Individual Therapy

A therapy session

A Therapist’s Toolkit: The Therapeutic Relationship & What Makes Therapy Work

When people begin therapy, they often wonder what makes therapy work. Is it the techniques? The diagnosis? The therapist’s training? While all of those matter, research consistently points to one factor above the rest: the therapeutic relationship. What Makes Therapy Work? At its core, therapy works because of the connection between client and therapist. This […]

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GLP-1s, Body Image, and Mental Health: The Weight of Social Judgment

The conversation around GLP-1 medications has become about much more than healthcare. Every day, social media, news headlines, and everyday conversations invite people to weigh in on who “should” take these medications, who “deserves” them, and what they say about the people who use them. Lost in these conversations is something equally important: the emotional

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Alyse Autism Assessments

Adult Autism Evaluations in Seattle Now Available with Alyse Bradway!

If you’ve ever wondered whether autism could explain experiences you’ve had throughout your life, you’re not alone. Many adults are discovering they’re autistic later in life after years of feeling different, misunderstood, or overlooked. At our practice, we’re committed to making the diagnostic process more accessible, respectful, and affirming. We’re excited to share that Alyse

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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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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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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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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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