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 »
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 »
Neurodivergence in children vs adults presents differently across the lifespan, yet it remains a lifelong neurological experience. Conditions such as ADHD and autism often appear more externally in children, while in adults they may be internalized or masked. Understanding how neurodivergence in children vs adults evolves over time can help individuals and families identify the
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it is completely normal to have a mix of emotions before your first therapy session. Many people wonder what will actually happen in that appointment and whether they need to prepare anything in advance. The short answer is: you do not need to have everything figured
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session (Intake Session Guide) 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
Every year, as the weather warms up, the summer body myth resurfaces. This message shows up in ads, social media, and casual conversations, suggesting that your body needs to change before you’re allowed to enjoy summer, wear certain clothes, or take up space in the world. But the truth is that the summer body myth
The “Summer Body” Myth: You Don’t Need to Change Your Body to Enjoy Your Life 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
