Register for the 2025 Miles for Mental Health 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk on April 27, 2025! Proceeds support CFR’s Operation Home & Healing program.

Smiling young person with short hair stands against a white brick wall. Text reads: "Transgender Mental Health – Gender Affirming Care. A new blog by Sarah Bowman & Charlotte Fitterman. Council for Relationships."

Supporting Transgender Mental Health Through Gender Affirming Care

April 17, 2025
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Visibility empowers transgender and nonbinary people. Honoring trans lives means recognizing their resilience and lived experiences, while also advocating for essential support like gender affirming care and transgender mental health services. Although Pride Month and other LGBTQ+ observances often lead national conversations, trans visibility deserves its own spotlight, especially when access to care is on…

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Illustrated blog graphic with the title “Middle East & Mental Health.” Subtitle reads “Mental Health Stigma and Cultural Competence in Middle Eastern Communities.” The background is purple with turquoise clouds, stars, and a crescent moon. A skyline of Middle Eastern-style architecture and palm trees appears at the bottom. Text box reads “A New Blog by Sophie Barkhordari.” Council for Relationships logo is in the bottom left corner.

Mental Health Stigma & Cultural Competence in the Middle East

April 15, 2025

Mental health remains a difficult topic in many Middle Eastern communities, where values such as strength, privacy, and honor often discourage open emotional expression. As a result, mental health stigma is widespread, making it harder for individuals to seek help without shame or fear of judgment. Healing begins when clients find therapy that reflects cultural…

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A close-up of a pensive woman looking away, overlaid with text: “Blog New Post by Meghan Rydzewski, MFT – How Managing Anxiety Improves Your Mental and Physical Health.” Council for Relationships logo appears in the corner.

Managing Anxiety & Mental and Physical Health Tips

April 9, 2025

CFR Staff Therapist Meghan Rydzewski understands that managing anxiety during periods of uncertainty can be difficult, especially when trying to balance both mental and physical health. She emphasizes the importance of grounding oneself through intentional self-care routines. These routines offer control over aspects of daily life, creating a stable foundation when life feels unpredictable. Read…

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Grey-scale collage of men's faces with a purple box overlay that reads: Exploring Men's Mental Health through IFS Therapy. A new blog by CFR Therapist A New Blog by CFR Therapist Kelly Davis, Esq., MSW." And the logo for Council for Relationships under it.

Exploring Men’s Mental Health Through IFS Therapy

April 7, 2025

Many men feel pressure to be providers, leaders, and stoic figures of strength. In her latest blog, CFR Staff Therapist Kelly Davis shares how Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS therapy) offers powerful tools to support men’s mental health. Through the story of a fictional client, Kelly reveals how therapy can help men untangle complex emotions and…

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Two people stand close together, one hugging the other from behind in a comforting embrace. The text on the image reads: “Minority Stress & LGBTQ+ Mental Health – A New Blog by Kathy O’Hearn.” The background is purple, with white and teal text, and the Council for Relationships logo appears at the bottom.

Minority Stress & LGBTQ+ Mental Health: What to Know

April 2, 2025

At Council for Relationships, we believe representation, visibility, and affirmation are essential to LGBTQ+ mental health. In this blog, Clinical Intern Kathy O’Hearn—a master’s student at Thomas Jefferson University and a recipient of CFR’s Diversity Scholarship for Emerging Clinicians—shares her reflections on what it means to live authentically as a member of the LGBTQ+ community…

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Illustration of a pink anatomical heart outlined in blue on a textured cream background. Above the heart, text reads: “Transgender Day of Visibility – How support creates safer, stronger communities.” Below the heart, it says: “New blog by Reid Cilley, MFT.” The Council for Relationships logo appears at the bottom. The image uses purple and blue tones to evoke empathy and care.

Transgender Day of Visibility: How Support Creates Safer, Stronger Communities

March 31, 2025

Every year on March 31st, the LGBTQ+ community and our allies come together to observe Transgender Day of Visibility. Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) serves to recognize the resilience of transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming (GNC) individuals throughout history. It is a day for celebrating transgender joy and achievements along with acknowledging the discrimination and…

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Creative graphic featuring a black-and-white portrait of Dr. Emily Mudd, surrounded by artistic illustrations symbolizing mental health and connection. Text reads: 'Dr. Emily Mudd, Women's Mental Health, Honoring Dr. Mudd's Legacy, Therapy & Psychiatry Since 1932, Council for Relationships, by Amy Jones, MFT, MSW, LCSW, Celebrating Our Founder.'

