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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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Cover image for a blog titled 'World Schizophrenia Day: Myths, Facts, & Personal Insights' by Bianca Williams, MFT, Council for Relationships. The image features a chalk drawing of a stick figure with a thought bubble filled with chaotic scribbles, representing the complexity of schizophrenia.

World Schizophrenia Day: Myths, Facts, & Personal Insights

May 24, 2024

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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The image features a photo of a woman with long, blonde hair, smiling and dressed in professional attire. The background of the image is teal, and above the photo, there is a heading in bold purple text that reads "Featured Therapist." Below the photo, the name "Meghan Rydzewski" is displayed in large purple text. Underneath her name, in smaller white text, it says "Marriage & Family Therapist Philly & New Jersey." At the bottom right corner, there is a logo for the Council for Relationships, accompanied by a heart icon featuring a rainbow pride flag design.

Featured Therapist in Philadelphia: Meghan Rydzewski, MFT at Council for Relationships

May 21, 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 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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The image is a promotional graphic for "Global Accessibility Awareness" by Matthew CP Purinton, LCSW. The background features an image of Earth from space, giving it a global context. The text on the image includes "Increasing mental health care to the Disability community" and "Council for Relationships." The overall design has a teal border and bold, blue text.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2024

May 16, 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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This image features a vivid purple flower, symbolizing remembrance, prominently displayed against a soft, dark background with light rays. The text "2024 HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY" appears at the top in elegant, white font. Below the flower, additional text credits Dr. Bea Hollander-Goldfein, LMFT, CCTP from the Council for Relationships. The overall mood is somber and reflective, appropriate for the commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024 – Yom HaShoah

May 6, 2024

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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Cover of a publication featuring a time prioritization strategy. The image background shows a tangle of electrical wires and poles in grayscale. Overlaying this is the title 'ONE TWO THREE TIME' in bold, purple block letters. Below the title, in smaller white text, it reads 'A TIME PRIORIZATION STRATEGY FOR ADULTS.' The author's name, 'BY KENT MATTHIES, MFT, MDiv,' is also displayed in white. At the bottom of the image, the 'Council for Relationships' logo is visible, indicating the publisher or associated organization.

One Two Three Time: A Time Prioritization Strategy for Adults

April 22, 2024

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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A promotional image featuring an album cover for 'Map of the Soul: 7' by BTS. The album cover is displayed partially on top of a vinyl record, suggesting music as a theme. Above, in bold text, the title reads 'BTS SONGS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH' by Jennifer Trihn, MD. Below the title, the 'Council for Relationships' is mentioned as a presumably endorsing or publishing entity. The graphic design is clean and modern with a white background enhancing the album's colorful artwork. The image is for the blog, "4 Mental Health Lessons from BTS's Map of the Soul: 7"

4 Mental Health Lessons from BTS’s Map of the Soul: 7

April 17, 2024

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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An infographic featuring Kent Matthies, a Marriage & Family Therapist and Minister. The background is a vibrant purple with the text "mindfulness" in bold, turquoise letters. Below, there is a black and white image of Matthies in profile, manipulating a pendulum with a pair of scissors, symbolizing precision and balance. Text above him reads "TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE WITH MINDFULNESS-BASED THERAPY SERVICES: A JOURNEY FROM MINISTER TO MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST." The Council for Relationships logo is placed at the bottom right.

Transform Your Life with Mindfulness-Based Therapy Services

April 10, 2024

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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The image features a promotional graphic with the title "Closing the Gap in North Philly PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES". Below the title, there's a byline "By Sonja Spangler, LSW" indicating the authorship. The image displays the silhouette of a pregnant woman against a backdrop of a night sky filled with stars, symbolizing perhaps hope and contemplation. The silhouette merges into a graphic that appears to represent a city skyline, possibly alluding to the community context of the services discussed. The bottom of the image has the text "COUNCIL FOR RELATIONSHIPS", likely the organization responsible for the services or the article itself. The overall theme suggests a focus on addressing the needs for mental health support for mothers in North Philadelphia.

Closing the Gap: Perinatal Mental Health Services in North Philadelphia

April 3, 2024

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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An illustration for a mental health nonprofit featuring a stylized, circular composition with a silhouette of a contemplative pregnant figure at its center. Soft waves and plant motifs in a palette of greyscale, purples, pale blues, and light greens create a serene background. The title "Ambivalence During Pregnancy: Navigating the Unspoken" is placed prominently at the bottom with the author's name "Sonja Spangler, LSW" just below it. The organization's name "Council for Relationships" is subtly placed at the top. The overall design conveys a sense of calm and introspection.

Ambivalence During Pregnancy: Navigating the Unspoken

March 27, 2024

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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An artistic blog feature image in grayscale with an abstract design representing growth. A stylized plant with broad leaves sprouts from a central path that meanders toward the viewer, bordered by swirling, smoke-like patterns. At the top, "SEED OF CHANGE" is written in large, bold letters, with the subtitle "Pathways to Personal and Spiritual Growth" just below in a smaller font. The author's name, "Rev. Dr. Dolores Littleton, LMFT," is positioned at the bottom, and the text "COUNCIL FOR RELATIONSHIPS" appears in the lower corner, suggesting a sponsoring organization. The monochrome palette gives the image a serene and contemplative mood.

