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…

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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,…

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New Year's resolution ideas

2023 New Year’s Resolutions

December 13, 2022

It’s time to start making your 2023 New Year’s resolutions. CFR Staff Therapist Marrisa Kos, MSW, RN, shares her thoughts on the following topics: How to think about New Year’s…

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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…

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What Is Expressive Arts Therapy?

September 15, 2022

As a therapist who specializes in expressive arts, I often get confused looks.  I know what art is, I know what expressive means, but expressive arts? What is that? Expressive…

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Relational Landscapes

August 18, 2022

As a therapist trained in family systems, I am always entangled in the relational world of the clients that I guide and support. My meditation on the word “relationship” has…

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Mind, Body, and Soul Care

July 21, 2022

In a busy world, it can be challenging to remember to pause and take inventory of how you’re doing emotionally and mentally. With endless to-do lists and constant overstimulation from…

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A Lesson from Buddhism (and the Seasons)

April 21, 2022

It’s that time of year when, if you squint your eyes, you can see little green buds on the tips of the trees. What looks like a green haze on…

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The Great Resignation, the Great “Rethink,” and What Happens Next

The last couple of years have been, from a mental health point of view, pretty much of a perfect storm: extremes of polarization and breakdown in our political process and…

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amberella council for relationships power hearts

How CFR Therapy Changed a Life and Inspired a Powerful Art Series

February 7, 2022

If you live or work in Philadelphia, then you probably recognize the work of area artist Amberella. Her hearts can be found all over the city with short, yet powerful…

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Toxic Positivity: It’s Ok to Not Be Ok All of The Time

July 15, 2021

“Good vibes only.” “Never give up.” “Just keep smiling.” “Look on the bright side.” We’ve heard these phrases time and time again. In times of difficulty, we may be told…

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The Importance of Homeostasis & Self-Love

April 15, 2021

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…

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I Have No Excuse to Feel This Bad!

How many times over the past year have you heard (or uttered to yourself) something along the lines of “I know other people have it so much worse than me, so I…

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Shifting Perspectives: Confusion as The New Norm Part II – Being Open to Experience and Self-Regulation

Ann Masten, a renowned professor and researcher on resilience, has written volumes on this topic. She documented Post-Traumatic Growth and the reality that some people actually improve their functioning after…

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Shifting Perspectives: Confusion as The New Norm Part I – Tragic Optimism, Post-Traumatic Growth, and Grief

In conversations with clients, friends, and colleagues, and in the materials I have read from numerous mental health sources, the word “surreal” is often used to describe the feeling of…

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The Suit of Shame: How Did I Put It On?

Your sense of self, personal dignity, and relationship boundaries matter: how to transform social shame and reestablish your worth. One of the most beautiful qualities one has is the ability…

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New Year, New Me? Tips for Maintaining New Year’s Resolutions

January 24, 2019

This is the week of Blue Monday – supposedly the most depressing day of the year, and the day when many people give up on their New Year’s resolutions. Read…

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Michelle and Barack: The Perfect Imperfect Love Story

November 21, 2018

Dr. Michele Marsh is a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist at Council for Relationships’ Center City Office. Dr. Marsh is also the Director of the Sex Therapy Track in…

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Enoughness: How will you know when you are enough?

October 22, 2018

Sarah Epstein, MFT is a staff therapist at Council for Relationships Center City. This blog was originally posted on her website and is republished here with her permission. Pick a…

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Finding meaningful connection with social media friends

Martha Rinehart, MA, LAC, MFT, NCC, our Featured Therapist for April 2018, employs mindfulness-based approach in her practice. If you are interested in therapy with Martha, request an appointment today at…

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Need a vacation? Take a social media break!

April 17, 2018

Laurel Roe, MS CHR, MFT has a background in education and particularly enjoys working with families with members who have special needs, parenting issues, childhood developmental concerns, and anxiety in…

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