Search for a therapist, a psychiatrist or other content:
Mental Health and The First Responder – Part 2
Try to imagine having a job where you know there is a distinct possibility you could be killed while doing your job. Imagine that your job description requires you to transport the dead bodies of community members to the medical examiner’s office. Imagine arriving on the scene of a drive-by shooting where a child has…
Read More
Mental Health and the First Responder – Part 1
In the last two years, first responders in general, and police officers and firefighters more specifically, have been enduring tremendous stress while dealing with the challenges of a nation divided. The 2020 presidential election; the COVID-19 pandemic; the public murder of George Floyd, social justice protesting following Mr. Floyd’s death, and looters and rioters taking…
Read More
Opening Our Eyes to Opportunities for Change
Sitting in my office at 40th and Chestnut Streets, I often look east and admire the beautiful mural of a young Black man, titled “Colorful Legacy,” by Willis “Nomo” Humphrey and Keir Johnston. As I gaze at the image, I sometimes shake my head when reflecting on my initial misunderstanding of the artists’ message; I…
Read More
Our Athletes Are Coming Home
On July 23, 2021, some of us watched the opening ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. The global pandemic pushed the start date back an entire year and forced an experience that was vastly different from all other prior games. Athletes spent years in deep anticipation for these games and now, just 20 days…
Read More
An Open Letter to Naomi Osaka
Dear Naomi, It’s with a heavy heart that I write you this letter because I feel the weight of the emotional pain you must be experiencing. Not only are you carrying the weight of the depression you sometimes feel, but there are also certain people/organizations that are wanting you to carry the weight of their…
Read MoreThe Importance of Homeostasis & Self-Love
Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, gender, ethnicity, hue, or identity. All humans can be subjected to experiencing mental health challenges. The objective is to determine how to manage these conditions to avoid losing control of your life and mental state. African Americans are a vulnerable population because of past and present…
Read MoreThe Truth About Mental Health and Mass Shootings
Council for Relationships Staff Therapist Briana Bogue, LMFT is a therapist, teacher, and advocate. She also serves as Associate Director of Healthy Relationships and Wellness: psycho-educational skill-building workshops at Council for Relationships. Like everyone else, I am struggling to digest the news of two mass shootings in under 24 hours in this country. My heart…
Read MoreHow to Cope with Mental Illness as a Family
Earlier this month, my family participated in the second annual Move for Mental Health Charity Bike Ride and Walk at Laurel Acres Park in Mt. Laurel, NJ. Move for Mental Health is a nonprofit organization focused on reducing the stigma of mental illness and helping community members in need of mental health services. Sami Sorid,…
Read MoreIt’s time to talk about mental health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month Many people hesitate to talk about their mental health struggles openly. Because of the stigma attached to mental health, they may fear judgment or discrimination if they speak up. When people have to suffer in private, the isolation causes another layer of pain. But times are changing, and more…
Read MorePsychology and Spirituality Can Go Hand-in-Hand When Addressing Mental Health
Ryan McMillian is a Staff Therapist and alum of our Post Graduate Certificate Program for members of the clergy. Here, Ryan responds to the philly.com article “Her religion made her mental illness worse. Then it saved her.” The stigma surrounding mental health concerns has a destructive presence that peeks its head in every aspect of…
Read More