrap up or take a break, we'll talk through that together.
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Talk therapy is what most people think of when they picture therapy—sitting and talking through your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It's valuable, and it's part of what we'll do.
But somatic therapy recognizes that trauma, stress, and emotional pain live in the body, not just the mind. When we're stuck in patterns, overwhelmed, or disconnected from ourselves, our nervous systems are often dysregulated. Somatic work helps you process emotions and experiences through body awareness, movement, and nervous system regulation.
In practice, this might mean paying attention to where you feel tension or emotion in your body, using grounding techniques, or incorporating gentle movement. You won't be asked to do anything that feels uncomfortable—it's about reconnecting with your body as a tool for healing.
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I hear this a lot, and it's a valid concern. Therapy not working often comes down to one of a few things: the approach wasn't the right fit, the therapist didn't go deep enough, or there wasn't a strong connection.
What makes my approach different is that it's not one-size-fits-all. I tailor how we work together based on who you are and what you need. I'm also direct—I'll challenge you when it serves your growth, not just validate you endlessly. And I bring in body-based and creative approaches that go beyond traditional talk therapy.
Many of my clients come to me after trying multiple therapists, and they tell me this is the first time they've felt truly seen and understood.
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No. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I'm not able to prescribe medication. However, if you're interested in exploring medication as part of your treatment, I'm happy to collaborate with your medical providers.
General Questions
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Both! I have offices in McLean and Virginia Beach, and I also offer telehealth sessions throughout Virginia and Maryland. You can choose what works best for you—some clients prefer the structure of coming into an office, while others appreciate the flexibility of meeting online.
For tele-health clients:
You'll need to be physically located in Virginia or Maryland during our sessions—this is a licensing requirement. -
McLean Office: 1479 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101
Virginia Beach Office: 309 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 -
I'm licensed in Virginia and Maryland and work with clients in both states.
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Individual and teen sessions: 45 or 60 minutes, typically weekly
Couples sessions: 75-90 minutes, typically every other week (though we can adjust frequency based on your needs)
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The easiest way to get started is to book a free 15-minute consultation using my online calendar. We'll talk briefly about what you're looking for, and if it feels like a good fit, we'll schedule your first session from there.
You can also reach me by phone at 571-230-2349 or email at lamaestri@icloud.com
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I require 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Life happens, and I understand that—but late cancellations make it difficult to offer that time to someone else who needs it.
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I respond to calls and emails within 24 business hours. If you leave a message after 12:00 PM on Friday, I'll get back to you on Monday.
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I'm a self-pay practice, which means I don't accept insurance. Rates vary depending on session length and type of therapy. We'll discuss fees during your free consultation, and I'll make sure you have all the information you need before we schedule.
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Yes. As a self-pay client, you're entitled to a "Good Faith Estimate" of costs before we begin therapy. I'll provide this during your free consultation or before your first session. If you'd like an estimate sooner, just ask!
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I don't accept insurance directly, but I do provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many clients are able to get partial reimbursement, though coverage varies by plan.
If you're unsure about your benefits, I recommend calling your insurance company and asking about "out-of-network mental health benefits" before we start.
Logistics & Practical Details
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Couples therapy is about learning how to truly hear each other again. I'm an IMAGO-trained therapist, which means I help you slow down, communicate more effectively, and rebuild connection.
Sessions are typically 75-90 minutes and happen every other week (though we can adjust as needed). I work with couples dealing with communication breakdowns, infidelity, disconnection, and life transitions.
I'm honest yet compassionate—I'll challenge patterns that aren't working, but I won't take sides. My goal is to help you both feel seen and supported.
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Trauma therapy is about helping you process difficult experiences in a way that feels safe and manageable. I'm trained in Advanced Trauma Treatment (Levels I & II), and I integrate both talk therapy and somatic approaches.
We'll work at your pace, and I'll never push you to talk about something before you're ready. Trauma healing isn't about reliving the past—it's about helping your nervous system feel safe again so you can move forward.
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Yes. I work with teenagers navigating anxiety, depression, body image issues, trauma, and relationship challenges. Many of the teens I see have been to other therapists who didn't quite connect with them—I'm direct, relatable, and skilled at building trust with young people.
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Yes. I've been specializing in eating disorders and disordered eating for over 20 years. I work with people navigating anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, body dysmorphia, and complicated relationships with food and body image.
My approach goes beyond food and weight—it's about addressing the underlying trauma, anxiety, and disconnection that drive disordered eating. I use a combination of talk therapy and somatic work to help you heal your relationship with your body.
Specific Services
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The free 15-minute consultation is a low-pressure conversation where we talk about what's been going on for you and whether I'm the right fit. You can ask me any questions about my approach, and I'll let you know if I think I can help. If we both agree it's a good match, we'll schedule your first session.
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Yes! I'm currently accepting new clients for individual, teen, and couples therapy.
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That's completely understandable—and very common. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable. But here's the thing: you don't have to have it all figured out before we start. You just have to show up, and we'll figure out the rest together.
If it helps, start with the free consultation. It's just a conversation—no commitment, no pressure.
About Getting Started
CRISIS DISCLAIMER
If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) or 911, or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
My office is not equipped for crisis intervention or emergency services. Email and phone messages are not monitored 24/7, so please don't rely on them if you need immediate help.
If you're an established client experiencing a crisis, please follow the safety plan we've created together or use the emergency resources above.
Additional Crisis Resources:
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Emergency Services: 911
Additional Resources
Still have questions?
If you didn't find the answer you were looking for, I'm happy to talk. Reach out by phone, email, or schedule a free consultation—I'm here to help.