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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 & Emerging Ideas on Trauma
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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Celebrating Juneteenth with Racial Equity in Therapy
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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Social Connection & Shame: Navigating Emotional Challenges
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: Why Early Intervention Matters
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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Dealing with Painful Emotions: Insights & Tips
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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World Schizophrenia Day: Myths, Facts, & Personal Insights
Introduction to World Schizophrenia Day World Schizophrenia Day, observed annually on May 24th, aims to raise awareness about Schizophrenia, a serious mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. This day is dedicated to debunking myths and reducing the stigma associated with the disorder, fostering greater understanding and empathy within communities. On this day, mental…
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Featured Therapist in Philadelphia: Meghan Rydzewski, MFT at Council for Relationships
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 Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, a staff therapist in Philadelphia and Voorhees, New Jersey. Meghan brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to…
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Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2024
Starting in 2013, institutions and technology companies worldwide began marking Global Accessibility Awareness Day on the third Thursday of May. Introduction to Global Accessibility Awareness Day The day began with a blog post from a web designer but has become a worldwide day to raise awareness about the need for technology, especially social media, to…
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Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024 – Yom HaShoah
Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024 calls us to reflect deeply on the echoes of the past and the reverberations they cause in our present world. This year, the day takes on a poignant significance, juxtaposed against the October 7th attack, the largest on Jewish lives since World War II. This convergence of historical and recent events…
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One Two Three Time: A Time Prioritization Strategy for Adults
In the hustle of modern life, understanding and managing personal time is critical to enhancing well-being. In fact, a recent survey found that when rating on a scale of 1-10, where 10 signifies a great deal of stress, a quarter of all Americans reported their average stress level as between 8 and 10. The concept…
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4 Mental Health Lessons from BTS’s Map of the Soul: 7
We can draw many mental health lessons from BTS’s vast music catalog. While the South Korean band is on hiatus, we reflect on the 4 mental health lessons from BTS’s Map of the Soul: 7 (with a special assist by Doolset Lyrics for the Korean-to-English translations of BTS’s lyrics). Important Mental Health Lessons from BTS’s Map…
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Transform Your Life with Mindfulness-Based Therapy Services
Embarking on the path to healing and self-discovery requires courage, understanding, and guidance. Mindfulness-based therapy services offer a unique approach, combining traditional therapeutic practices with mindfulness techniques to support individuals, couples, and families in finding a way to meet life’s challenges. In this blog, we delve into the story of Kent Matthies, a seasoned Unitarian…
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Closing the Gap: Perinatal Mental Health Services in North Philadelphia
Perinatal mental health services play a crucial role in supporting expecting and new mothers, offering hope and essential care in communities facing significant challenges. This blog explores the transformative impact of these services, detailing the journey of embedding a Council for Relationships (CFR) Therapist within the Stephen Klein Wellness Center in North Philadelphia and the…
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Ambivalence During Pregnancy: Navigating the Unspoken
Pregnancy is often portrayed as a time of joy and anticipation, but for many, it’s a period marked by complex emotions. Ambivalence during pregnancy, a state of having mixed feelings about the impending arrival of one’s baby, is a common yet seldom discussed phenomenon. This silence fosters a sense of isolation, shame, and fear, leading…
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Seed of Change: Pathways to Personal and Spiritual Growth
Embarking on a transformation journey begins with the “Seed of Change.” This blog explores how embracing shifts in our lives, inspired by faith and Jesus’ teachings, can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth, guiding us through darkness into the light of new beginnings. The Seed of Change: Understanding Personal Growth When I was a…
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Women’s Psychological Safety in the Workplace
In an era where women’s psychological safety in the workplace has increasingly come to the forefront, it’s crucial to shine a light on the silent battles many face daily. This blog delves into the struggles against workplace harassment and its profound impact on mental health. Amidst Women’s History Month, we underscore the importance of creating…
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Identity Shift in Motherhood: Navigating New Challenges & Rediscovering Yourself
Embarking on the journey of motherhood introduces a profound “identity shift in motherhood” that many are unprepared for. This transformative phase brings various challenges, from the loss of personal identity to the struggle to find joy amidst the chaos of parenting. This blog delves into the heart of these experiences, offering insights and practical advice…
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Navigating Self-Care in the Age of Social Media
This blog delves into the evolution of social networks, the challenges and opportunities they present, and practical strategies for fostering self-care and compassion in our digital interactions. It aims to offer insights into maintaining a healthy equilibrium between our digital personas and real-life selves, emphasizing the significance of authentic connections. We invite you to continue…
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Philadelphia Psychiatrist and Therapist Encourages Embracing Diverse Emotions
CFR is happy to have Dr. Jennifer Trinh, a psychiatrist and therapist from Philadelphia, as a valuable team member. In this blog, Dr. Trinh discusses her medical and psychiatric training journey, emphasizing the role of cultural empathy in effective therapy. With a background from Temple University and the University of Maryland Medical Center, Dr. Trinh’s…
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Exploring Common Forms of Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are often marked by a fear of gaining weight or a lack of control over eating habits. Yet, they are complex conditions that are more than just challenges related to food. That is why no blog (even this one) can adequately help you answer the question, “Do I have an eating disorder?”. However,…
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