Blog

• posted: May 13, 2025
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness Month,  Mental Health Awareness

Since 1949, the month of May has been dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and promoting education around it. Each year, counselors and mental health professionals work to reduce Read More

• posted: Mar. 25, 2025
• Mental Health,  Therapy,  Old City Counseling,  Philadelphia,  Old City,  Endometriosis Awareness Month,  Endometriosis

As we wrap up Endometriosis Awareness Month, it's important to reflect on the profound impact this condition has on so many individuals, both physically and emotionally. While strides have been made in raising awareness about the physical symptoms, it’s just as crucial to highlight the emotional toll it takes on those affected. The battle with endometriosis extends beyond physical pain and limitations—mental health challenges can run deep. At Old City Counseling, we recognize the unique emotional and psychological struggles that come with managing a chronic illness like endometriosis. While physical pain is often visible, the mental health impact is frequently invisible but just as significant. As we take this moment to reflect, we want to shed light on how endometriosis affects emotional well-being and emphasize the importance of seeking support. Read More

• posted: Mar. 11, 2025
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness,  Therapy,  Old City Counseling,  OCC,  Counseling,  Philadelphia,  Old City,  International Women's Day,  IWD

International Women's Day (IWD) is more than a celebration—it's a powerful reminder of the challenges women face, including the stigma surrounding mental health. Despite progress, women's mental health concerns are often dismissed, minimized, or overshadowed by societal expectations, gender-based discrimination, and the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. Read More

• posted: Mar. 04, 2025
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness,  Therapy,  Old City Counseling,  Counseling,  Old City,  Philadephia,  Sleep Hygiene,  National Sleep Awareness Day,  Sleep Awareness

Maintaining healthy sleep habits is essential for mental well-being. National Sleep Awareness Day on March 14th serves as a reminder to prioritize rest and practice good sleep hygiene. As the seasons shift and clocks change, many people experience sleep disruptions that affect both physical and mental health. Poor sleep can increase stress, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating while also weakening the immune system and raising the risk of chronic conditions. Read More

• posted: Feb. 11, 2025
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness,  Therapy,  Old City Counseling,  Counseling,  Philadelphia,  Old City,  Random Acts of Kindness,  Random Acts of Kindness Week

Random Act of Kindness week is this month from Sunday, February 9, to Saturday, February 15. This includes Random Act of Kindness Day which falls on Monday, February 17. Here are 15 activities you can engage in to celebrate and be kind! Read More

• posted: Feb. 04, 2025
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness,  Old City Counseling,  Philadelphia,  Old City,  Blog,  Challenges

Valentine’s Day can be tough, especially if you're feeling lonely, dealing with a breakup, or struggling with mental health challenges. This holiday can affect people differently, so taking care of yourself is important. Here are some ways to cope and take care of your mental health: Read More

• posted: Jan. 07, 2025
• Mental Health,  Old City Counseling,  Counseling,  Philadelphia,  Old City,  Blog,  2025,  New Year

As the New Year begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your mental well-being and set intentions to prioritize self-care. While resolutions often focus on physical health or professional goals, mental health is equally important. Here are five practical tips to help you nurture your mind and spirit in the year ahead: Read More

• posted: Oct. 29, 2024
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness,  Old City Counseling,  Philadelphia,  Old City,  Mental Health Matters,  Journal,  Journaling

The Old City Counseling Team wishes you a fun and safe Halloween! As we approach the end of the month this week, here are some journal prompts to reflect back on your month and prepare for a new month. Journaling is a great way to practice mindfulness and allow yourself the space to check in on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Read More

• posted: Oct. 22, 2024
• Mental Health,  Old City Counseling,  Counseling,  ADHD,  ADHD Awareness Month,  ADHD Awareness,  Philadelphia,  Old City

