Category » Therapists

Four college students with backpacks walk down a beautifully tiled corridor in an old building, backs turned to the camera. The image is in black and white, with the title 'Impact of Suicide Jokes on Mental Health' and the author 'By Meghan Rydzewski, MFT' prominently displayed on a purple banner at the bottom. The Council for Relationships logo is also visible beneath the title.

Impact of Suicide Jokes on Mental Health: Supporting Peers and Preventing Crisis

September 11, 2024

The impact of suicide jokes on mental health is a growing concern, particularly among college students adjusting to life on campus. As many freshmen begin their college experience, they face new environments, social pressures, and academic challenges. These transitions can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for students who don’t yet have robust support systems in place….

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Image of a military parent in uniform holding a young child. Text overlay reads: 'Military Children's Mental Health: Navigating the Challenges of Deployment & Relocation' by Allen-Michael Lewis, LMFT, MS, AS. Council for Relationships logo is in the bottom corner.

Military Children Mental Health: Navigating the Challenges of Deployment & Relocation

Nicole’s father has been on active duty in the Army for most of her life. He has had several deployments, and their family moved multiple times, bringing them to different duty stations during her childhood and teenage years. When people discuss the military, they often focus on active-duty and veteran service members, but they usually…

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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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Stylized illustration of a group of five people sitting in a circle, with one person raising their hand. The title reads 'What You Need to Know: Group Therapy Benefits' in bold, followed by 'By Mike Butera, LMFT' and the Council for Relationships logo at the bottom.

Group Therapy Benefits: What You Need to Know

August 12, 2024

The benefits of group therapy are numerous and can offer a powerful path to healing and personal growth. Group therapy brings people together who are facing similar challenges, providing a supportive environment where participants can connect, learn, and grow. Whether you are dealing with grief, anxiety, or looking to build stronger relationships, understanding the group…

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Promotional graphic for the blog 'Mental Health in Minority Communities' by Bianca Williams, MFT. The image features a young African American man with a serious expression, wearing a denim jacket. The text on the image includes the blog title and 'Care is Critical,' along with the Council for Relationships logo.

Mental Health in Minority Communities: Care is Critical

August 7, 2024

Bianca Williams, a dedicated clinician at Council for Relationships, emphasizes the importance of normalizing all feelings and emotions for her clients. Mental health in minority communities is a critical issue, and this blog aims to shed light on the unique challenges and stigmas that exist within these communities. Bianca shares her personal and professional insights…

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Graphic for the blog titled 'Mental Health of Older Adults During High Temperatures' by Kent Matthies, MFT, MDiv. The image features an older woman drinking water in front of a fan, illustrating the impact of high temperatures on older adults. The Council for Relationships logo is also displayed.

Mental Health of Older Adults During High Temperatures

August 2, 2024

The mental health of older adults during high temperatures is a growing concern, especially as the summer heat intensifies. High temperatures can lead to severe health issues, impacting both physical and mental well-being. In this blog, Kent Matthies, a Staff Therapist at Council for Relationships and the Program Manager for CFR’s new Older Adults Program…

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A smiling woman with braided hair and glasses is pictured in the center. The background is a light green outdoor setting. Above her photo, the text reads: "Featured Therapist" in bold purple font. Below the photo, the text reads: "Bianca Williams" in large purple font, followed by "Marriage & Family Therapist Philadelphia - University City" in smaller white font. In the bottom right corner, the "Council for Relationships" logo is displayed. The background of the image is teal.

Bianca Williams, MFT: Featured Philadelphia Therapist

July 11, 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 Bianca Williams, MFT, a staff therapist in Philadelphia. Bianca brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her practice. Let’s explore Bianca’s…

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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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Promotional graphic for the Heal Your Roots podcast episode titled "CULTURAL DOUBLE STANDARDS: FOOD AND BODY IMAGE" featuring CFR Senior Director of Clinical Programs Allen-Michael Lewis, M.S, LMFT, AS. The graphic includes a photo of Allen-Michael Lewis on the right side, smiling and wearing glasses and a shirt with the year 1989. The left side shows the podcast logo and details: Season 3, Episode 15. The text at the bottom reads: "Featuring CFR Senior Director of Clinical Programs Allen-Michael Lewis, MS, LMFT, AS." The CFR and Heal Your Roots Wellness logos are also present. The background is light with purple accents.

