Relationships naturally go through seasons. Some are filled with connection and ease, while others feel marked by misunderstandings, stress, or distance. When challenges arise, many couples ask themselves the same question: “Is couples therapy right for us?” For some, the answer feels obvious. For many others, it doesn’t. You may wonder whether your problems are […]
Is Couples Therapy Right for Us? A Self-Assessment Tool Read More »
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
Tech Layoffs in Seattle: How to Cope with Job Loss and Uncertainty Read More »
A lot of people enter relationships with good intentions but very little structure. That can lead to misunderstandings, repeated conflict, and a vague sense that something important is missing. Creating a relationship vision can help you name what you want, how you want to treat each other, and what kind of connection you are trying
Creating Your Relationship Vision: A Guide for Couples, Friends, and ENM Relationships Read More »
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
Parenting and family dynamics are shaped by more than personal preference. They are influenced by the family rules, cultural expectations, and emotional lessons that are passed down from one generation to the next. In therapy, these inherited patterns often show up in the way families communicate, set boundaries, manage conflict, and express care. Today, many
Parenting and Family Dynamics: Exploring Generational Differences in Therapy Read More »
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
Many women have been told—directly or indirectly—that pain during sex is just part of the experience. Whether it comes from media, past partners, cultural messaging, or even inadequate sex education, this belief is widespread. But it is also deeply misleading and, for many, harmful. Pain during sex may be common, but it is not normal.
The Myth That Pain During Sex Is “Normal” (And How Therapy Can Help) Read More »
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
Opening a Relationship: How to Know If You’re Doing It for the Right Reasons Read More »
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,
Burnout vs Depression: How to Tell the Difference Read More »
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
Commitment to Clarity: Understanding Why We Require a Diagnosis for Insurance Therapy Read More »
