couples therapist Seattle

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Understanding Nontraditional Grief: When Loss Doesn’t Fit the Expected Story

What is nontraditional grief? When most people think of grief, they picture mourning a clear, traditional loss—like the death of a loved one. Yet grief often appears in less recognized ways. Nontraditional grief, sometimes called disenfranchised grief, happens when we experience a loss that others may not view as significant or worthy of mourning. These […]

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Setting Healthy Boundaries: Practical Advice for Couples, Families, and Individuals

In therapy, we often say that healthy boundaries are an act of self-respect. They protect our time, energy, and emotional well-being—and they create strong, balanced relationships. Yet for many people, the word boundaries can feel intimidating. Where do we even start? How do we set them without guilt or conflict? Whether you’re navigating relationships as

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Valentine’s Day Pressure: Understanding the Emotional and Relationship Expectations of the Season

Valentine’s Day is marketed as a celebration of love, connection, and intimacy—but for many people, it brings more pressure than pleasure. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, this time of year can amplify feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, or tension as cultural expectations collide with personal realities. The Social Script of Valentine’s Day Each February,

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What If I Mess Up? How to Repair When Dating Someone With Sexual Trauma

You’ve been dating someone with sexual trauma you care about deeply, and things were going well—until a casual touch, a certain word, or even a well-meaning question brought everything to a sudden halt. Your partner froze, pulled away, or left the room. Your heart sinks. You didn’t mean to hurt them. Now what? The moment

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Welcoming Alefia Delhiwala, Clinical Intern, to Our Team

We’re thrilled add Alefia Delhiwala to our team at Steffen Counseling Services as a clinical intern! Alefia is passionate about working with individuals, couples, and families across Washington State, with a special focus on culturally sensitive care, relational dynamics, and personal growth. She offers affordable therapy sessions (between $65–$85 per session) online. Additionally, she accepts

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Enhance Intimacy with Your Partner: The Three-Minute Game to Redefine Pleasure

Intimacy in a relationship goes far beyond the physical aspect; it’s about connecting on a deeper level, sharing desires, and respecting boundaries. For many couples, cultivating this level of connection can be both rewarding and challenging—especially when communication patterns, past experiences, or unspoken expectations get in the way. One effective framework that helps partners reconnect

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Money and Emotional Well-Being: How Financial Therapy Strengthens Mental Health and Relationships

Money is one of the most common sources of stress in both personal life and relationships. Whether it’s arguments about spending, guilt over debt, or financial shame, these issues often reveal something deeper than numbers. They reflect long-held emotions, beliefs, and experiences. Ultimately, financial therapy bridges the gap between emotional health and financial habits, helping

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Meet Anna Stevens LMFTA — Marriage and Family Therapist at Steffen Counseling Services

Allow Us to Reintroduce Anna Stevens, LMFTA We’re excited to celebrate the transition of Anna Stevens, previously a clinical intern, into her new full-time role as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate with Steffen Counseling Services! Anna brings a grounded, relational presence to her sessions—defined by warmth, empathy, and curiosity. Her integrative approach reflects a deep

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Introducing Savannah Travis: New Intern at Steffen Counseling Services

We’re thrilled to welcome Savannah Travis to our team at Steffen Counseling Services. Savannah works with individuals, couples, and families, offering a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for those seeking deeper connection and emotional healing. She brings a special focus to work involving chronic illness, gut disorders, LGBTQIA+ identities, and nervous system dysregulation. With warmth and presence,

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