Category » Self-Improvement

Graphic promoting a holiday guide titled 'A Holiday Guide to Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy' by Sloane Previdi, MFT. The image features a simple illustration of a person represented by a stick figure being pinched by a large hand, symbolizing the concept of feelings of being small or inadequate. The background includes swirling light blue shapes, giving a sense of motion or emotion. The logo for 'Council for Relationships' is at the bottom of the image.

How to Overcome Feelings of Inadequacy During the Holidays

November 19, 2024

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration, but for many, it can magnify feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. Social media platforms and societal expectations often create pressure to feel happy and fulfilled, leaving those who feel disconnected struggling with self-doubt and insecurity. These emotions can weigh heavily during…

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How to Practice Mindfulness with Council for Relationships: Typewriter printing the word 'Mindfulness' on paper, representing mindfulness techniques to support mental health and well-being.

How to Practice Mindfulness: A Woman’s Guide

November 14, 2024

How to Practice Mindfulness to Support Your Health and Well-being Our daily moods and life experiences are closely linked to our health. Many people don’t realize that stress can affect physical well-being. For example, studies show that women who experience chronic stress face a higher risk of severe health outcomes, including cancer, heart disease, and…

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Featured image with title 'Understanding the Mental Health Healing Process' by Bea Hollander-Goldfein, PhD, LMFT, CCTP, APIT, with Council for Relationships logo.

Understanding the Mental Health Healing Process

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…

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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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The graphic from Council for Relationships features a vinyl record cover of Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version), with an image of Taylor smiling against a blue sky. The text at the top reads, "Taylor Swift Songs About Mental Health," while the author, Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, is credited on the side. Below the album cover image, the title "1989 (Taylor’s Version)" is written, with the Council for Relationships logo in the lower-right corner. The design features a purple border, and the graphic emphasizes the focus on mental health themes found within Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor's Version) album.

What Taylor Swift’s Songs About Mental Health Teach Us: 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

October 1, 2024

Taylor Swift’s songs about mental health have long resonated with listeners, and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is no exception. This rerelease was part of Taylor’s mission to reclaim ownership of her original music. After losing the rights to her first six albums, she began rerecording each one, starting with Fearless. Now, fans can enjoy a refreshed…

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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…

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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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A promotional image featuring an album cover for 'Map of the Soul: 7' by BTS. The album cover is displayed partially on top of a vinyl record, suggesting music as a theme. Above, in bold text, the title reads 'BTS SONGS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH' by Jennifer Trihn, MD. Below the title, the 'Council for Relationships' is mentioned as a presumably endorsing or publishing entity. The graphic design is clean and modern with a white background enhancing the album's colorful artwork. The image is for the blog, "4 Mental Health Lessons from BTS's Map of the Soul: 7"

4 Mental Health Lessons from BTS’s Map of the Soul: 7

April 17, 2024

We can draw many mental health lessons from BTS’s vast music catalog. While the South Korean band is on hiatus, we reflect on the 4 mental health lessons from BTS’s Map of the Soul: 7 (with a special assist by Doolset Lyrics for the Korean-to-English translations of BTS’s lyrics).  Important Mental Health Lessons from BTS’s Map…

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An infographic featuring Kent Matthies, a Marriage & Family Therapist and Minister. The background is a vibrant purple with the text "mindfulness" in bold, turquoise letters. Below, there is a black and white image of Matthies in profile, manipulating a pendulum with a pair of scissors, symbolizing precision and balance. Text above him reads "TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE WITH MINDFULNESS-BASED THERAPY SERVICES: A JOURNEY FROM MINISTER TO MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST." The Council for Relationships logo is placed at the bottom right.

Transform Your Life with Mindfulness-Based Therapy Services

April 10, 2024

Embarking on the path to healing and self-discovery requires courage, understanding, and guidance. Mindfulness-based therapy services offer a unique approach, combining traditional therapeutic practices with mindfulness techniques to support individuals, couples, and families in finding a way to meet life’s challenges. In this blog, we delve into the story of Kent Matthies, a seasoned Unitarian…

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An artistic blog feature image in grayscale with an abstract design representing growth. A stylized plant with broad leaves sprouts from a central path that meanders toward the viewer, bordered by swirling, smoke-like patterns. At the top, "SEED OF CHANGE" is written in large, bold letters, with the subtitle "Pathways to Personal and Spiritual Growth" just below in a smaller font. The author's name, "Rev. Dr. Dolores Littleton, LMFT," is positioned at the bottom, and the text "COUNCIL FOR RELATIONSHIPS" appears in the lower corner, suggesting a sponsoring organization. The monochrome palette gives the image a serene and contemplative mood.