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting both children and adults. It is described as a “persistent” or ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that gets in the way of daily life or typical development. Individuals with ADHD may also have difficulties with maintaining attention, executive function (or the brain’s ability to begin an activity, organize itself and manage tasks) and working memory. Read More

• posted: Oct. 09, 2024
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness,  Therapy,  Old City Counseling,  Old City,  Intuitive Eating

Intuitive Eating (IE) is an evidence based, self-care, and mind-body health approach to food, body, movement. The founders of IE, Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch created this weight neutral and inclusive framework as an attempt to guide individuals out of the never ending cycle of dieting and weight loss. The foundation of intuitive eating is interoceptive awareness; the ability to perceive physical sensations that arise from within your body. There are over 90 different studies on Intuitive Eating to date and a validated assessment scale. Intuitive Eating is a very personal and mindful journey, where individuals are able to explore their psychological and physical needs as a direct response to their body's cues, while also honoring their health. IE can provide happiness and satisfaction around food, less stress about food, body acceptance, and just overall freedom! You deserve this. Read More

• posted: Jul. 22, 2024
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness,  Therapy,  Old City Counseling,  Counseling,  Anxiety,  Therapist,  Old City,  Mental Health Matters,  Stress,  Coping with Stess,  Stress Mechanisms,  Philadelpia

In our fast-paced world, stress has become a common companion for many of us. While some stress is normal and even beneficial, chronic stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Here are seven healthy ways to de-stress and enhance your mental well-being. Read More

• posted: Jul. 17, 2024
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness,  Therapy,  Old City Counseling,  Counseling,  Anxiety,  Old City,  Teenage Mental Health,  Stress,  Philadeplia

Teenage years are often seen as a carefree and joyful time, but for many teens, it can be a period marked by significant mental health challenges. Anxiety and stress are increasingly common among adolescents, and understanding these issues is crucial for promoting better mental health. Read More

• posted: Jun. 26, 2024
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness,  End The Stigma,  Depression,  Therapy,  Old City Counseling,  Counseling,  Anxiety,  Philadelphia,  Old City,  Mental Health Matters,  Motherhood,  Mother,  Mental Well-being

Motherhood is a beautiful journey, filled with love, joy, and countless cherished moments. However, it also comes with its fair share of challenges that can impact a mother’s mental health. Balancing the demands of parenting while taking care of one's own emotional and mental well-being is crucial for both the mother and her family. Read More

• posted: Jun. 17, 2024
• Mental Health,  counseling,  therapy,  old city counseling,  self care,  Juneteenth,  resilience,  support system,  black community,  old city,  philadelphia

Juneteenth is a time of celebration and reflection. This day marks the end of slavery in the United States, specifically when the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were freed on June 19, 1865. It's a reminder of the incredible resilience and strength of the Black community, and a perfect time to talk about the importance of mental health. Read More

• posted: Jun. 11, 2024
• Mental Health,  Mental Health Awareness,  Therapy,  Old City Counseling,  Counseling,  Philadelphia,  Old City,  #PrideMonth,  #LGBTQ

Pride Month is a time of celebration, reflection, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. It is an opportunity to honor the progress made towards equality and to acknowledge the challenges that remain. One critical aspect of this ongoing struggle is the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals. In this blog, we will explore the significance of Pride Month, the unique mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and how we can support and uplift one another. Read More

• posted: May 27, 2024
• Mental Health,  Therapy,  Old City Counseling,  Counseling,  Therapist,  Old City,  Pennsylvania,  Anxiety Attacks,  Panic Attacks,  Anxiety Awareness,  Panic Attack Support,  Stress Management,  Mental Health Matters,  Wellness Journey

In our fast-paced world, it's not uncommon for people to experience overwhelming feelings of stress and anxiety. However, it's important to distinguish between the various forms these feelings can take. Two terms often used interchangeably are "anxiety attacks" and "panic attacks." While they share some similarities, they are distinct experiences with different triggers, symptoms, and durations. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks to help you understand and recognize each one better. Read More