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.
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…
Read MoreMental 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…
Read MoreCFR 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…
Read MoreMany 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…
Read MoreAt 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…
Read MoreEvery 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…
Read MoreWomen’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,…
Read MoreMeet 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,…
Read MoreTo 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…
Read MoreAs 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…
Read MoreDavina 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…
Read MoreFor 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…
Read MoreAs 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….
Read MoreInternational 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…
Read MoreAs 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….
Read MoreDr. 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…
Read MoreThis 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreHow 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…
Read MorePeople 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…
Read MoreTherapists 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…
Read More