In her new blog, CFR Staff Therapist and Co-Director of the Transcending Trauma Project, Bea Hollander-Goldfein, PhD, LMFT, CCTP, APIT, explores the mental health healing process and its role in achieving emotional well-being. By reflecting on the nature of therapy, human resilience, and the power of connection, Bea delves into how therapeutic relationships can transform…
Read MoreMany students feel the weight of balancing classes, extracurriculars, and social activities as the school year progresses. While some may navigate these demands with ease, others struggle with anxiety and burnout. CFR Staff Therapist Lia Pezzato, MFT, offers mental health tips for college students to help manage these common challenges. In this blog, Lia outlines…
Read MoreSeptember is NICU Awareness Month, a time when NICU moms reflect on the emotional and mental toll of having a child in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Jamie Rose, MAC, LMFT, a Staff Therapist and Director of the MFT Postgraduate Certificate Program at Council for Relationships, shares her deeply personal experience as a NICU…
Read MoreFinding the right Philadelphia psychiatrist can feel daunting, especially when looking for someone who understands your unique needs and offers immediate, personalized care. That’s where Dr. Becky Wu comes in. As a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, Dr. Wu takes a comprehensive approach to mental health care that focuses on individualized…
Read MoreThe impact of suicide jokes on mental health is a growing concern, particularly among college students adjusting to life on campus. As many freshmen begin their college experience, they face new environments, social pressures, and academic challenges. These transitions can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for students who don’t yet have robust support systems in place….
Read MorePurity culture and sexual shame have shaped the lives of many people raised in Christian communities in the United States. These beliefs became popular in the 1990s. They often suggest that a person’s worth is tied to their sexual behavior, especially for women and LGBTQ+ individuals. This focus on sexual purity affects how people see…
Read MoreNicole’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 MoreDivorcing 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 MoreAt 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 MoreIn 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 MoreBianca 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 MoreThe 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 MoreWelcome 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 MoreA 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 MoreAmy 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 MoreAs 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 MoreThis 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 MoreI 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 MoreUnderstanding 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 MoreWelcome 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 MoreIn 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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