This time of year can be a joyous time filled with holiday family traditions, connection, and gratitude, but for military families, it often brings unique challenges. Balancing deployments, reintegration, and the demands of military life can impact emotional well-being during this special time of year. Prioritizing veteran mental health is essential to navigating these challenges…
Read MoreThe holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for many, it can magnify feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. Social media platforms and societal expectations often create pressure to feel happy and fulfilled, leaving those who feel disconnected struggling with self-doubt and insecurity. These emotions can weigh heavily during…
Read MoreHow to Practice Mindfulness to Support Your Health and Well-being Our daily moods and life experiences are closely linked to our health. Many people don’t realize that stress can affect physical well-being. For example, studies show that women who experience chronic stress face a higher risk of severe health outcomes, including cancer, heart disease, and…
Read MorePeople often associate stroke recovery with physical challenges like mobility or speech difficulties. However, one of the most significant, yet less visible, hurdles many stroke survivors face is cognitive impairment after a stroke. In this blog, CFR Staff Therapist Darrell J. Carson, LMFT, explores the invisible struggles that many survivors endure. He offers practical insights…
Read MoreTherapists bring unique insights, experiences, and techniques to their practice, creating a personalized space for clients to feel heard and understood. At Council for Relationships (CFR), Staff Therapist Sloane Previdi, LSW, MFT, is known for her compassionate, systems-based approach. If you’re looking for an online Bryn Mawr therapist deeply committed to client-centered care, Sloane might…
Read MoreEach year, National Coming Out Day reminds the LGBTQ+ community and allies to honor the courage of coming out. Founded on the belief that sharing one’s true self leads to self-acceptance and positive change, this day celebrates those who openly embrace their identities and honors those who have paved the way for today’s freedoms. Council…
Read MoreIn her new blog, CFR Staff Therapist and Co-Director of the Transcending Trauma Project, Bea Hollander-Goldfein, PhD, LMFT, CCTP, APIT, explores the mental health healing process and its role in achieving emotional well-being. By reflecting on the nature of therapy, human resilience, and the power of connection, Bea delves into how therapeutic relationships can transform…
Read MoreMany students feel the weight of balancing classes, extracurriculars, and social activities as the school year progresses. While some may navigate these demands with ease, others struggle with anxiety and burnout. CFR Staff Therapist Lia Pezzato, MFT, offers mental health tips for college students to help manage these common challenges. In this blog, Lia outlines…
Read MoreTaylor Swift’s songs about mental health have long resonated with listeners, and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is no exception. This rerelease was part of Taylor’s mission to reclaim ownership of her original music. After losing the rights to her first six albums, she began rerecording each one, starting with Fearless. Now, fans can enjoy a refreshed…
Read MoreSeptember is NICU Awareness Month, a time when NICU moms reflect on the emotional and mental toll of having a child in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Jamie Rose, MAC, LMFT, a Staff Therapist and Director of the MFT Postgraduate Certificate Program at Council for Relationships, shares her deeply personal experience as a NICU…
Read MoreFinding the right Philadelphia psychiatrist can feel daunting, especially when looking for someone who understands your unique needs and offers immediate, personalized care. That’s where Dr. Becky Wu comes in. As a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, Dr. Wu takes a comprehensive approach to mental health care that focuses on individualized…
Read MoreThe impact of suicide jokes on mental health is a growing concern, particularly among college students adjusting to life on campus. As many freshmen begin their college experience, they face new environments, social pressures, and academic challenges. These transitions can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for students who don’t yet have robust support systems in place….
Read MorePurity culture and sexual shame have shaped the lives of many people raised in Christian communities in the United States. These beliefs became popular in the 1990s. They often suggest that a person’s worth is tied to their sexual behavior, especially for women and LGBTQ+ individuals. This focus on sexual purity affects how people see…
Read MoreNicole’s father has been on active duty in the Army for most of her life. He has had several deployments, and their family moved multiple times, bringing them to different duty stations during her childhood and teenage years. When people discuss the military, they often focus on active-duty and veteran service members, but they usually…
Read MoreDivorcing a narcissist is more than just a challenging breakup; it’s a battle against deep psychological manipulation and control. In this guest blog, Philadelphia-area psychologist Dr. Lauren Napolitano explores the intense struggles faced by those entangled with narcissistic partners. From the grip of coercive control to the dangers of post-separation abuse, this blog sheds light…
Read MoreAt Council for Relationships (CFR), we proudly shine a spotlight on Lia Pezzato, MFT, a dedicated queer-affirming therapist in Philadelphia and New Jersey. Lia brings a unique perspective and passion to her work, ensuring clients feel understood and supported in their journey toward mental wellness. Background and Journey to CFR Lia’s path to becoming a…
Read MoreIn human relationships, patterns often shape behaviors and influence how we interact with each other. As a rabbi and therapist-in-training, I’ve learned that using a systemic approach to relationships helps us understand these patterns better. This approach deepens our understanding of why certain behaviors continue and gives us tools to foster healing and stronger connections….
Read MoreThe benefits of group therapy are numerous and can offer a powerful path to healing and personal growth. Group therapy brings people together who are facing similar challenges, providing a supportive environment where participants can connect, learn, and grow. Whether you are dealing with grief, anxiety, or looking to build stronger relationships, understanding the group…
Read MoreBianca Williams, a dedicated clinician at Council for Relationships, emphasizes the importance of normalizing all feelings and emotions for her clients. Mental health in minority communities is a critical issue, and this blog aims to shed light on the unique challenges and stigmas that exist within these communities. Bianca shares her personal and professional insights…
Read MoreThe mental health of older adults during high temperatures is a growing concern, especially as the summer heat intensifies. High temperatures can lead to severe health issues, impacting both physical and mental well-being. In this blog, Kent Matthies, a Staff Therapist at Council for Relationships and the Program Manager for CFR’s new Older Adults Program…
Read MoreWelcome to Council for Relationships (CFR)’s monthly Featured Clinician blog, highlighting the dedicated professionals who provide exceptional therapy and psychiatry services to the Philadelphia region. This month, we are pleased to introduce Bianca Williams, MFT, a staff therapist in Philadelphia. Bianca brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her practice. Let’s explore Bianca’s…
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