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…
Read MoreAmy 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…
Read MoreJune 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….
Read MoreI 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…
Read MoreJune 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…
Read MoreUnderstanding 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…
Read MoreIn “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,…
Read MoreIntroduction 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…
Read MoreWelcome 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…
Read MoreStarting 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…
Read MoreHolocaust 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…
Read MoreIn 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,…
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