Category » LGBTQ

Council for Relationships graphic for National Coming Out Day. Text reads: 'National Coming Out Day: Embracing Identity & Mental Health,' by Reid Cilley, MFT. Background shows an empty closet with light-colored walls, symbolizing the coming-out journey. Council for Relationships logo is displayed in the upper left corner

National Coming Out Day: Embracing Identity & Mental Health

October 11, 2024

Each year, National Coming Out Day reminds the LGBTQ+ community and allies to honor the courage of coming out. Founded on the belief that sharing one’s true self leads to self-acceptance and positive change, this day celebrates those who openly embrace their identities and honors those who have paved the way for today’s freedoms. Council…

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Young college student in a relaxed pose, representing the focus on mental health. The image includes text that reads 'Council for Relationships - Managing Anxiety & Burnout: Mental Health Tips for College Students' by Lia Pezzato, MFT. The background features a calm indoor setting with books and plants, emphasizing a supportive environment for managing stress.

Managing Anxiety & Burnout: Mental Health Tips for College Students

October 2, 2024

Many 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…

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A title graphic for the blog "Purity Culture and Sexual Shame: A Closer Look" by Julianna Strati. The background features a sepia-toned image of the exterior of a brick church with a cross on the rooftop, set against a partly cloudy sky. The blog title is in white text, with "A Closer Look" highlighted in bright teal. The logo for "Council for Relationships" is placed in the bottom right corner of the image. The overall tone of the image is solemn and reflective, aligning with the subject of the blog.

Purity Culture and Sexual Shame: A Closer Look

September 5, 2024

Purity 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…

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Portrait of queer-affirming therapist in philadelphia, Lia Pezzato, a Marriage & Family Therapist at Council for Relationships, featured as the "Featured Therapist." Lia practices in Philadelphia's Center City, Blue Bell, PA, and Voorhees, NJ. The image includes her name and her areas of service, with a logo in the bottom corner representing Council for Relationships. The background is a bright turquoise with purple text.

Queer-Affirming Therapist in Philadelphia: Lia Pezzato, MFT

August 15, 2024

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…

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The image features a photo of a woman with long, blonde hair, smiling and dressed in professional attire. The background of the image is teal, and above the photo, there is a heading in bold purple text that reads "Featured Therapist." Below the photo, the name "Meghan Rydzewski" is displayed in large purple text. Underneath her name, in smaller white text, it says "Marriage & Family Therapist Philly & New Jersey." At the bottom right corner, there is a logo for the Council for Relationships, accompanied by a heart icon featuring a rainbow pride flag design.

Featured Therapist in Philadelphia: Meghan Rydzewski, MFT at Council for Relationships

May 21, 2024

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…

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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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How to Support LGBTQ+ Youth in 2023

Americans live in a time of growing societal rifts. One such yawning divide is on how we treat and view members of the LGBTQ+ community. The people who are most harmed by the backlash against the queer and transgender community are, predictably, children. Already disproportionally impacted by discriminatory practices and laws, LGBTQ+ youth are enduring…

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Transgender flag

Transgender Day of Visibility and Mental Health

March 31, 2023

Transgender Day of Visibility, or TDoV, is a day where we celebrate the lives and contributions of the transgender community. At a time of unprecedent discrimination and violence aimed at people who identify as transgender or nonbinary, it is more important than ever that we all come together to support those who are marginalized. Guest…

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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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