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…
Read MoreApril 17, 2024 | CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, was featured in The Wildest. Meghan spoke with journalist Maggie Langer for Maggie’s article, “So, You and Your Partner Want to Live Together—But Your Pets Don’t.” We encourage you to read and share the article. To request an appointment with Meghan Rydzewski, visit her biography….
Read MoreEmbarking 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…
Read MorePerinatal mental health services play a crucial role in supporting expecting and new mothers, offering hope and essential care in communities facing significant challenges. This blog explores the transformative impact of these services, detailing the journey of embedding a Council for Relationships (CFR) Therapist within the Stephen Klein Wellness Center in North Philadelphia and the…
Read MorePregnancy is often portrayed as a time of joy and anticipation, but for many, it’s a period marked by complex emotions. Ambivalence during pregnancy, a state of having mixed feelings about the impending arrival of one’s baby, is a common yet seldom discussed phenomenon. This silence fosters a sense of isolation, shame, and fear, leading…
Read MoreEmbarking 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…
Read MoreIn 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…
Read MoreEmbarking on the journey of motherhood introduces a profound “identity shift in motherhood” that many are unprepared for. This transformative phase brings various challenges, from the loss of personal identity to the struggle to find joy amidst the chaos of parenting. This blog delves into the heart of these experiences, offering insights and practical advice…
Read MoreThis 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…
Read MoreEating disorders are often marked by a fear of gaining weight or a lack of control over eating habits. Yet, they are complex conditions that are more than just challenges related to food. That is why no blog (even this one) can adequately help you answer the question, “Do I have an eating disorder?”. However,…
Read MoreWe 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) Important mental health lessons from Taylor Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version) for everyday life Red…
Read MoreFebruary is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month when we focus on recognizing and understanding signs of teen dating violence. Teen dating abuse is a massive problem. It can manifest in different ways, like hurting someone emotionally or physically, controlling them, or harassing them online. Friends and family are pivotal in identifying warning signs, offering support,…
Read MoreCFR is thrilled to have L. Stewart Barbera Jr., a Philadelphia therapist, as a valued member of our team. Read more about Stewart’s therapeutic approaches, goals, and training. Being a Therapist in the Philadelphia Area is a Tremendous Privilege I have used my social work and psychology background to work with kids, teens, and adults…
Read MorePeople feeling guilty about various situations frequently come to my small office. This includes a teenager dealing with their parent’s divorce and a client regretting not expressing themselves in their friendships. After sharing their stories, clients ask me one or both of the following questions (both of which relate to how to let go of…
Read MoreJanuary 17, 2024 | CFR Staff Therapist and Director of Clinical Internships Allen-Michael Lewis was a guest on the Heal Your Roots podcast episode, Unveiling Patterns: Understanding Family Dynamics. You can listen to the podcast episode below or on YouTube or Vimeo. Remember to like, rate, and subscribe to the Heal Your Roots podcast. Attention…
Read MoreHealthy boundaries are essential to thriving relationships. But what does it mean to set boundaries in a relationship? What makes a healthy boundary? How are boundaries in romantic relationships different from non-romantic relationships? The types of boundaries you set vary because the kinds of relationships we create and maintain vary. Our boundaries with people on…
Read MoreFinding a marriage and family therapist in Philadelphia or Wynnewood, Pennslyvania, who accepts new clients can be difficult. CFR is proud to have Staff Therapist Gabrielle Hoang, MFT, as a Council for Relationships (CFR) staff member. Gabrielle sees individuals, couples, and families virtually or in person. Read more about Gabrielle’s therapeutic approaches, goals, and training….
Read MoreParenting during the holiday season is not easy. Stress, guilt, and fear can arise from various sources during this time. But do not fret, parents! Guilt-free holidays are within your grasp. Lia Pezzato is a therapist who specializes in helping marriages and families. She has a plan to help you manage guilt and stress during…
Read MoreHallmark is popular during the holidays for its stories of love, tradition, and family. It also provides us with plenty of valuable mental health lessons. Hallmark’s holiday films teach us to be ourselves, be courageous, and find help during tough times. However, certain lessons should remain confined to fictional towns like Candy Cane Town or…
Read MoreGrieving during the holidays, or for that matter, at any time of the year, is challenging to your mental health. When you feel pressured to act like you are not grieving around family and “friends,” it can harm your emotional well-being. Grieving, after all, is a nonlinear process…and it takes no breaks for family parties…
Read MoreFinding a Philadelphia art therapist who accepts new clients can be difficult. CFR is proud to have Staff Therapist Bethanne Frazer, MS, LPC, NCC, ATR-P, as a member of Council for Relationships (CFR). Bethanne sees individuals, couples, and families virtually or in person, offering both traditional talk therapy and art therapy. Read more about Bethanne’s…
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