Individual Therapy

The Amazon Spheres in Seattle

Tech Layoffs in Seattle: How to Cope with Job Loss and Uncertainty

Seattle’s tech industry has long been associated with stability, innovation, and high-paying careers. But in recent years, tech layoffs in Seattle have disrupted that sense of security across companies both large and small. If you’ve been impacted, whether directly or indirectly, you’re not alone. The Emotional Impact of Tech Layoffs Job loss in the tech […]

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Emerson

Meet Emerson: Your Attachment-Focused Therapist in Seattle

We’re excited to welcome Jessica Emerson, LMHCA back to Steffen Counseling Services! Emerson first joined our practice as a clinical intern, and we’re thrilled to celebrate her return as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA). If you’re looking for an attachment-focused therapist in Seattle, Emerson is currently accepting new clients for in-person therapy in

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Captivating view of Seattle skyline and Puget Sound with cloudy sky and lush greenery in the foreground.

Best Questions to Ask During a Therapy Consultation: Guide to Help You Find the Right Therapist

Starting therapy is a meaningful step, and a consultation is an opportunity to see whether a therapist feels like the right fit. However, getting started can be the biggest hurdle—often because many people don’t know what questions to ask during a therapy consultation. At Steffen Counseling Services, we encourage new clients to use this first conversation

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A couple silhouetted by the sunset

Understanding Compulsory Sexuality: Why It Matters for Your Mental Health and Relationships

Compulsory sexuality is the often-unspoken belief that everyone is supposed to experience sexual attraction, desire, and interest in sex—and that these experiences should look a certain way. While this assumption is deeply embedded in many cultures, it can be harmful, especially for individuals whose experiences fall outside these expectations. At Steffen Counseling Services, we specialize

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Three polyamorous partners holding hands

Opening a Relationship: How to Know If You’re Doing It for the Right Reasons

Polyamory and consensual non-monogamy (CNM) are becoming more visible and more widely discussed, but visibility doesn’t always come with clarity. Many couples are curious about opening their relationship, yet not all motivations set them up for success. Understanding why you want to explore polyamory is one of the most important steps in determining whether it

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A shoreline in Seattle looking at an island covered in trees

Burnout vs Depression: How to Tell the Difference

If you’ve been feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or emotionally drained, you might be wondering whether you’re experiencing burnout vs depression. While these experiences can feel similar, they are not the same, and understanding the difference can help you get the right kind of support. At Steffen Counseling Services, we often help clients navigate burnout and depression,

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Commitment to Clarity: Understanding Why We Require a Diagnosis for Insurance Therapy

When you use insurance for therapy, your therapist has to give you a mental health diagnosis and send that to your insurance company so they can decide whether to help pay for your sessions. This diagnosis for insurance therapy piece can feel uncomfortable or confusing, especially if you’re coming in for help with non-diagnosable issues

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Hand holding a Juneteenth flag

Honoring Juneteenth: Mental Health, Reflection, and Collective Healing

Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, marks the end of slavery in the United States and is a day that honors freedom, resilience, and Black history. While it is often celebrated with community, culture, and joy, it can also be a time of reflection and complex emotions. At our therapy practice, we view Juneteenth as an opportunity

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Neurodivergence in Children vs. Adults: What Changes, What Doesn’t, and How Support Needs Evolve

Neurodivergence in children vs adults presents differently across the lifespan, yet it remains a lifelong neurological experience. Conditions such as ADHD and autism often appear more externally in children, while in adults they may be internalized or masked. Understanding how neurodivergence in children vs adults evolves over time can help individuals and families identify the

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A therapist conducting an intake session

What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session (Intake Session Guide)

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it is completely normal to have a mix of emotions before your first therapy session. Many people wonder what will actually happen in that appointment and whether they need to prepare anything in advance. The short answer is: you do not need to have everything figured

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