A new community discussion group hosted by Council for Relationships (CFR) held its first session on September 17 at its University City location at 4025 Chestnut Street. The public forum, titled “Reflections,” was created to provide a safe and supportive environment for those who have been emotionally impacted by troubling current events. Events may include local or global tragedies, mass killings, global warming, civil rights and other issues. This is an opportunity to share your feelings, listen to one another, and connect with others.

With this new program, CFR seeks to provide community, dialogue, and emotional support for those who need it. The West Philadelphia community members are invited to talk about their responses to current events in a supportive group dialogue, which will be facilitated each month by CFR’s staff of clinical therapists. 

Staff Therapist, Emma Steiner, explains, “People see one tragedy after another in the news, and it’s overwhelming. They end up with feelings of isolation and disempowerment. We want to be the place where people can turn to talk through these feelings and connect with one another.”

This program is designed to be flexible and responsive to specific needs in our community.

This monthly discussion group is provided free of charge and builds on CFR’s 84-year history of providing high-quality counseling including trauma-informed care. The group will be held on the third Saturday of every month at 11 a.m. The next meeting is on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Registration is required in advance by calling (215-382- 6680, ext. 4420.) or registering online.

For more information about Council for Relationships, visit their website.