Sex Therapy

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Signs of Repressed Sexual Trauma: Understanding Hidden Effects and When to Seek Support

Sexual trauma can have lasting effects that aren’t always immediately recognizable. For some people, traumatic experiences are remembered clearly. For others, memories may feel fragmented, vague, or difficult to access. This can leave survivors wondering why they struggle with anxiety, relationships, or emotional reactions without understanding the underlying cause. At Steffen Counseling Services, we understand […]

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How Much Is Couples Therapy? Pricing, Insurance, and What to Expect

If you’ve started looking for support in your relationship, you may be asking: how much is couples therapy? That is a very normal question. The cost depends on a few factors, including the therapist’s experience, session length, and whether you work with a clinical intern or a licensed provider. At Steffen Counseling Services, we offer

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The Good Enough Sex Model: How Letting Go of Perfection Can Improve Your Sex Life

If you’ve ever worried that your sex life isn’t exciting enough, frequent enough, or “good enough,” you’re not alone. Many people feel pressure to measure their intimate relationships against unrealistic standards shaped by movies, social media, pornography, or cultural expectations. The Good Enough Sex Model offers a different perspective. Rather than striving for perfect sexual

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Gender-Affirming Therapy Seattle: How We Create an Inclusive Therapy Experience from Intake to Follow-Up

If you’re searching for gender-affirming therapy in Seattle, finding a therapist who truly understands and respects your identity is essential. At Steffen Counseling Services, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care for transgender, nonbinary, gender-diverse, and questioning individuals. From your very first interaction with our practice to your ongoing therapy sessions, we

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Creating Your Relationship Vision: A Guide for Couples, Friends, and ENM Relationships

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

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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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The Myth That Pain During Sex Is “Normal” (And How Therapy Can Help)

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.

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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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Sex and Sensory Issues: How Sensory Sensitivities Affect Intimacy

Sex is often talked about as something that should feel natural, pleasurable, and connecting. But for many people, sensory experiences during sex—like touch, sound, smell, or even visual input—can feel overwhelming, uncomfortable, or distracting. If that’s true for you, you’re not alone, and there’s nothing “wrong” with you. At Steffen Counseling Services, we often work

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PREPARE/ENRICH Group for Couples at Steffen Counseling Services

Make Your Marriage Unbreakable Planning a wedding is exciting, but preparing for marriage is about much more than choosing a venue or writing vows. Premarital therapy gives couples a chance to strengthen their relationship before marriage by building communication skills, exploring shared values, and talking through the topics that matter most in long-term partnerships. At

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