Young college student in a relaxed pose, representing the focus on mental health. The image includes text that reads 'Council for Relationships - Managing Anxiety & Burnout: Mental Health Tips for College Students' by Lia Pezzato, MFT. The background features a calm indoor setting with books and plants, emphasizing a supportive environment for managing stress.

Managing Anxiety & Burnout: Mental Health Tips for College Students

October 2, 2024

Many 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…

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The graphic from Council for Relationships features a vinyl record cover of Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version), with an image of Taylor smiling against a blue sky. The text at the top reads, "Taylor Swift Songs About Mental Health," while the author, Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, is credited on the side. Below the album cover image, the title "1989 (Taylor’s Version)" is written, with the Council for Relationships logo in the lower-right corner. The design features a purple border, and the graphic emphasizes the focus on mental health themes found within Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor's Version) album.

What Taylor Swift’s Songs About Mental Health Teach Us: 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

October 1, 2024

Taylor 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…

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NICU Moms: A mother looks at her newborn in an incubator in the NICU. Text overlay reads 'NICU Moms: Coping with Trauma & Finding Support' by Jamie Rose, MAC, LMFT. Council for Relationships logo is at the bottom.

NICU Moms: Coping with Trauma & Finding Support

September 27, 2024

September 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…

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Philadelphia psychiatrist Dr. Becky Wu, MD, smiling and featured as the Staff Psychiatrist at Council for Relationships, located in Philadelphia’s University City.

Philadelphia Psychiatrist Offering Personalized Services

September 16, 2024

Finding 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…

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Four college students with backpacks walk down a beautifully tiled corridor in an old building, backs turned to the camera. The image is in black and white, with the title 'Impact of Suicide Jokes on Mental Health' and the author 'By Meghan Rydzewski, MFT' prominently displayed on a purple banner at the bottom. The Council for Relationships logo is also visible beneath the title.

Impact of Suicide Jokes on Mental Health: Supporting Peers and Preventing Crisis

September 11, 2024

The 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….

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A title graphic for the blog "Purity Culture and Sexual Shame: A Closer Look" by Julianna Strati. The background features a sepia-toned image of the exterior of a brick church with a cross on the rooftop, set against a partly cloudy sky. The blog title is in white text, with "A Closer Look" highlighted in bright teal. The logo for "Council for Relationships" is placed in the bottom right corner of the image. The overall tone of the image is solemn and reflective, aligning with the subject of the blog.

Purity Culture and Sexual Shame: A Closer Look

September 5, 2024

Purity 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…

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Image of a military parent in uniform holding a young child. Text overlay reads: 'Military Children's Mental Health: Navigating the Challenges of Deployment & Relocation' by Allen-Michael Lewis, LMFT, MS, AS. Council for Relationships logo is in the bottom corner.

Military Children Mental Health: Navigating the Challenges of Deployment & Relocation

Nicole’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…

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This image features a static background with a glitch effect and the title "Divorcing a Narcissist" prominently displayed in a digital, pixelated font. Below the main title, the subtitle reads, "What is Coercive Control?" The bottom of the image features the author's name, "Dr. Lauren Napolitano," in a smaller, similar pixelated font. The top of the image displays the Council for Relationships logo, with the text "CFR Blog" on the side. The overall design evokes a sense of disruption or distortion, reflecting the blog's focus on challenging and unsettling relationship dynamics.

Divorcing a Narcissist: What is Coercive Control?

August 20, 2024

Divorcing 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…

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Portrait of queer-affirming therapist in philadelphia, Lia Pezzato, a Marriage & Family Therapist at Council for Relationships, featured as the "Featured Therapist." Lia practices in Philadelphia's Center City, Blue Bell, PA, and Voorhees, NJ. The image includes her name and her areas of service, with a logo in the bottom corner representing Council for Relationships. The background is a bright turquoise with purple text.

Queer-Affirming Therapist in Philadelphia: Lia Pezzato, MFT

August 15, 2024

At 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…

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Cover art for the blog 'Systemic Approach to Relationships: A Simpler Guide' by Rabbi Yair D. Robinson. The image features a stylized tree with extensive roots, symbolizing deep connections and systemic relationships. The text is bold and purple, with the subtitle 'A Simpler Guide' in turquoise at the bottom. The Council for Relationships logo is at the bottom right.

Systemic Approach to Relationships: A Simpler Guide

August 13, 2024

In 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….

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Stylized illustration of a group of five people sitting in a circle, with one person raising their hand. The title reads 'What You Need to Know: Group Therapy Benefits' in bold, followed by 'By Mike Butera, LMFT' and the Council for Relationships logo at the bottom.

Group Therapy Benefits: What You Need to Know

August 12, 2024

The 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…

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Promotional graphic for the blog 'Mental Health in Minority Communities' by Bianca Williams, MFT. The image features a young African American man with a serious expression, wearing a denim jacket. The text on the image includes the blog title and 'Care is Critical,' along with the Council for Relationships logo.

