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 »
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 »
Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, marks the end of slavery in the United States and is a day that honors freedom, resilience, and Black history. While it is often celebrated with community, culture, and joy, it can also be a time of reflection and complex emotions. At our therapy practice, we view Juneteenth as an opportunity
Honoring Juneteenth: Mental Health, Reflection, and Collective Healing Read More »
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
Sex and Sensory Issues: How Sensory Sensitivities Affect Intimacy Read More »
Many people come to therapy wondering how to heal shame and feel more at ease with themselves. Shame is one of the most powerful, and often most hidden, emotions we experience. It can shape how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how safe we feel in our own bodies. In therapy, working
A Therapist’s Toolkit: Practical Tips on How to Heal Shame Read More »
Getting married is one of life’s biggest transitions. While it’s often filled with excitement and anticipation, it can also bring up important conversations about communication, finances, family dynamics, and long-term goals. Premarital counseling offers a supportive space to explore these topics and build a strong foundation for your relationship. In this guide, we’ll walk through
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are often framed as a time of joy and connection. For many people, parts of this are true. At the same time, this season can also bring emotional strain, unexpected distress, and a sense of disorientation. If that’s been your experience, you’re not alone. Prenatal and perinatal mental health concerns
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
PREPARE/ENRICH Group for Couples at Steffen Counseling Services Read More »
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
Pride Month and Mental Health: LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy in Seattle Read More »
