Brittany Steckel, MFTC, NCC is the owner of Steckel Family Therapy in Colorado. She received her Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Denver Family Institute. In private practice, she offers both in-person counseling and teletherapy.
What’s your therapy philosophy?
I believe that people live their lives in relationship with other people and that no one is an island. Our relationships shape how we engage with the rest of our lives, form a safe base to return to after a stressful time/day, and provide everyone a jumping block from which they move throughout the world. Therefore, I want to really help people form the best relationships with those closest to them. I utilize an attachment lens and really view how people react and respond from the idea that they are acting from a place of unmet needs and wants. Most "negative" behaviors can be broken down this way and provide opportunity for repair and connection when reframed.
What do you specialize in?
I specialize in working with couples. I love working with premarital couples as their joy often bubbles over and they are trying to set the best foundation they can for their relationship. I also work with couples who are feeling stuck and withdrawn, like they've been hitting a wall in their relationship, and don't know what else to try. I enjoy working with LGBTQ, ethnically and culturally diverse couples. Lastly, I enjoy working with couples where one or more partners struggle with ADHD symptoms as that can bring some unique elements into the relationship.
On another note, I also love working with adult children and their parents to repair relationships that have been strained. Sometimes this comes up when these children have kids of their own and dynamics have to shift, or sometimes these concerns and difficulties have been present for a long time.
What are three adjectives that describe you as a therapist?
Caring, Genuine, and a great listener (and asker of good questions)
What’s one thing you feel could be better understood about therapy?
Therapy/Healing is a process and it takes time for it to come together. Find a therapist that you feel safe and connected with (who also challenges you) and take the journey one step at a time. You may be ready to work on one part of the problem, and that's okay. You can start at whatever pace you need and expand your goals/focus as you continue.
What’s a therapy tool you use yourself?
I am going through IFS with my own therapist and am enjoying learning different parts of myself and forming a healthier relationship to those parts.
I also use some journaling, music and dancing as mindfulness tools, and often practice deep breathing when I'm stressed or feeling "off."
What’s one thing you might share to someone who has never been to therapy?
Biggest factor is your relationship with your therapist, so find someone that you like, feel comfortable with, and are okay with sharing deep stuff (when you are ready). Figuring out if the relationship is working takes time to learn sometimes, so give it a couple of sessions, but don't be afraid to ask for referrals or find someone else if you don't feel connected. Your therapist won't blame you and wants you to get the care and help you need!
What’s a common misconception about therapy?
You only need therapy when things are going "really bad." Therapy can be for skill building, for figuring out what comes next, for talking through your relationship dynamics when you just want them to be a bit better, and for most times when you just need someone impartial to talk through. Going to therapy does not mean that you failed, it shows that you are asking for help! (Which is also not a bad thing!!) Counseling before things get bad is so much easier than after the shit hits the fan.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Therapy is hard and brave work, but so worth it!! You can learn more about yourself through one hour a week of therapy for two months than most people learn in 5 years! And know that starting therapy is hard for everyone, even therapists.
How do we contact you?
Website: www.steckelfamilytherapy.com