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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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Promotional graphic titled "Are You Guilty of Using Your Dog as an Excuse to Stay Home?" from "The Wildest," featuring CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski, MFT. The left side shows a partial view of an article from "The Wildest" with the headline and a subtitle about needing a night out but staying home because of the dog. The right side has a black and white portrait of Meghan Rydzewski smiling, with text below indicating her role as a CFR Staff Therapist. The "Council for Relationships" logo is at the bottom right corner, and "Read the article!" is written vertically on the far right.

CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski Featured in The Wildest

June 7, 2024

June 7, 2024 | CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, was featured in The Wildest. Meghan spoke with journalist Maggie Langer for Maggie’s article, “Are You Guilty of Using Your Dog as an Excuse to Stay Home?” We encourage you to read and share the article. To request an appointment with Meghan Rydzewski, visit her…

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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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An image featuring a promotional graphic for a therapist being featured in the news. The backdrop is split with a dark purple top half adorned with repetitive text saying "THE NEWS" in light gray, and the bottom half shows a light gray pattern with faint circular designs. The central focus is a framed photo of a smiling woman with long red hair, identified as Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, a staff therapist at CFR. To the left of her photo, there's a bold purple vertical stripe and a large, green, rectangular border surrounding her picture. Beneath the photo, in bold white text against a black background, reads "Featured in" followed by the publication name "The Wildest" in a stylized font that looks handwritten. The overall design suggests a professional announcement of the individual's media appearance.

CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski Featured in The Wildest

April 17, 2024

April 17, 2024 | CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, was featured in The Wildest. Meghan spoke with journalist Maggie Langer for Maggie’s article, “So, You and Your Partner Want to Live Together—But Your Pets Don’t.” We encourage you to read and share the article. To request an appointment with Meghan Rydzewski, visit her biography….

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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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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…

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Mental Health Lessons from Hallmark Holiday Movies

December 18, 2023

Hallmark is popular during the holidays for its stories of love, tradition, and family. It also provides us with plenty of valuable mental health lessons. Hallmark’s holiday films teach us to be ourselves, be courageous, and find help during tough times. However, certain lessons should remain confined to fictional towns like Candy Cane Town or…

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Emotional Regulation: Everything You Need to Know to Improve Your Relationships

October 25, 2023

Many of us struggle with regulating (or managing) emotions. Looking inward and taking stock of our emotional regulation skills is critical to maintaining healthy adult relationships. Often, the source of conflict and struggle in relationships can be traced back to poor regulation of emotions by those in the relationship. Improving your relationships, though, takes more…

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023

October 3, 2023

Many believe that the effects of domestic violence are limited to the abuser and the victim, but as the U.S. Department of Justice’s own Office on Violence Against Women states, “domestic violence not only affects those who are abused, but also has a substantial effect on family members, friends, co-workers, other witnesses, and the community…

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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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