Nurture & Be

Brooke Ferreira, LMFT

Nurture & Be is hosted by Brooke Ferreira, LMFT. Each week, we talk openly about the real things women carry—overwhelm, guilt, resentment, the mental load, motherhood, relationships, and the questions you’re not always saying out loud. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations that make things feel a little less heavy and a lot less lonely, and help you feel a little less alone. Disclaimer: this podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional counseling. Please seek out a provider near you.

  1. MAY 5

    56. The Middle of Therapy Is Where Most People Quit

    Episode Summary This episode is a little more direct, a little more honest about how therapy actually works. I’m walking through what I see all the time. People start therapy, begin to feel some relief, gain insight… and then stop. Not because it didn’t work, but because they left right before the part where real change happens. If you’ve ever felt like you understand your patterns but still find yourself repeating them… this is for you. Because insight is only one part of the process. What comes after is where things actually shift. Why so many people leave therapy too early (and don’t realize it)The difference between feeling better and actually changing patternsThe phases of therapy and what’s happening in each oneWhy insight alone doesn’t create lasting changeThe part of therapy that feels uncomfortable, but is necessaryWhat it looks like to move from understanding → doing something differentHow change becomes something you can actually sustainIf you’re starting to recognize yourself in this, you’re not doing it wrong. You might just be in the part that doesn’t feel as good yet. This is the work we do every day inside therapy. Helping you understand your patterns, move through them, and build something that actually holds in your real life. If you’re in Florida or Georgia, you can schedule a free 20-minute consultation with one of our therapists to see if it feels like a good fit. Head to our website to get connected. We’d love to support you.www.nurtureandbe.com You’re not stuck. You just might need support through the part where things actually change.

    16 min
  2. 55. Sex, Intimacy, and the Conversations Couples Avoid (But Need)

    APR 21

    55. Sex, Intimacy, and the Conversations Couples Avoid (But Need)

    Dr. Nari Jeter is a licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship expert known for her thoughtful approach to boundaries, emotional health, and relational dynamics. In her private practice, she helps couples navigate conflict, dissatisfaction, infidelity, and divorce. Through her writing and speaking, she explores how people can maintain connection without sacrificing their sense of self by developing healthy, sustainable boundaries. Her insights have been featured in outlets including SELF Magazine, Newsweek, and USA Today. Episode Summary:In this episode, Brooke sits down with Dr. Nari Jeter to unpack one of the most common, yet least talked about, dynamics in relationships: physical intimacy. They explore the difference between sex and intimacy, why desire shifts over time (especially postpartum and during high-stress seasons), and the pattern so many couples find themselves stuck in…“I need emotional connection first” vs. “I need physical connection first.” If you’ve ever felt disconnected, confused, or even guilty around intimacy in your relationship, this conversation will help you understand what’s actually happening beneath the surface. What We Talk About: The difference between sex vs. intimacy (and why it matters) Why desire changes across seasons of life The mental load, hormones, and exhaustion behind low desire The “cycle” couples get stuck in around connection Why physical intimacy isn’t just about sex How unmet needs show up differently for each partner Reframing guilt and pressure in relationships What “normal” can actually look like for intimacy frequency Key Takeaways: Intimacy is more than physical. It’s emotional, psychological, and relational closeness. Desire isn’t just about attraction. It’s influenced by stress, hormones, mental load, and relationship health. Both partners have needs. And both matter. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s understanding and connection. Small shifts in communication and perspective can change everything. A Reframe to Sit With:Instead of “I should…”What would it look like to shift into “I get to…” when it comes to connection in your relationship? Continue the Conversation:This episode continues on our paid platform, As It Happens, where we go deeper into: resentment during intimacy “checking the box” sex how to rebuild desire when it feels completely gone About Our Guest:Dr. Nari Jeter is a licensed marriage and family therapist, educator, and couples specialist based in Florida. She works extensively with couples navigating intimacy, communication, and long-term relationship dynamics. Resources & Links: Instagram: @drnarijeter Website: drnarijeter.com From Nurture & Be:We offer: Individual, couples, and family therapy Medication management Free community support groups: Postpartum Support Divorce Support Middle School Girls Group You can explore all services and book a consultation at:www.nurtureandbe.com

    29 min
  3. APR 7

    54. If You’re Always the One Holding It Together, Listen to This

    Episode Summary This episode is a little more real-time, a little less polished. I’m sharing what I’ve been learning about over-functioning in relationships, the subtle ways we try to keep the peace, and how living in “neutral” can quietly keep us stuck. If you’re someone who holds a lot emotionally, anticipates needs, over-explains, or feels responsible for how things land for others… this is for you. Because what can look like care on the surface is often something deeper underneath. What over-functioning actually is and why it’s so easy to missThe connection between over-functioning and people-pleasingHow this shows up in relationships, parenting, and everyday interactionsThe emotional and physical weight of carrying what isn’t yoursChildhood patterns that shape this dynamic (even in “good” families)The over-functioning / under-functioning cycle in relationshipsWhy over-explaining is often anxiety, not clarityIf you’re starting to recognize yourself in this, you don’t have to untangle it alone. This is the work we do every day inside therapy. Helping you understand your patterns, shift how you show up in relationships, and move toward something that actually feels aligned. If you’re in Florida or Georgia, you can schedule a free 20-minute consultation with one of our therapists to see if it feels like a good fit. Head to our website to get connected. We’d love to support you. www.nurtureandbe.com You don’t have to carry everything to be loved.

