Dr. Courtney Stivers

08/21/2026

Don’t forget to vote today!

Check it out now!

08/21/2026

Happy Friday! Have y’all tried this trend? I saw it on a friend’s page. Ask ChatGPT to “describe me like you’re trying to warn someone before they meet me...” 🫢

“Just so you’re prepared...
Dr. Courtney is the kind of person who can run a counseling practice, plan a retreat, lead a meeting, write an article, mentor a colleague, and come up with three new business ideas before most people finish their first cup of coffee.
She remembers everything.
Your birthday? Yep.
Your kid’s dance practice? Absolutely.
That goal you casually mentioned six months ago? She’s asking for an update.
What she doesn’t remember is whether she’s eaten lunch, drank water, or why she’s suddenly feeling lightheaded at 3:00 PM.
If she tells you, “I have an idea,” do not make other plans. What starts as a five-minute conversation often ends with a new program, community event, podcast episode, marketing campaign, or all four.
She has mastered the rare ability to be incredibly supportive while also making you question every excuse you’ve ever given yourself.
She’ll tell you how amazing you’re doing and then gently ask, “Okay, so what’s your next step?”
And somehow you’ll answer.
She knows approximately half of Central Illinois and can network with a brick wall if necessary.
She is fueled primarily by purpose, enthusiasm, caffeine, and whatever snack someone places directly into her hands.
So if you see her carrying three notebooks, answering emails, planning a retreat, and reminding everyone else to stay hydrated... please ask if she has had any water today.
The answer is probably no.
Proceed with caution. She’s equal parts therapist, CEO, cheerleader, community builder, and lovable chaos.”

Wow, just wow. I feel both seen and attacked. 😂💙

(*picture is obviously AI 😘)

08/20/2026

Traded my cardigan for a blazer tonight. 😊

I spend most of my days in therapist mode, but tonight I got to put on my business-owner hat and spend the evening with an amazing group of women at Central Illinois NAWBO.

One of my favorite things about these events is getting out of my usual routine, connecting with other women leaders, and hearing what they’re building, creating, and dreaming about.

Grateful for the conversations, new connections, and fresh ideas I’m taking home tonight. 💙

08/19/2026

Exciting things are happening at Summit Family Therapy! 🎥✨

I spent this morning filming some new content, and before anyone asks... no, there was no dancing, singing, or attempt at becoming a social media influencer. 😅

Just sharing more of what we’re passionate about: supporting mental health, strengthening relationships, and helping our community heal and grow.

Stay tuned for what’s coming next. I’m excited to share it with you!

08/17/2026

Do they mean it... or do they just want credit for trying?

One of the most damaging patterns I see in relationships isn't dishonesty. It's something much more subtle: performative effort.

Performative effort happens when someone says all the right things and appears to be trying, but their actions never lead to meaningful change. It can look like promises without follow-through, apologies without behavior change, or repeated offers of help that never materialize.

We've all encountered it: 💔 The partner who says they'll work on the relationship but never takes action. 🤝 The friend who says, "Let's get together soon," but never makes plans. 📞 The person who says, "I'm here if you need anything," but disappears when you reach out.

The truth is that trust isn't built through good intentions. It's built through consistency. Through showing up. Through doing what we said we would do.

In my latest article, I explore what performative effort is, why people engage in it, how it impacts relationships and friendships, and what genuine effort actually looks like.

Because healthy relationships aren't built on promises. They're built on actions.

🔗 Read the full article in the first comment and let me know what you think.

Have you ever experienced a relationship where words and actions didn't match?

Have you ever found yourself frustrated by someone who seems to say all the right things, make all the right promises, and even appear willing to help, yet somehow nothing ever changes?

08/16/2026

We love our team! ❤️⚾️

08/14/2026

✨ What if you gave yourself permission to pause, heal, and reconnect? ✨

Join us for Connections: A Healing & Self-Restoration Retreat for Women, a transformative weekend designed to help you step away from the demands of daily life and focus on your own healing journey.

Together, we'll explore how trauma impacts our minds, bodies, and relationships through guided therapeutic experiences, mindfulness practices, and meaningful connection with a small group of supportive women. Whether you are just beginning your healing journey or looking to deepen the work you've already started, this retreat offers a safe, compassionate space for growth and restoration.

Your retreat experience includes:
💜 12+ hours of therapeutic programming
💜 Mindfulness and body-based healing practices
💜 Guided exercises and optional sharing opportunities
💜 A supportive community of women
💜 Delicious meals and comfortable lodging options
💜 A complimentary consultation with Dr. Courtney Stivers before the retreat

You spend so much time caring for others. This weekend is an opportunity to care for yourself.

🌿 Healing happens in connection. We hope you'll join us.

November 13-15
Chillicothe, IL

Read more in our first comment below.

08/13/2026

We will miss you, Tim!

As we wrap up another great summer, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Tim for his outstanding work as our Marketing Intern! 👏

Tim brought creativity, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude to every project he worked on. His contributions made a meaningful impact on our team, and we are grateful for the fresh ideas and dedication he shared throughout the summer.

It has been a pleasure having Tim as part of our team, and we are excited to see all that he will accomplish in the future. Please join us in wishing him continued success in his studies and career!

Thank you, Tim, and best of luck in all your future endeavors! 🎓✨

08/12/2026

One Year of Vistage 🎉

This month marks one year since I joined Vistage, and what a year it has been.

Leadership can be rewarding, but it can also feel isolating at times. Over the past year, we’ve been fortunate to learn alongside a remarkable group of business leaders who challenge us to think bigger, lead better, and continue growing both personally and professionally.

The insights, accountability, encouragement, and friendships we’ve gained through Vistage have made a meaningful impact on how we lead Summit Family Therapy and navigate the challenges of running a growing organization.

We’re grateful for this community and excited for another year of learning, growth, and leadership.

The plaque should actually have my name 😊, but I would not be a successful CEO without Ryan’s support.

08/11/2026

New on the Blog: How to Repair After an Argument Using the Gottman Method ❤️

Every couple argues. The difference isn't whether conflict happens. The difference is how partners reconnect afterward.

One of the most powerful findings from decades of relationship research is that healthy, lasting relationships are built on repair. Small moments of accountability, empathy, validation, and connection can help couples move from feeling hurt and disconnected to feeling understood and supported.

In my latest article, I explore Gottman Method strategies for repairing after conflict, including:

✅ Taking responsibility for your part
✅ Using a softer start-up
✅ Managing emotional overwhelm
✅ Expressing appreciation
✅ Learning to accept repair attempts from your partner

The goal isn't to avoid disagreements. It's to learn how to find your way back to one another when they happen.

📖 I'll share the link to the full article in the first comment below.

I'd love to hear from you: What has helped you reconnect after a difficult conversation with someone you care about?