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 »
Mother’s Day is often portrayed as a time of gratitude, celebration, and connection. For many, it can be a meaningful opportunity to honor a loving relationship. But for others, Mother’s Day brings up something far more complicated, grief, ambivalence, resentment, longing, or even relief. If you’ve been wondering how to cope with complex feelings about
How to Cope With Complex Feelings About Mother’s Day Read More »
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May, is a national reminder of the importance of emotional wellbeing, access to therapy, and reducing stigma around mental health care. While awareness has grown in recent years, many people still face barriers to finding affordable, affirming, and effective support. At Steffen Counseling Services (SCS), we view Mental Health
Mental Health Awareness Month: Why It Matters and How to Access Support Read More »
When it comes to sexuality, it’s easy to assume that a lack of interest in sex means the same thing across the board. The topic of asexual vs. low libido comes up frequently as people are trying to make sense of their own experience. While both can involve little or no interest in sex, they
If you live in Seattle, you know how long winters can feel. Short days, gray skies, and a steady drizzle that makes staying inside (and in your head) a little too easy. By the time the city finally starts to green up again, many people are carrying an emotional residue that no one warned them
Emotional and Relational Spring Cleaning: Letting Go After Seattle’s Gray Winter Read More »
Each April, Autism Awareness Month invites us to pause and reflect on how we understand and support individuals on the autism spectrum. In recent years, there has been an important shift from simply raising awareness to genuine acceptance. This shift matters. Awareness acknowledges that autism exists, acceptance asks us to respond with respect, curiosity, and
Autism Acceptance Month: Supporting Neurodiversity in Individuals, Couples, and Families Read More »
