At Steffen Counseling Services, we are proud to share that our practice owner, Brittany Steffen, LMFT, has officially been approved as an AASECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor. This represents years of advanced education, clinical experience, and dedication to helping both clients and clinicians deepen their understanding of sexual health and intimacy. What Is AASECT Sex […]
Valentine’s Day is marketed as a celebration of love, connection, and intimacy—but for many people, it brings more pressure than pleasure. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, this time of year can amplify feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, or tension as cultural expectations collide with personal realities. The Social Script of Valentine’s Day Each February,
Ever wonder how therapists stay calm, centered, and emotionally balanced — even during tough moments? The answer lies in emotion regulation therapy skills: tools we don’t just teach our clients, but actively use ourselves. At Steffen Counseling Services, we view emotion regulation therapy as a collection of strategies that help people understand, manage, and respond
A Therapist’s Toolkit: Inside the World of Emotion Regulation Therapy Read More »
The following is an excerpt from the blog series “A Few Things I Noticed While Trying to Improve Myself” by Mollie Player. Recently, while reading various reactions to Elizabeth Gilbert’s latest (super controversial) book, All the Way to the River, I came across a post that subtly disregarded her readership as “fed up middle-aged women.” It was
You’ve been dating someone with sexual trauma you care about deeply, and things were going well—until a casual touch, a certain word, or even a well-meaning question brought everything to a sudden halt. Your partner froze, pulled away, or left the room. Your heart sinks. You didn’t mean to hurt them. Now what? The moment
What If I Mess Up? How to Repair When Dating Someone With Sexual Trauma Read More »
When you work with a therapist, their goal is to help you heal and grow through the level of care that fits your needs. Sometimes, that care may include stepping into what’s called a higher level of care in therapy. While it can sound intimidating, this step is actually a proactive and supportive way to make
Understanding Referrals to a Higher Level of Care: What It Means and What to Expect Read More »
Why Seattle Winters Hit So Hard Seattle winters bring short days, gray skies, and long stretches indoors, which can quickly intensify low mood, anxiety, and isolation. When you already carry stress or trauma, this seasonal heaviness often lands harder because your nervous system is already working overtime to stay regulated. For many people, winter becomes
Rainy Season, Restless Mind: How EMDR Can Help When Seattle Winters Feels Extra Heavy Read More »
We’re thrilled add Alefia Delhiwala to our team at Steffen Counseling Services as a clinical intern! Alefia is passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families across Washington State, with a special focus on culturally sensitive care, relational dynamics, and personal growth. She offers affordable therapy sessions (between $65–$85 per session) online. Additionally, she accepts
Welcoming Alefia Delhiwala, Clinical Intern, to Our Team Read More »
We’re excited to welcome Bree Mirus to Steffen Counseling Services as our newest clinical intern! Bree is passionate about working with neurodivergent clients, gamers, and couples across Washington State. She offers affordable therapy sessions (between $65–$85 per session) online and in Seattle to make specialized, supportive care accessible to everyone. Her work focuses on helping
Introducing Bree Mirus: New Intern at Steffen Counseling Services Read More »
Intimacy in a relationship goes far beyond the physical aspect; it’s about connecting on a deeper level, sharing desires, and respecting boundaries. For many couples, cultivating this level of connection can be both rewarding and challenging—especially when communication patterns, past experiences, or unspoken expectations get in the way. One effective framework that helps partners reconnect
Enhance Intimacy with Your Partner: The Three-Minute Game to Redefine Pleasure Read More »