CFR Senior Director of Clinical Programs, Allen-Michael Lewis, was a Guest on the Heal Your Roots Podcast

July 3, 2024

July 3, 2024 | CFR Senior Director of Clinical Programs and Staff Therapist Allen-Michael Lewis M.S, LMFT, AS, was featured on the Heal Your Roots podcast. Allen was a guest on their episode titled, CULTURAL DOUBLE STANDARDS: FOOD AND BODY IMAGE WITH ALLEN-MICHAEL LEWIS, LMFT. We encourage you to listen and share the show. To…

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Image of a purple and pink butterfly with the text 'EMDR Therapy for PTSD: What You Need to Know' overlaid. Below the title, it reads 'By Amy Jones, MSW, MFT, LCSW' and 'Council for Relationships.' The butterfly and text are set against a dark purple background.

EMDR Therapy for PTSD: What You Need to Know

Amy Jones, a therapist at the Council for Relationships, first trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) in 2021. She quickly fell in love with EMDR therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to its effectiveness in shifting traumatic memories for both herself and her clients. This blog outlines the signs of PTSD…

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Promotional graphic for 93.3 WMMR's show 'Her Story with Kathy Romano,' featuring LPC & Spiritual Educator Chimère Holmes, a CFR Staff Therapist. The image includes the show's title in bold, artistic text on an open book with Chimère Holmes' smiling portrait on the right page. The left side has the WMMR logo, and the bottom features text highlighting Chimère Holmes' qualifications (MA, MSEd, LPC) and affiliation with Council for Relationships. A call to action to listen to the show is also present.

CFR Staff Therapist Chimère G. Holmes was a Guest on Her Story with Kathy Romano

June 12, 2024

June 12, 2024 | CFR Staff Therapist Chimère G. Holmes, MA, MSEd, LPC, was featured on 93.3 WMMR. Chimère was a guest on the show, Her Story with Kathy Romano. We encourage you to listen and share the show. To request an appointment with Chimère G. Holmes, contact her via the form on her biography….

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Black and white image of the Golden Gate Bridge enveloped in fog, with the text 'Social Connection & Shame: Navigating Emotional Challenges. Blog by Sonja Spanger, LSW' in blue and green lettering. The Council for Relationships logo is at the bottom right corner.

Social Connection & Shame: Navigating Emotional Challenges

June 11, 2024

I once heard humans described as “exquisitely social” creatures. We have a remarkable ability to pay close attention to the people around us. While engaging in conversation, another part of our brain manages how others see us, ensuring we are acceptable in their eyes. Social connection plays a crucial role in this dynamic. The Role…

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Promotional graphic titled "Are You Guilty of Using Your Dog as an Excuse to Stay Home?" from "The Wildest," featuring CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski, MFT. The left side shows a partial view of an article from "The Wildest" with the headline and a subtitle about needing a night out but staying home because of the dog. The right side has a black and white portrait of Meghan Rydzewski smiling, with text below indicating her role as a CFR Staff Therapist. The "Council for Relationships" logo is at the bottom right corner, and "Read the article!" is written vertically on the far right.

CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski Featured in The Wildest

June 7, 2024

June 7, 2024 | CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, was featured in The Wildest. Meghan spoke with journalist Maggie Langer for Maggie’s article, “Are You Guilty of Using Your Dog as an Excuse to Stay Home?” We encourage you to read and share the article. To request an appointment with Meghan Rydzewski, visit her…

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Children's Mental Health" infographic by Council for Relationships. The design features the title "CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH" in bold, purple letters, with the subtitle "WHY EARLY INTERVENTION MATTERS" in black at the bottom. At the top, the Council for Relationships logo is prominently displayed. Below the title, there is a black-and-white image of three young children sitting together, with two teal star shapes flanking the image. The infographic is credited to Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, noted in a text box just above the subtitle. The background is white, creating a clean and professional look.

Children’s Mental Health: Why Early Intervention Matters

May 29, 2024

Understanding children’s mental health is crucial for early intervention. This blog highlights the importance of child therapy, signs of mental health issues, and how to support a child. Promoting mental health awareness for children and informed parenting and child mental health can make a significant difference in their well-being. Why Early Intervention Matters Mental health…

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Collage image titled 'Dealing with Painful Emotions' featuring tips and insights by Sonja Spangler, LSW, Council for Relationships. Includes various black-and-white photos depicting emotional expressions.

Dealing with Painful Emotions: Insights & Tips

May 28, 2024

In “Dealing with Painful Emotions,” CFR Staff Therapist Sonja Spangler, LSW, explores the inevitability of emotional pain and offers practical strategies for managing it. Through mindfulness, cognitive reframes, and self-awareness, you can learn to navigate your feelings with compassion, transforming suffering into opportunities for growth and healing. New Perspectives on Painful Emotions The Buddhists say,…

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Cover image for a blog titled 'World Schizophrenia Day: Myths, Facts, & Personal Insights' by Bianca Williams, MFT, Council for Relationships. The image features a chalk drawing of a stick figure with a thought bubble filled with chaotic scribbles, representing the complexity of schizophrenia.

World Schizophrenia Day: Myths, Facts, & Personal Insights

May 24, 2024

Introduction to World Schizophrenia Day World Schizophrenia Day, observed annually on May 24th, aims to raise awareness about Schizophrenia, a serious mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. This day is dedicated to debunking myths and reducing the stigma associated with the disorder, fostering greater understanding and empathy within communities. On this day, mental…

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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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The image is a promotional graphic for "Global Accessibility Awareness" by Matthew CP Purinton, LCSW. The background features an image of Earth from space, giving it a global context. The text on the image includes "Increasing mental health care to the Disability community" and "Council for Relationships." The overall design has a teal border and bold, blue text.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2024

Starting in 2013, institutions and technology companies worldwide began marking Global Accessibility Awareness Day on the third Thursday of May. Introduction to Global Accessibility Awareness Day The day began with a blog post from a web designer but has become a worldwide day to raise awareness about the need for technology, especially social media, to…

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This image features a vivid purple flower, symbolizing remembrance, prominently displayed against a soft, dark background with light rays. The text "2024 HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY" appears at the top in elegant, white font. Below the flower, additional text credits Dr. Bea Hollander-Goldfein, LMFT, CCTP from the Council for Relationships. The overall mood is somber and reflective, appropriate for the commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024 – Yom HaShoah

Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024 calls us to reflect deeply on the echoes of the past and the reverberations they cause in our present world. This year, the day takes on a poignant significance, juxtaposed against the October 7th attack, the largest on Jewish lives since World War II. This convergence of historical and recent events…

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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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An image featuring a promotional graphic for a therapist being featured in the news. The backdrop is split with a dark purple top half adorned with repetitive text saying "THE NEWS" in light gray, and the bottom half shows a light gray pattern with faint circular designs. The central focus is a framed photo of a smiling woman with long red hair, identified as Meghan Rydzewski, MFT, a staff therapist at CFR. To the left of her photo, there's a bold purple vertical stripe and a large, green, rectangular border surrounding her picture. Beneath the photo, in bold white text against a black background, reads "Featured in" followed by the publication name "The Wildest" in a stylized font that looks handwritten. The overall design suggests a professional announcement of the individual's media appearance.

CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski Featured in The Wildest

April 17, 2024

April 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….

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