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 […]
CBT vs. DBT: What’s the Difference and Which One Might Be Right for You? Read More »
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
The Good Enough Sex Model: How Letting Go of Perfection Can Improve Your Sex Life Read More »
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
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
Neurodivergent-Affirming EMDR: A More Accessible Way to Heal from Trauma Read More »
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
What Is Relationship OCD? Understanding ROCD, Symptoms, and Treatment Read More »
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
A Therapist’s Toolkit: The Therapeutic Relationship & What Makes Therapy Work Read More »
Arguments are a normal part of every close relationship. Whether you’re navigating conflict with a partner, family member, or close friend, disagreements don’t automatically damage a relationship. In fact, healthy relationships aren’t defined by never arguing, they’re defined by how people reconnect after an argument or conflict. Conflict repair is the process of rebuilding trust,
How to Reconnect After an Argument: A Therapist’s Guide to Conflict Repair Read More »
The conversation around GLP-1 medications has become about much more than healthcare. Every day, social media, news headlines, and everyday conversations invite people to weigh in on who “should” take these medications, who “deserves” them, and what they say about the people who use them. Lost in these conversations is something equally important: the emotional
GLP-1s, Body Image, and Mental Health: The Weight of Social Judgment Read More »
Relationships naturally go through seasons. Some are filled with connection and ease, while others feel marked by misunderstandings, stress, or distance. When challenges arise, many couples ask themselves the same question: “Is couples therapy right for us?” For some, the answer feels obvious. For many others, it doesn’t. You may wonder whether your problems are
Is Couples Therapy Right for Us? A Self-Assessment Tool Read More »
Seattle’s tech industry has long been associated with stability, innovation, and high-paying careers. But in recent years, tech layoffs in Seattle have disrupted that sense of security across companies both large and small. If you’ve been impacted, whether directly or indirectly, you’re not alone. The Emotional Impact of Tech Layoffs Job loss in the tech
Tech Layoffs in Seattle: How to Cope with Job Loss and Uncertainty Read More »