Emily Mudd: Celebrating the Founder of Council for Relationships | Part Three

March 25, 2025

Women’s mental health has remained central to Council for Relationships since Dr. Emily Mudd founded the organization nearly a century ago. Dr. Mudd’s groundbreaking efforts transformed society’s views on women’s roles, reproductive health, marriage, and family life. Her legacy thrives today through CFR’s ongoing commitment to addressing modern challenges in women’s mental health, family planning,…

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Portrait of Reid Cilley, MFT, a trauma informed therapist at Council for Relationships. Reid, a staff therapist based in Philadelphia and online, specializes in trauma therapy and identity-affirming care. Text overlay reads 'Featured Philly Therapist' with the CFR logo and a pride heart.

Trauma Informed Therapist Reid Cilley Helps Clients Heal and Grow

March 21, 2025

Meet Reid Cilley, MFT: A Trauma Informed Therapist Centered on You When you’re searching for a trauma informed therapist, you deserve someone who listens without judgment and adapts to your individual pace. At Council for Relationships, Marriage and Family Therapist Reid Cilley (he/they) brings compassion, curiosity, and professionalism to their work with individuals, couples, teens,…

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Emily Mudd: Celebrating the Founder of Council for Relationships | Part Two

March 17, 2025

To understand the history of marriage counseling requires an understanding of the contributions made by Dr. Emily Hartshorne Mudd. So, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, we continue our exploration of Dr. Mudd’s groundbreaking contributions to women’s mental health and relationship equity. Before founding the Marriage Council of Philadelphia—now known as Council for Relationships—Dr. Emily…

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Emily Mudd: Celebrating the Founder of Council for Relationships | Part One

March 12, 2025

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us reflect on the work of Dr. Emily Hartshorne Mudd. She was a visionary in women’s mental health who championed relationship equity when women’s voices were often dismissed. In 1932, Dr. Mudd established the Marriage Council of Philadelphia, now known as the Council for Relationships. This was one…

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A black-and-white image of a handgun lying on the ground near an evidence marker labeled '1,' with additional markers in the background. The image is overlaid with Council for Relationships' branding and the blog title: 'Trauma Responses & Community Violence – Why the Brain Reacts the Way It Does. A new blog by Davina Scott.'

Trauma Responses & Community Violence: Why the Brain Reacts the Way It Does

March 3, 2025

Davina Scott, a Clinical Intern at Council for Relationships and a student at the University of Pennsylvania, explores the profound effects of community violence on mental health. In this blog, she examines how trauma responses influence the behavior, decision-making, and coping skills of those who have experienced violence. By understanding these responses, communities can develop…

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A promotional graphic featuring Kelly Davis, Esq., LSW, an Internal Family Systems therapist in Philadelphia. Kelly is smiling and wearing a blue sleeveless top with a pearl necklace, posing in an urban alleyway. The text "Featured Philly Therapist" is displayed at the top, with her name and credentials in bold purple text below. Additional text highlights her role as a staff therapist at Council for Relationships, offering therapy in Philadelphia, PA, and online. The Council for Relationships logo, featuring a heart with a rainbow stripe, is in the bottom right corner.

Meet Kelly Davis, Esq., LSW: Bridging Law, Advocacy, and Therapy

February 26, 2025

For some therapists, the path to mental health care is clear from the start. For others, like Kelly Davis, Esq., LSW, it’s a journey shaped by experience, personal growth, and a deep commitment to advocacy. Kelly’s background as a lawyer and nonprofit executive informs her structured, empathetic therapy approach, making her a unique and impactful…

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A person dressed in winter clothing, including a knit hat and scarf, sits on a bench in a snowy outdoor setting, looking into the distance. The image features the title text, “5 Tips to Reverse Seasonal Depression & Brighten Your Winter” by Dr. Michael Antzis, with the Council for Relationships logo in the bottom right corner.