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…

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This image is designed as a cover for content related to women's psychological safety in the workplace. The title "WOMEN'S PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE" is prominently displayed in large, bold white text with purple accents on a dark background. Below the title, there's a subtitle in white, "A Therapist’s Tips for Managing Your Mental Health After Experiencing Workplace Harassment" which suggests practical advice within. The author's name, "By Meghan Rydzewski, MFT," appears at the bottom, indicating expertise in marriage and family therapy. The logo of the "Council for Relationships" is also present, likely signifying the organization behind the content. The visual focus is a black-and-white photograph of a woman's hand held up in a "stop" gesture, symbolizing resistance against harassment and the assertion of boundaries. The overall design conveys a serious and empowering message about the importance of mental health and safety for women in professional environments.

Women’s Psychological Safety in the Workplace

March 20, 2024

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…

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An illustration for a blog post titled "NAVIGATING SELF-CARE IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA". The image shows a grayscale room filled with plants, books, candles, and cozy furniture, with a person sitting cross-legged in meditation pose facing a window that reveals a colorful outdoor scene. At the bottom, the text reads "COUNCIL FOR RELATIONSHIPS" and "By Bianca Williams, MFT".

Navigating Self-Care in the Age of Social Media

March 13, 2024

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…

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This image is a promotional graphic that features "4 MENTAL HEALTH LESSONS FROM RED (TAYLOR'S VERSION)," written by Meghan Rydzewski, MFT. In the center, there's a vinyl record with Taylor Swift’s image on the cover, where she is wearing a brown hat and looking to the side. Her hand is placed near her face, showing off a ring. The background is purple with a text overlay. At the bottom, the logo for "COUNCIL FOR RELATIONSHIPS" is displayed, indicating the organization responsible for the content.

4 Mental Health Lessons from Taylor Swift’s Red

February 20, 2024

We can draw many mental health lessons for daily life from Taylor Swift’s vast music catalog. As the songstress rerecords her albums, we reflect on the 4 mental health lessons from Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version). Previous Album: Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) Next Ablum: 1989 (Taylor’s Version) Important mental health lessons from Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s…

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Self-Help Tips for Depression and Anxiety

December 6, 2023

The holiday season can make you feel depressed and anxious. Everyone experiences symptoms of depression and anxiety during their life. But you can thrive this holiday season with the following 11 self-help tips for depression and anxiety. 11 Self-Help Tips for Depression and Anxiety The holidays can make you feel lonely, sad, uneasy, and worried…

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4 Mental Health Lessons from Taylor Swift’s Speak Now

November 28, 2023

We can draw many mental health lessons from Taylor Swift’s vast music catalog. As the songstress rerecords her albums, we reflect on the 4 mental health lessons from Taylor Swift’s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). Next Album: Red (Taylor’s Version) Previous Album: Fearless (Taylor’s Version) Important mental health takeaways from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) Each song in…

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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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How do you deal with imposter syndrome?

October 10, 2023

Have you ever been in a work environment, educational environment, or social environment, and feel as though you do not deserve to be there or be recognized? So many achieve great accomplishments, and work towards obtaining goals, being unapologetically themselves and feeling confident and proud of who they are and what they achieved. Despite this,…

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Are you building the life you want as 2023 transitions into 2024?

This is a time of year perfect for reflection and optimism. As we begin the period of time when we hand off one year to the next, take a moment to consider your own mental health. How are you doing? Are you taking care of you? In this blog, CFR Staff Therapist L. Stewart Barbera…

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What is ADHD Masking?

September 27, 2023

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, better known as ADHD, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, ADHD does not impact children only. ADHD is a lifelong disorder that goes underreported and underdiagnosed in adults. Many adults with ADHD hide or “mask” their symptoms due to…

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How to Breathe Correctly

September 5, 2023

If you are reading this, there is a chance you are also holding your breath or your breath is shallow. You are not unique, unfortunately. Most of us are not breathing correctly, especially when we are looking at a screen. CFR Staff Therapist and CPI Specialist Mike Butera discusses the following in this article: Reflections…

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Sign stating self care isn't selfish as tip for mental health management

Mental Health Management Tips for 2023

It doesn’t have to be New Year, Same You. When it comes to resolutions, we tend to think about physical health; the exterior and external world reign (like quitting smoking, losing weight, getting in shape, or saving more money). While these are all really great goals, we need to start making mental health resolutions to…

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