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.

CFR psychiatrist Doctor Michael Antzis profile picture

Philadelphia Psychiatrist Accepting New Patients: Dr. Michael Antzis

January 4, 2023

Finding a Philadelphia psychiatrist accepting new patients can be difficult. CFR is proud to welcome staff psychiatrist, Dr. Michael Antzis, to our organization. Dr. Antzis sees patients virtually and at CFR’s Center City Philadelphia office. He is currently accepting new patients. Continue reading to learn more about Dr. Antzis, his therapeutic approaches, goals, and training….

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The image shows a thermometer labeled with both Celsius and Fahrenheit scales. It is positioned against a plain background, symbolizing the "Daily Temperature Check for Couples." Below the thermometer, there is text that reads "The Daily Temperature Check for Couples: A Skill for Committed Relationships," with the Council for Relationships logo above it. The bottom text includes the organization's website, encouraging viewers to visit for more information. The image represents a metaphorical "temperature check" as a relationship communication tool.

Daily Temperature Reading for Couples

January 3, 2023

Open and honest communication is vital to building trust and maintaining a deep connection in any relationship. One effective tool for fostering this communication is “The Daily Temperature Reading for Couples.” This simple yet powerful practice helps partners check in with one another, ensuring their emotional needs are met, and their relationship continues to grow….

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New Year's resolution ideas

2023 New Year’s Resolutions

December 13, 2022

It’s time to start making your 2023 New Year’s resolutions. CFR Staff Therapist Marrisa Kos, MSW, RN, shares her thoughts on the following topics: How to think about New Year’s resolutions How to make and keep your resolutions Ideas for 2023 New Year’s resolutions What to do when you’re struggling with your resolutions. Thinking about…

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Council for Relationships staff therapist Marissa Kos professional headshot

Therapist Near Me: Philadelphia’s Marissa Kos

December 6, 2022

Have you been wondering, “are there therapists near me”?  This month’s featured CFR therapist is Marissa Kos, MSW, RN. Marissa provides therapy at CFR’s Philadelphia’s Center City and University City offices, Bryn Mawr and Wynnewood, PA, offices, and also provides online therapy. Continue reading to learn more about Marissa, her therapeutic approaches, goals, and contact…

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Going “Home” for the Holidays

November 14, 2022

For some of us, including me, the phrase “going home for the holidays” invites anxiety, dread, and avoidance. Every year I struggle to decide what to do for Thanksgiving. The “holiday” has a lot of difficult subjects wrapped up in it. This is especially true for many queer and trans people, Indigenous Americans, and sometimes…

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Silhouetted family of five holding hands against a cloudy sky, representing unity and connection. Large text reads 'Internal Family Systems Therapy: What You Need to Know' above smaller text 'By Tessa Peoples Kinsey, LMFT.' At the bottom, 'Council for Relationships' logo is displayed.

Internal Family Systems Therapy: What You Need to Know

October 21, 2021

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) helps us understand the mind as a collection of different “parts.” Each part has its feelings, roles, and ways of interacting. This approach shows that our inner conflicts—like feeling torn or overwhelmed—come from different parts within us, each trying to protect or help in its way. Many people find that…

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Coping with Bipolar Disorder: Breaking Stigma & Empowering Recovery

May 20, 2021

Coping with bipolar disorder can be challenging, especially with the stigma that often surrounds this mental health condition. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for some time, understanding bipolar disorder and exploring treatment options can make a significant difference in your journey. This blog will guide you through what it means to…

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Graphic with a puzzle piece theme, featuring the text 'Help for Young Adults with Autism' in bold black and white fonts on a purple and light blue background. The author, Margot Stein, LMFT, is credited at the bottom, and the Council for Relationships logo appears in the bottom-right corner.

Help for Young Adults with Autism

February 18, 2021

Navigating young adulthood can be challenging for anyone, but for individuals with autism, the transition comes with unique obstacles. Understanding how to help young adults with autism can make a profound difference in their ability to build meaningful relationships, succeed in school or work, and maintain their emotional well-being. Whether you’re a family member, caregiver,…

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Illustration titled 'Building Resilience After Trauma' by Dr. Bea Hollander-Goldfein. The image shows a person in teal and purple pushing back large falling domino pieces, symbolizing resilience and the strength to stop or overcome difficult events. The logo for Council for Relationships is displayed in the bottom right corner.

Building Resilience After Trauma: Shifting Perspectives

Many people face traumatic experiences. While they can feel overwhelming, building resilience after trauma can help us regain strength and find new meaning. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations, often bringing a deeper awareness of life’s value. Dr. Ann Masten, a well-known researcher, explains that self-regulation—or controlling our emotions—plays a key…

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Graphic featuring a large, light blue heart in the background with bold purple text in the center that reads "SELF-LOVE." Above this, smaller black text says "Small Steps for Mental Health & Confidence." Below "SELF-LOVE," in cursive black text, it says "Treat Yourself." The Council for Relationships logo is displayed in the lower right corner.

Building Self-Love: Small Steps for Mental Health & Confidence

October 30, 2019

Self-love is essential to our mental and physical health, and how we view ourselves can significantly impact our well-being. Anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses often distort how we see ourselves, which affects our self-confidence and ability to show kindness to ourselves. When we struggle to love ourselves, it can make symptoms of depression and…

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Title graphic for blog "Anxiety and Worry Symptoms in Children" against a white background. Below it reads "Recognize and Act" and below that, "Council for Relationships." There's a greyscale picture of a child crying and a parent anxious.

Anxiety and Worry Symptoms in Children

February 13, 2018

When children feel anxious, they may not show it in ways adults recognize. Instead of expressing their worries, they might refuse to go to school, avoid friends, or complain of stomachaches. Understanding these anxiety and worry symptoms in children can help parents, caregivers, and family members identify when a child may need support. Because childhood…

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