5 Tips to Reverse Seasonal Depression

February 6, 2025

As the days grow shorter and temperatures decrease, many individuals notice a change in their mood. This phenomenon is commonly known as the “winter blues.” For some, these feelings can develop into a more serious form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you’re feeling down during the colder months, you’re not alone….

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Hands gently holding a fabric square with a Star of David design, supporting a small lit candle. The text above reads "Council for Relationships" and "International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025: A Blog by Dr. Bea Hollander-Goldfein, PhD, LMFT, CCTP, APIT" on a dark background.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025

International Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This day serves as a reminder of the terrible events that took place during the Holocaust. This year’s theme, “For a Better Future,” encourages us to reflect and take action. We honor the memory of Holocaust victims and face…

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A promotional graphic titled "Top Mental Health Tips for 2025" featuring a hand holding a smiley face emoji on a gradient purple background. Below the title, it credits "By Therapist Chimère G. Holmes" and includes a button labeled "New Blog!" The bottom of the image features the Council for Relationships logo and the tagline "Therapy & Psychiatry Since 1932.

Top Mental Health Tips for 2025

As the new year begins, many of us think about resolutions to improve our lives. While goals like eating healthier or saving money are common, it’s equally important to focus on your mental health. Taking small, intentional steps to care for your emotional well-being can set the tone for a more balanced and fulfilling year….

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Featured image of Dr. Qianna S. Snooks, PsyD, military family therapist in Philadelphia, smiling in a professional setting. Council for Relationships logo included.

Military Family Therapist in Philadelphia

December 16, 2024

Dr. Qianna S. Snooks is the Director of CFR’s Operation Home & Healing program and a dedicated Staff Therapist. Along with seeing a broad range of clients, Dr. Snooks is a therapist for military families in Philadelphia and supports those who serve and their loved ones by combining professional experience and personal passion to help…

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Navigating the Holiday Season for Military Families" - A blog graphic with a blurred image of a Christmas tree in the background. The text includes the title of the blog and a subtitle, "Veteran Mental Health During the Holidays: A Blog by Dr. Qianna S. Snooks." The Council for Relationships logo is displayed at the top. The design is festive and professional, using a soft purple tone and white accents.

Veteran Mental Health During the Holidays

November 26, 2024

This time of year can be a joyous time filled with holiday family traditions, connection, and gratitude, but for military families, it often brings unique challenges. Balancing deployments, reintegration, and the demands of military life can impact emotional well-being during this special time of year. Prioritizing veteran mental health is essential to navigating these challenges…

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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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A title graphic with a misty mountain in the background and a purple gradient sky. The title in bold white text reads, 'Cognitive Impairment After a Stroke: Invisible Disability Support' by Darrell J. Carson, LMFT. The Council for Relationships logo is placed at the bottom right in purple.

Cognitive Impairment After a Stroke: Invisible Disability Support

October 21, 2024

People often associate stroke recovery with physical challenges like mobility or speech difficulties. However, one of the most significant, yet less visible, hurdles many stroke survivors face is cognitive impairment after a stroke. In this blog, CFR Staff Therapist Darrell J. Carson, LMFT, explores the invisible struggles that many survivors endure. He offers practical insights…

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Graphic featuring Sloane Previdi, LSW, MSW, a therapist at Council for Relationships. The text reads "Featured Bryn Mawr Therapist" at the top, with "Sloane Previdi, LSW, MSW" in large purple font below her photo. The bottom of the graphic lists her title as "Staff Therapist" and locations "Bryn Mawr, PA, & Paoli, PA." The Council for Relationships logo is in the lower right corner. Sloane is smiling and wearing a light top against a gray background.

Bryn Mawr Therapist Sloane Previdi: Client-Centered Care Focus

October 15, 2024

Therapists bring unique insights, experiences, and techniques to their practice, creating a personalized space for clients to feel heard and understood. At Council for Relationships (CFR), Staff Therapist Sloane Previdi, LSW, MFT, is known for her compassionate, systems-based approach. If you’re looking for an online Bryn Mawr therapist deeply committed to client-centered care, Sloane might…

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