Sex Therapy

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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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Pride Month and Mental Health: LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy in Seattle

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the resilience, diversity, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ communities in Seattle and beyond. It is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of accessible, affirming mental health care for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Seattle has a vibrant and diverse LGBTQIA+ community, yet many folx still face challenges that impact emotional

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What Consent Really Means: A Practical Guide for Everyday Life

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

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A couple cuddling in bed under the covers, with the male partner kissing the female partner on the forehead

Aftercare in Kink and BDSM: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Do It Well

If you’re exploring kink or BDSM, you’ve probably heard the term “aftercare.” It’s often mentioned as a best practice but in reality, it’s much more than that. Aftercare is a core part of safe, consensual play, and for many people, it’s nonnegotiable. For individuals and partners experimenting with a kink, understanding aftercare is often one

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Can BDSM Be Healing? A Trauma‑Informed Perspective

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

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A couple laying down and looking into each other's eyes

Understanding the Different Types of Intimacy: Physical, Emotional, Sexual, and More

Intimacy is often misunderstood as something purely physical or sexual, but in reality, it’s much broader and more meaningful. Understanding the different types of intimacy can help individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. At Steffen Counseling Services, we often work with clients who want deeper connection but aren’t sure what’s missing. The answer

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Meet Hunter Hansen: Your Kink and Poly-Affirming Therapist in Seattle

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

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Sex Therapy in Seattle: How to Find the Right Therapist for Your Needs

Searching for sex therapy in Seattle can feel overwhelming, especially if you are dealing with shame, anxiety, pain, frustration, or relationship tension. The good news is that Seattle has a strong community of therapists who specialize in sexual health, intimacy, and relationship concerns. If you are looking for help with sexual concerns, it helps to

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Navigating Uncertainty: How Discernment Counseling Helps Seattle Couples Decide Their Next Step

When one partner is leaning out and the other wants to work things out, traditional couples therapy often struggles to meet both partners’ needs. That’s where discernment counseling comes in; a short-term, structured approach designed specifically for Seattle-area couples who feel stuck or unsure whether to stay together or separate. At Steffen Counseling Services in

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