Search for a therapist, a psychiatrist or other content:
Category » General
Military Children Mental Health: Navigating the Challenges of Deployment & Relocation
Nicole’s father has been on active duty in the Army for most of her life. He has had several deployments, and their family moved multiple times, bringing them to different duty stations during her childhood and teenage years. When people discuss the military, they often focus on active-duty and veteran service members, but they usually…
Read More
Divorcing a Narcissist: What is Coercive Control?
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…
Read More
Queer-Affirming Therapist in Philadelphia: Lia Pezzato, MFT
At Council for Relationships (CFR), we proudly shine a spotlight on Lia Pezzato, MFT, a dedicated queer-affirming therapist in Philadelphia and New Jersey. Lia brings a unique perspective and passion to her work, ensuring clients feel understood and supported in their journey toward mental wellness. Background and Journey to CFR Lia’s path to becoming a…
Read More
Systemic Approach to Relationships: A Simpler Guide
In human relationships, patterns often shape behaviors and influence how we interact with each other. As a rabbi and therapist-in-training, I’ve learned that using a systemic approach to relationships helps us understand these patterns better. This approach deepens our understanding of why certain behaviors continue and gives us tools to foster healing and stronger connections….
Read More
Mental Health in Minority Communities: Care is Critical
Bianca Williams, a dedicated clinician at Council for Relationships, emphasizes the importance of normalizing all feelings and emotions for her clients. Mental health in minority communities is a critical issue, and this blog aims to shed light on the unique challenges and stigmas that exist within these communities. Bianca shares her personal and professional insights…
Read More
Mental Health of Older Adults During High Temperatures
The mental health of older adults during high temperatures is a growing concern, especially as the summer heat intensifies. High temperatures can lead to severe health issues, impacting both physical and mental well-being. In this blog, Kent Matthies, a Staff Therapist at Council for Relationships and the Program Manager for CFR’s new Older Adults Program…
Read More
Bianca Williams, MFT: Featured Philadelphia Therapist
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 Bianca Williams, MFT, a staff therapist in Philadelphia. Bianca brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her practice. Let’s explore Bianca’s…
Read More
Daily Examen: Benefits, Examples & History
A December 2023 report by the Pew Research Center found that 70% of U.S. adults identify as spiritual in some way, with 22% being spiritual but not religious. For those who see themselves as spiritual, this part of their identity can affect how they deal with challenges, make decisions, maintain relationships, find satisfaction, and develop…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More
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…
Read More