Every year, as the weather warms up, the summer body myth resurfaces. This message shows up in ads, social media, and casual conversations, suggesting that your body needs to change before you’re allowed to enjoy summer, wear certain clothes, or take up space in the world. But the truth is that the summer body myth […]
The “Summer Body” Myth: You Don’t Need to Change Your Body to Enjoy Your Life Read More »
If you live with ADHD, you may have been told that the answer is simply to “be more consistent.” In reality, ADHD-friendly routines need to work with your brain, not against it. The best routines are flexible, low-friction, and designed to reduce decision fatigue rather than add more pressure. Why Traditional Routines Often Fail Many
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are often framed as a time of joy and connection. For many people, parts of this are true. At the same time, this season can also bring emotional strain, unexpected distress, and a sense of disorientation. If that’s been your experience, you’re not alone. Prenatal and perinatal mental health concerns
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the resilience, diversity, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ communities in Seattle and beyond. It is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of accessible, affirming mental health care for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Seattle has a vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community, yet many folx still face challenges that impact emotional
Pride Month and Mental Health: LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy in Seattle Read More »
When you’re living with depression, chronic illness, pain, or disability, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming or even impossible. That’s where daily living hacks can help. These small adaptations and alternatives are designed to make hygiene, eating, cleaning, and connection more manageable when your energy, motivation, or capacity is limited. There is no single correct way
Gentle Daily Living Hacks for Depression, Chronic Illness, and More Read More »
Consent is more than just saying “yes.” It’s an ongoing, informed, and freely given agreement that can be changed at any time. In therapy, relationships, and daily life, clear consent creates safety, clarity, and trust. Why Consent Matters Consent is often discussed in sexual contexts, but it applies much more broadly. It shows up in
What Consent Really Means: A Practical Guide for Everyday Life Read More »
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the same relationship patterns, feeling anxious, avoidant, or disconnected, you’re not alone. Many of these patterns are rooted in early attachment experiences. Attachment-based therapy helps you understand those patterns and create more secure, fulfilling relationships. At Steffen Counseling Services, we use attachment-focused approaches to help individuals and couples
Understanding Attachment-Based Therapy: Healing Relationship Patterns at the Root Read More »
For many people, BDSM is misunderstood, often reduced to stereotypes about pain, control, or dysfunction. But in reality, consensual kink can be deeply intentional, relational, and, for some individuals, even healing. If you’ve ever wondered whether BDSM can support trauma recovery, the answer is nuanced: it can be healing for some people, but it depends
Can BDSM Be Healing? A Trauma‑Informed Perspective Read More »
Attachment patterns can shape the way we connect, communicate, and respond to closeness in relationships. For many people, these patterns show up most clearly in moments of stress, uncertainty, or vulnerability; when the nervous system is doing its best to protect connection. At Steffen Counseling Services, we often look at attachment not as a fixed
A Therapist’s Toolkit: How Attachment Patterns Show Up in Relationships Read More »
We’re thrilled to welcome Hunter Hansen (Her/Him) to our practice as our newest clinical intern! Hunter brings an affirming, relational, and creative approach to therapy. She has a special focus on polyamory, ethical non-monogamy (ENM), kink, LGBTQIA+ identities, neurodivergence, and nontraditional relationship structures. As a creative arts therapist, Hunter helps clients explore who they are
Meet Hunter Hansen: Your Kink and Poly-Affirming Therapist in Seattle Read More »
