Starting therapy is a meaningful step, and a consultation is an opportunity to see whether a therapist feels like the right fit. However, getting started can be the biggest hurdle—often because many people don’t know what questions to ask during a therapy consultation. At Steffen Counseling Services, we encourage new clients to use this first conversation […]
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 »
If you’ve been feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or emotionally drained, you might be wondering whether you’re experiencing burnout vs depression. While these experiences can feel similar, they are not the same, and understanding the difference can help you get the right kind of support. At Steffen Counseling Services, we often help clients navigate burnout and depression,
Burnout vs Depression: How to Tell the Difference 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 »
If you live with ADHD, you may have been told that the answer is simply to “be more consistent.” In reality, ADHD-friendly routines need to work with your brain, not against it. The best routines are flexible, low-friction, and designed to reduce decision fatigue rather than add more pressure. Why Traditional Routines Often Fail Many
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 »
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May, is a national reminder of the importance of emotional wellbeing, access to therapy, and reducing stigma around mental health care. While awareness has grown in recent years, many people still face barriers to finding affordable, affirming, and effective support. At Steffen Counseling Services (SCS), we view Mental Health
Mental Health Awareness Month: Why It Matters and How to Access Support Read More »
When it comes to sexuality, it’s easy to assume that a lack of interest in sex means the same thing across the board. The topic of asexual vs. low libido comes up frequently as people are trying to make sense of their own experience. While both can involve little or no interest in sex, they
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
