Anxiety and mental health

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Somatic Therapy vs EMDR: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

If you’re looking for trauma therapy, you may have come across somatic therapy vs EMDR and wondered how these approaches differ. Both therapies can help people process difficult experiences, reduce trauma-related symptoms, and develop a greater sense of safety—but they work in different ways. Understanding the differences between somatic therapy and EMDR can help you […]

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How to Find a Therapist: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Mental Health Professional

If you’re wondering how to find a therapist, you’re not alone. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, grief, or simply want support through a life transition, finding the right therapist is one of the most important steps you can take for your mental health. With thousands of individual therapists available online and in

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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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CBT vs. DBT: What’s the Difference and Which One Might Be Right for You?

If you’ve been looking into therapy, you may have already come across the question of CBT vs DBT. These two approaches are related, but they’re not the same, and understanding the difference can help you feel more grounded as you explore your options. Many people don’t know where to start when they’re trying to choose

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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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Neurodivergent-Affirming EMDR: A More Accessible Way to Heal from Trauma

If you’re neurodivergent, you may have heard that EMDR therapy can help with trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. You may also wonder whether it would actually work for you. The short answer is yes: EMDR can support neurodivergent clients in ways that feel safer, more flexible, and more affirming. Neurodivergent-affirming EMDR does not force clients

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What Is Relationship OCD? Understanding ROCD, Symptoms, and Treatment

Every relationship comes with moments of uncertainty. It’s normal to wonder whether you’re making the right decision, whether your relationship will last, or whether you and your partner are truly compatible. Most people experience these thoughts from time to time and are able to move forward without them taking over their lives. For people with

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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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