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Sex and Sensory Issues: How Sensory Sensitivities Affect Intimacy

Couples Therapy, Low Cost, Sex Therapy /

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 […]

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A couple cuddling in bed under the covers, with the male partner kissing the female partner on the forehead

Aftercare in Kink and BDSM: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Do It Well

Couples Therapy, Low Cost, Sex Therapy /

If you’re exploring kink or BDSM, you’ve probably heard the term “aftercare.” It’s often mentioned as a best practice but in reality, it’s much more than that. Aftercare is a core part of safe, consensual play, and for many people, it’s nonnegotiable. For individuals and partners experimenting with a kink, understanding aftercare is often one

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A couple laying down and looking into each other's eyes

Understanding the Different Types of Intimacy: Physical, Emotional, Sexual, and More

Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy /

Intimacy is often misunderstood as something purely physical or sexual, but in reality, it’s much broader and more meaningful. Understanding the different types of intimacy can help individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. At Steffen Counseling Services, we often work with clients who want deeper connection but aren’t sure what’s missing. The answer

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Important Update: 2026 Therapy Rate Changes at Steffen Counseling Services

General, Individual Therapy, Licensed Associates, Premera /

At Steffen Counseling Services, we’re committed to providing accessible and high-quality mental health care for our Seattle and Portland communities. To continue offering excellent support for both clients and our dedicated therapy team, we’ll be updating our session rates effective April 13th, 2026. In this post, we’ll more about these upcoming therapy rate changes and answer questions you

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a couple embracing with a flare of sunlight shining through the door behind them

Hidden Signs of Desire: What Your Partner Wants (Beyond “More Sex”)

Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy /

Signs of desire show up in so many quiet ways before anyone says, “We should have more sex.” In fact, for a lot of couples, sex isn’t actually the problem. Instead, sex is the place where disconnection, stress, and old hurts eventually become too hard to ignore. Desire Is About More Than “Enough Sex” In

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Kink‑Affirming Therapy in Seattle: Exploring Desire, Consent, and Connection

Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy /

Curiosity about kink or BDSM can be a powerful part of intimacy and self‑exploration, yet many people feel confused, ashamed, or afraid of judgment when they start to notice these interests. Our culture often sends mixed messages about sexuality, framing kink as risky or unhealthy rather than recognizing it as a valid form of expression

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scrabble tiles on a table with the words "love" and "Sex" spelled out

Why Lube Matters: A Sex‑Therapy‑Informed Guide to Using Lubrication (and When It Helps)

Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy /

In sex therapy, one of the first topics that surprises many people is lube—short for lubrication. It might seem like a small detail, something you pick up at a drugstore or forget in a drawer. But in reality, lube can profoundly change how people experience intimacy, connection, and comfort during sexual activity. The Role of

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Seattle skyline against a pink sunset

Empowering Connection and Clinical Excellence: AASECT Supervision and Sex Therapy in Seattle

Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy /

At Steffen Counseling Services, we are proud to share that our practice owner, Brittany Steffen, LMFT, has officially been approved as an AASECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor. This represents years of advanced education, clinical experience, and dedication to helping both clients and clinicians deepen their understanding of sexual health and intimacy. What Is AASECT Sex

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a couple riding bikes silhouetted against the sunset

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

Couples Therapy /

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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