Seed of Change: Pathways to Personal and Spiritual Growth

March 26, 2024

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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This image is designed as a cover for content related to women's psychological safety in the workplace. The title "WOMEN'S PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE" is prominently displayed in large, bold white text with purple accents on a dark background. Below the title, there's a subtitle in white, "A Therapist’s Tips for Managing Your Mental Health After Experiencing Workplace Harassment" which suggests practical advice within. The author's name, "By Meghan Rydzewski, MFT," appears at the bottom, indicating expertise in marriage and family therapy. The logo of the "Council for Relationships" is also present, likely signifying the organization behind the content. The visual focus is a black-and-white photograph of a woman's hand held up in a "stop" gesture, symbolizing resistance against harassment and the assertion of boundaries. The overall design conveys a serious and empowering message about the importance of mental health and safety for women in professional environments.

Women’s Psychological Safety in the Workplace

March 20, 2024

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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Artistic cover image for a blog titled 'Identity Shift in Motherhood – Navigating New Challenges & Rediscovering Yourself', by Sonja Spangler, LSW. The illustration features a woman's profile made of swirling, leafy patterns in a harmonious blend of purple and green hues, symbolizing growth and transformation. Butterflies and soft, floating elements signify change and rebirth. The bottom of the image includes the 'Council for Relationships' logo, emphasizing the theme of personal development within motherhood.

Identity Shift in Motherhood: Navigating New Challenges & Rediscovering Yourself

March 19, 2024

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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An illustration for a blog post titled "NAVIGATING SELF-CARE IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA". The image shows a grayscale room filled with plants, books, candles, and cozy furniture, with a person sitting cross-legged in meditation pose facing a window that reveals a colorful outdoor scene. At the bottom, the text reads "COUNCIL FOR RELATIONSHIPS" and "By Bianca Williams, MFT".

Navigating Self-Care in the Age of Social Media

March 13, 2024

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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The image is a visually striking title graphic for a blog titled "Philadelphia Psychiatrist and Therapist Embracing Diverse Emotions" by Dr. Jennifer Trinh, associated with the Council for Relationships. It features abstract, wave-like patterns in shades of purple, blue, and white, flowing around and converging into the silhouettes of two human profiles facing in opposite directions. The design conveys a sense of fluidity and interconnectedness, symbolizing the complexity and range of human emotions. The text is clearly legible and arranged thoughtfully to balance the artwork, with the title in a larger, bold font and the author's name along with the organization's name in smaller text, anchoring the bottom of the image. This graphic is likely intended to capture the essence of the blog's theme, which is the exploration and acceptance of the wide array of human emotions.

Philadelphia Psychiatrist and Therapist Encourages Embracing Diverse Emotions

March 7, 2024

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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A graphic with a title 'DO I HAVE AN EATING DISORDER?' in bold, stacked text with alternating shades of purple and turquoise. Below the title, a subtitle reads 'Signs, Symptoms, and Resources' in smaller font. The author's name, 'By Lia Pezzato, MFT' is presented at the bottom. The background is white with a green, circular design radiating from behind a central figure. The figure is a simple, stylized representation of a person in green with their hands on their head in a state of distress. The logo 'COUNCIL FOR RELATIONSHIPS' is at the bottom.

Exploring Common Forms of Eating Disorders

February 26, 2024

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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This image is a promotional graphic that features "4 MENTAL HEALTH LESSONS FROM RED (TAYLOR'S VERSION)," written by Meghan Rydzewski, MFT. In the center, there's a vinyl record with Taylor Swift’s image on the cover, where she is wearing a brown hat and looking to the side. Her hand is placed near her face, showing off a ring. The background is purple with a text overlay. At the bottom, the logo for "COUNCIL FOR RELATIONSHIPS" is displayed, indicating the organization responsible for the content.

4 Mental Health Lessons from Taylor Swift’s Red

February 20, 2024

We can draw many mental health lessons for daily life from Taylor Swift’s vast music catalog. As the songstress rerecords her albums, we reflect on the 4 mental health lessons from Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version). Previous Album: Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) Next Ablum: 1989 (Taylor’s Version) Important mental health lessons from Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s…

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This is a collage of black and white images with a central color image, laid out to create a promotional graphic for an article or a discussion topic. The central color image shows two people, with a focus on their hands gently resting on one another, showcasing rings, implying a significant relationship. Surrounding this image are various black and white photos depicting different forms of affection or companionship: two people laughing together, a person resting their head on another's shoulder, two individuals sitting by a body of water, an elderly couple smiling at the camera, and a person cuddling with a dog. Overlaid on the collage is a block of text that reads "QUEERPLATONIC RELATIONSHIPS & QUESTIONING ROMANTIC HIERARCHY BY ANDY PHAM & CASEY HERGER" with the logo "COUNCIL FOR RELATIONSHIPS" at the bottom. The composition suggests a focus on the depth and variety of relationships beyond traditional romantic frameworks.

Queerplatonic Relationships & Questioning Romantic Hierarchy 

February 15, 2024
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This blog discusses the overlapping of different types of relationships, particularly in queerplatonic bonds. It also explores the complexities of human connections. Queerplatonic relationships go beyond labels and involve people who identify as asexual, aromantic, or sexual and romantic feelings. They show deep emotional intimacy. Queerplatonic partners display characteristics commonly linked to romantic partnerships, yet…

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