Solid Foundations Therapy, Inc

09/09/2026

When anger takes over a relationship conflict, the argument often stays focused on what was said instead of what is actually hurting.

Anger can act as a protective emotion, covering feelings such as hurt, fear, rejection, or feeling unimportant. Identifying the softer emotion underneath can make it easier to explain what you need without attacking your partner.

In this blog, SFT therapist Sarah Davidson, MFT, LPC, explains how “I feel” statements can lower defensiveness and shift a conversation away from blame.

Read the full blog: https://www.solidfoundationstherapy.com/blogs/getting-to-the-heart-of-anger-in-relationships

09/08/2026

What can you do when you want couples counseling, but your partner is not ready?

Pushing harder often makes the conversation feel like another conflict to win. This resource offers eight ways to approach the topic more productively, including choosing the right time, explaining what you hope will change, and listening to your partner’s concerns.

The goal is not to force agreement. It is to make room for an honest conversation about what each of you needs and what is getting in the way.

Read the full resource: https://www.ourrelationship.com/the-therapy-talk-8-ways-to-convince-your-spouse-to-go-to-couples-counseling/

Having a hard time convincing your partner to try out counseling for husband and wife? Check these 9 ways to help them see the value of it.

09/07/2026

Do you tend to answer your partner immediately, even when you know you are too upset to respond thoughtfully?

This week’s therapy tip from SFT therapist Dalton Swaino, ALMFT, is to respond rather than react. When emotions are high, an automatic response can escalate the conflict before either person feels heard.

Try saying, “I want to answer this thoughtfully. Can I take a few minutes and come back to it?” A brief, clearly communicated pause can give you time to organize your thoughts without abandoning the conversation.

Slowing the exchange down can create more room for clarity and reduce avoidable conflict.

Learn more or request an appointment: https://www.solidfoundationstherapy.com/appointment-request

09/03/2026

Trauma may become part of your story, but it does not have to define every chapter that follows.

Moving forward is rarely a straight line. It can involve understanding how past experiences still shape your reactions, building a greater sense of safety, and practicing new ways of responding when old patterns appear.

Change does not erase what happened. It can help you have more choice in how you relate to yourself, other people, and the future.

Learn more about therapy at https://www.solidfoundationstherapy.com/appointment-request

09/02/2026

We currently have evening and weekend appointments appointments, but not for long.

Fall is when therapy schedules fill up fast. Kids go back to school, routines reset, and a lot of people finally have room to focus on themselves again, which means our evening and weekend slots go quickly this time of year.

Right now we have openings outside the typical nine to five, both in person in Downers Grove and virtual across Illinois. If you've been waiting for the right time to start, this is it.

We want to be able to get you started at your preferred.

📞 630-633-8532 ext. 1
📧 [email protected]
👉 Schedule an appointment: solidfoundationstherapy.com

09/01/2026

Creativity, adventure, and time outdoors are a few of the things that help Victoria Mahoney, LMFT, feel most like herself.

Outside of the therapy room, Victoria enjoys drawing, writing, fashion, staying active, and exploring the outdoors. This mix of creativity and curiosity offers a glimpse of the person behind the therapist.

Learn more about Victoria: https://www.solidfoundationstherapy.com/victoria-meeks-almft

08/31/2026

Are you in the thick of driving your kids to practice and games.

We know it's a large commitment, one your kids probably don't full appreciate as much as they should.

Bellow is another great blog from the team at Spilling Goodness on tips for managing those busy sport schedules.

https://www.spillinggoodness.com/post/how-do-you-manage-kids-sports-schedules

08/31/2026

This week’s therapy tip from SFT therapist Victoria Mahoney, LMFT, reminds us that our triggers can be our greatest teachers.

Emotional triggers often point to unresolved experiences, unmet needs, or areas that deserve greater attention and healing. Rather than judging your reactions, approaching them with curiosity can provide valuable insight, increase self-awareness, and support meaningful personal growth.

Small moments of self-reflection can make a meaningful difference in fostering healing, resilience, and emotional wellness. 💙

08/26/2026

Boundaries are not about pushing people away. They are about protecting yourself and your relationships from the resentment that builds when needs go unmet and unspoken.

In this Therapy Moment, Victoria Mahoney, LMFT breaks down two practical ways to set boundaries most people overlook: negotiation and behavioral adjustment. No announcements required. No conflict necessary. Just clear, flexible limits that actually work in real relationships.

08/25/2026

Have you ever had one awkward interaction completely erase an otherwise good day?

Maybe your boss says, "Can we chat tomorrow?" and suddenly you're mentally updating your résumé. Or you send a text, don't get a response for two hours, and somehow your brain has decided the friendship is over.

The important thing to remember is that your brain isn’t the enemy, even though it may sometimes feel like it is. This is probably my favorite part to teach. I don't want clients fighting with their brains. Your brain is on your team.

It's just...an overprotective teammate.

Keep reading for the kinds of skills we teach in individual therapy at Solid Foundations Therapy: concrete tools you can use between sessions when your brain starts running laps.

📞 Visit Solid Foundations Therapy Appointment Request to schedule your first appointment.

Therapist Robyn Ashbaugh explains negativity bias, why your brain clings to bad moments, and five practical ways to work with your brain instead of against it.