Love is a beautiful thing, and there’s nothing more amazing than feeling the bond you share with your partner get stronger. If you’re in a happy relationship, you can keep it that way by introducing a few new things into your relationship. Here are 6 evidence-based approaches that will help you enjoy a more fulfilling […]
Valentine’s Date Ideas in Downtown Downers Grove
As a couples counselor at Solid Foundations Therapy in Downers Grove, I encourage couples every day to stop and schedule time to connect. There’s nothing magic about Valentine’s Day—but it’s good to have a reason to get out and spend time together! And if you know Valentine’s Day is important to your partner, that’s an […]
Feeling Angry and Frustrated With Your Partner? These Tips May Help
A lot of couples who come to Solid Foundations Therapy for counseling usually cite frustration with their partner as one of the major issues they face. We have found that often times this frustration stems from unmet expectations. Expectations play a huge role in life and relationship satisfaction. Whenever our expectations are met we are […]
5 Important Relationship Questions You Need to Answer
You’ve probably heard this a thousand times, but here it is again: Relationships are tough and they require constant work. In my office in Downers Grove I have a quote on a wall from Theodore Roosevelt that states “Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort”. I’m consistently referencing it with my clients. To have […]
Why Anger is Different from Other Emotions
Of all the emotions, anger is perhaps the one that most people have the hardest time dealing with. That’s most likely because anger is not like the other emotions. It is unique. In fact, a 2017 survey by the Mental Health Foundation of 2000 people found that 28% are sometimes worried about the level of anger that […]
3 Ways to Build Intimacy with Your Partner
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is famous for having said, “Into each life some rain must fall,” meaning life is always going to throw us some heartache. This same sentiment can be said about relationships. It’s impossible to consistently be at a ten in relationship satisfaction. Into each relationship some irritability, frustration and overall blah-ness tends to […]
3 Ways to Communicate Better With Your Partner
If you’ve ever been in a romantic relationship, you know firsthand how frustrating it can be. Once two people start sharing more and more time together, perhaps even begin living under the same roof, arguments are bound to happen from time to time. Sure, you both started out on your best behavior – you both […]
3 Essential Listening Skills to Improve Your Relationship
Poor communication is one of the most common answers we get from clients about why they are seeking therapy. Good communication is one of the most important aspects of a healthy relationship. When both partners understand how to communicate properly, they feel loved, connected and secure. But when effective communication is lacking, both people can […]
5 Ways Codependence Can Be Overcome
Do you find you accept responsibility for a loved one’s emotions or actions? Are you constantly trying to please others? Do you neglect your own needs and have difficulty setting realistic personal boundaries? Do you often feel resentful yet have difficulty stepping away from a dysfunctional relationship? These are some of the symptoms of codependency. […]
How to Get the Most Out of Couples Therapy
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I often have a front row seat to relationship miracles. Well, okay, there are no miracles really. The fact is “fixing” a relationship takes work. It takes two people wanting it to work and then putting in the effort. Having said that, I have seen couples go from nearly ending it to […]