Mental Health in Minority Communities: Care is Critical

August 7, 2024

Bianca 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…

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Graphic for the blog titled 'Mental Health of Older Adults During High Temperatures' by Kent Matthies, MFT, MDiv. The image features an older woman drinking water in front of a fan, illustrating the impact of high temperatures on older adults. The Council for Relationships logo is also displayed.

Mental Health of Older Adults During High Temperatures

August 2, 2024

The 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…

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A smiling woman with braided hair and glasses is pictured in the center. The background is a light green outdoor setting. Above her photo, the text reads: "Featured Therapist" in bold purple font. Below the photo, the text reads: "Bianca Williams" in large purple font, followed by "Marriage & Family Therapist Philadelphia - University City" in smaller white font. In the bottom right corner, the "Council for Relationships" logo is displayed. The background of the image is teal.

Bianca Williams, MFT: Featured Philadelphia Therapist

July 11, 2024

Welcome 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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Daily Examen: Benefits, Examples & History

A December 2023 report by the Pew Research Center found that 70% of U.S. adults identify as spiritual in some way, with 22% being spiritual but not religious. For those who see themselves as spiritual, this part of their identity can affect how they deal with challenges, make decisions, maintain relationships, find satisfaction, and develop…

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Image of a purple and pink butterfly with the text 'EMDR Therapy for PTSD: What You Need to Know' overlaid. Below the title, it reads 'By Amy Jones, MSW, MFT, LCSW' and 'Council for Relationships.' The butterfly and text are set against a dark purple background.

EMDR Therapy for PTSD: What You Need to Know

Amy Jones, a therapist at the Council for Relationships, first trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) in 2021. She quickly fell in love with EMDR therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to its effectiveness in shifting traumatic memories for both herself and her clients. This blog outlines the signs of PTSD…

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PTSD Awareness Day 2024 image with a person sitting outdoors, looking thoughtful. Text reads 'Emerging Conceptualizations of Trauma' by Andy Phạm, MFT, Council for Relationships.

PTSD Awareness & Emerging Ideas on Trauma

June 26, 2024

As we mark the 15th Annual PTSD Awareness Day, it’s essential to reflect on the evolving understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its impact on diverse communities. In this insightful blog, CFR Staff Therapist Andy Phạm, MFT, delves into the emerging ideas of trauma and the significance of precision in PTSD diagnosis. With a…

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A collage of black-and-white photos featuring notable Black figures in mental health and space exploration, with the central text reading "Celebrating Juneteenth with Racial Equity in Therapy" by Kimberly Mann, SHRM-SCP. The Council for Relationships logo is also included.

Celebrating Juneteenth with Racial Equity in Therapy

June 18, 2024

This blog post, authored by Kimberly Mann, CFR’s DEIB Manager, highlights the significance of Juneteenth and the crucial need for racial equity in therapy. Juneteenth, now a national holiday, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. The Importance of Juneteenth in Promoting Racial…

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Black and white image of the Golden Gate Bridge enveloped in fog, with the text 'Social Connection & Shame: Navigating Emotional Challenges. Blog by Sonja Spanger, LSW' in blue and green lettering. The Council for Relationships logo is at the bottom right corner.

Social Connection & Shame: Navigating Emotional Challenges

June 11, 2024

I once heard humans described as “exquisitely social” creatures. We have a remarkable ability to pay close attention to the people around us. While engaging in conversation, another part of our brain manages how others see us, ensuring we are acceptable in their eyes. Social connection plays a crucial role in this dynamic. The Role…

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Children's Mental Health" infographic by Council for Relationships. The design features the title "CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH" in bold, purple letters, with the subtitle "WHY EARLY INTERVENTION MATTERS" in black at the bottom. At the top, the Council for Relationships logo is prominently displayed. Below the title, there is a black-and-white image of three young children sitting together, with two teal star shapes flanking the image. The infographic is credited to Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, noted in a text box just above the subtitle. The background is white, creating a clean and professional look.

Children’s Mental Health: Why Early Intervention Matters

May 29, 2024

Understanding children’s mental health is crucial for early intervention. This blog highlights the importance of child therapy, signs of mental health issues, and how to support a child. Promoting mental health awareness for children and informed parenting and child mental health can make a significant difference in their well-being. Why Early Intervention Matters Mental health…

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Collage image titled 'Dealing with Painful Emotions' featuring tips and insights by Sonja Spangler, LSW, Council for Relationships. Includes various black-and-white photos depicting emotional expressions.

Dealing with Painful Emotions: Insights & Tips

May 28, 2024

In “Dealing with Painful Emotions,” CFR Staff Therapist Sonja Spangler, LSW, explores the inevitability of emotional pain and offers practical strategies for managing it. Through mindfulness, cognitive reframes, and self-awareness, you can learn to navigate your feelings with compassion, transforming suffering into opportunities for growth and healing. New Perspectives on Painful Emotions The Buddhists say,…

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