    21 min
  4. 53. What to Put in Your Postpartum “Hospital Bag” with Dr. Shaleigh

    MAR 24

    53. What to Put in Your Postpartum “Hospital Bag” with Dr. Shaleigh

    Show Notes:In this episode, Brooke is joined by Dr. Shaleigh of AlignLife Sugar Hill for a real, honest conversation about postpartum prep beyond the diapers, swaddles, and recovery supplies. Together, they talk about the emotional, physical, relational, and hormonal shifts that come with pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum season, and what it looks like to build a true support system before baby arrives. Brooke shares from both her professional lens as a licensed marriage and family therapist and her lived experience as a mom, while Dr. Shaleigh brings insight from the chiropractic and nervous system side of care. They walk through what actually belongs in your “postpartum toolkit” including your care team, your community, your relationship support, and your mental health plan. If pregnancy or postpartum has felt heavier than you expected, you are not alone. At Nurture and Be, we support women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the in-between seasons with therapy that looks at the whole picture. Anxiety, intrusive thoughts, identity shifts, relationship strain, grief, and the mental load of motherhood are all welcome here. We serve clients in Georgia and Florida and offer free consultation calls to help you get started. In this episode, we talk about:• What postpartum prep should actually include• Why your care team matters before baby arrives• Postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, and intrusive thoughts• Pregnancy after loss and how fear can show up• Nervous system regulation during pregnancy and postpartum• Breastfeeding support, recovery planning, and C-section prep• Why couples support matters after baby• The role of community in maternal mental health Resources + Links:Nurture and Be Therapy Services: https://www.nurtureandbe.com/Pregnancy + Postpartum Therapy: https://nurtureandbe.com/postpartumPostpartum Support Group (Free): https://mailchi.mp/nurtureandbe/supportgroupsDr. Shaleigh – AlignLife Sugar Hill: https://alignlife.com/locations/sugar-hill-ga-chiropractor/ A gentle reminder:You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming to get support. Therapy can be a proactive part of your postpartum plan, not just something you reach for when you’re already depleted. We’re here. We’re home.

    57 min
  5. 51. Why You Need Community w/ Stephanie Slater, MA RCC CCC

    FEB 24

    51. Why You Need Community w/ Stephanie Slater, MA RCC CCC

    Episode SummaryIn this episode, Brooke sits down with Stephanie Slater, therapist and group practice owner in British Columbia, to talk about what happens when women stop competing and start collaborating. They unpack the real-life reasons community feels hard to build (especially in postpartum or in leadership), why “one person can’t be every well,” and how the right kind of connection can calm the nervous system and reduce isolation. This conversation is grounded, practical, and honest, including how to build community when you’re tired, when you’re new somewhere, and when vulnerability feels risky. What We Talk About Why collaboration can feel safer and more sustainable than competition The myth of scarcity (and what happens when you put it down) The quiet power of having “business people,” “parenting people,” and “just-for-fun people” Why community doesn’t need to be perfect to be healing Simple, doable ways to build connection when you’re already stretched thin The idea that community can be a nervous-system-level support (not just a social nice-to-have) Key Takeaways You don’t need one person to meet every need. You need a few places to belong. Community is built through small risks: saying hi first, inviting someone, trying things once. The goal isn’t “everyone loves me.” The goal is finding your fit. The right community helps you feel steadier. The wrong community can amplify anxiety. About StephanieStephanie Slater, M.A. is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor in British Columbia. She leads Slater & Associates, a group practice serving perinatal mental health, adults, teens, and children, and also offers corporate talks on mental health and wellness. Find Stephanie Website: https://www.slaterandassociates.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slater_therapy_and_counselling/ Want support from Nurture & Be?If you’re ready for a next step and want help figuring out what kind of support would actually fit, you can request a free consult with our team here: https://www.nurtureandbe.com (Free Consult) Brooke also mentions our free community support groups (postpartum + divorce). You can find current groups + details on the website.

    29 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Nurture & Be is hosted by Brooke Ferreira, LMFT. Each week, we talk openly about the real things women carry—overwhelm, guilt, resentment, the mental load, motherhood, relationships, and the questions you’re not always saying out loud. Expect honest, unfiltered conversations that make things feel a little less heavy and a lot less lonely, and help you feel a little less alone. Disclaimer: this podcast is educational in nature and is not a substitute for professional counseling. Please seek out a provider near you.