Register for the 2025 Miles for Mental Health 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk on April 27, 2025! Proceeds support CFR’s Operation Home & Healing program.

Blog » All Posts
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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…

Read More
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,…

Read More
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…

Read More
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
and

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…

Read More
Cover image for a resource on 'Signs of Teen Dating Violence,' featuring a white handprint on a purple background, symbolizing a call to awareness. Below the handprint, the title reads in bold, 'SIGNS OF TEEN DATING VIOLENCE' by Danielle Silverman, LCSW, MEd, for the Council for Relationships. The color scheme and imagery convey a serious and informative tone appropriate for the topic.

Signs of Teen Dating Violence

February 12, 2024

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month when we focus on recognizing and understanding signs of teen dating violence. Teen dating abuse is a massive problem. It can manifest in different ways, like hurting someone emotionally or physically, controlling them, or harassing them online. Friends and family are pivotal in identifying warning signs, offering support,…

Read More
The image is a promotional graphic for a blog post, with a background photograph of a row of traditional brick townhouses that could be found in Philadelphia. In the foreground, there is a translucent overlay with text that reads "Philadelphia Therapist Embraces Spirituality in Counseling" in bold white letters. Below the headline, it states "A NEW BLOG" followed by the author's name "By L. Stewart Barbera Jr., PsyD, MSW" in smaller font. The text is arranged on a bright cyan-colored rectangle which contrasts with the background. The graphic is designed to be eye-catching and informative, likely intended for sharing on social media or a website to attract readers to the blog article.

Philadelphia Therapist Embraces Spirituality in Counseling

February 6, 2024

CFR is thrilled to have L. Stewart Barbera Jr., a Philadelphia therapist, as a valued member of our team. Read more about Stewart’s therapeutic approaches, goals, and training. Being a Therapist in the Philadelphia Area is a Tremendous Privilege I have used my social work and psychology background to work with kids, teens, and adults…

Read More

How To Let Go of Guilt

January 29, 2024

People feeling guilty about various situations frequently come to my small office. This includes a teenager dealing with their parent’s divorce and a client regretting not expressing themselves in their friendships. After sharing their stories, clients ask me one or both of the following questions (both of which relate to how to let go of…

Read More

Healthy Connections: Setting Boundaries in Relationships

January 11, 2024

Healthy boundaries are essential to thriving relationships. But what does it mean to set boundaries in a relationship? What makes for healthy connections? How are boundaries in romantic relationships different from non-romantic relationships? The types of boundaries you set vary because of the relationships you create and maintain. For example, your boundaries with people on…

Read More

Seasonal Affective Disorder Questions Answered!

January 9, 2024

Do you find that the winter months are, at best, icy for your mental health? Or perhaps instead of being excited to go to the beach, the start of summer puts you in a sunburnt mood? Maybe you are experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). You can find what seems like endless information about SAD on…

Read More
Council for Relationships Marriage and Family Therapist in Philadelphia Gabrielle Hoang, MFT. She sees individuals, couples, and families. Gabrielle specializes in affair & infidelity, depression and anxiety, grief and loss, lgbtq+ issues, trauma, and women's issues. request an appointment today. www.councilforrelationships.org

Marriage and Family Therapist in Philadelphia Aspires to Empower

January 8, 2024

Finding a marriage and family therapist in Philadelphia or Wynnewood, Pennslyvania, who accepts new clients can be difficult. CFR is proud to have Staff Therapist Gabrielle Hoang, MFT, as a Council for Relationships (CFR) staff member. Gabrielle sees individuals, couples, and families virtually or in person. Read more about Gabrielle’s therapeutic approaches, goals, and training….

Read More

How to Manage Stress During the Holidays

December 21, 2023

Ask any AI chatbot about how to manage stress during the holidays, and you’re bound to find out that there is a lot of stress management advice out there. Council for Relationships is here to clear a path through the clutter. We asked Matthew McCrickard, the Associate Director of CFR’s Postgraduate Certificate Program, for his top…

Read More

Guilt-Free Holidays: A Parents’ Guide to the Holiday Season

December 19, 2023

Parenting during the holiday season is not easy. Stress, guilt, and fear can arise from various sources during this time. But do not fret, parents! Guilt-free holidays are within your grasp. Lia Pezzato is a therapist who specializes in helping marriages and families. She has a plan to help you manage guilt and stress during…

Read More