Melissa Ferrari - Psychotherapist & Relationship Expert

16/10/2025

♥️

15/10/2025

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐬. 𝐏𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 — 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞?

Ever wondered what separates a counsellor from a psychotherapist? 🤔

While both support your mental and emotional wellbeing through conversation and connection, their focus and approach can differ.

Counselling often helps you navigate present challenges — like grief, change, or stress — while psychotherapy dives deeper into long-term patterns and past experiences.

If you’ve been unsure which one is right for you, this article breaks it down clearly so you can make the best choice for your mental health journey 💬

Read more here 👇🏼

When talking about mental health and well-being, counselling and psychotherapy can easily seem to be used interchangeably. This makes sense because they're used in a similar context and work in a similar way. However, there are differences between the two, and knowing those differences will help you...

11/10/2025

Looking After Your Mind: Simple Habits for a Calmer You 🌼
Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. Building small, consistent habits can help you handle life’s pressures, boost your energy, and stay emotionally grounded. Here are some gentle ways to care for your mind every day

😴 1. Honour Your Rest
Rest Is Recharging
Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s how your mind heals and resets. When we don’t get enough rest, everything feels harder. Aim for steady, quality sleep by creating a peaceful nighttime routine, lower the lights, stretch, or read something calming before bed. Your body (and your mood) will thank you.

🚶 2. Keep Moving
Exercise for Emotional Balance
Movement clears the mind and lifts the spirit. Regular physical activity releases natural feel-good chemicals, easing tension and boosting motivation. You don’t have to hit the gym, a stroll, a swim, or even dancing around the living room can do wonders for your wellbeing.

🧠 3. Be Present
Find Calm in the Moment
Mindfulness is about slowing down and noticing what’s around you - the sounds, the sensations, your breath. Just a few minutes of focused breathing can ease anxious thoughts and bring peace to your mind. Over time, this simple habit builds emotional strength and focus.

🥦 4. Fuel Yourself Well
Eat to Support Your Mind
Food fuels your thoughts as much as your body. Choose nourishing meals with plenty of colour - fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats. A balanced diet helps stabilise your mood, sharpen concentration, and support overall mental clarity.

Continued in comments 👇

11/10/2025

Looking After Your Mind: Simple Habits for a Calmer You 🌼
Your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. Building small, consistent habits can help you handle life’s pressures, boost your energy, and stay emotionally grounded. Here are some gentle ways to care for your mind every day

😴 1. Honour Your Rest
Rest Is Recharging
Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s how your mind heals and resets. When we don’t get enough rest, everything feels harder. Aim for steady, quality sleep by creating a peaceful nighttime routine, lower the lights, stretch, or read something calming before bed. Your body (and your mood) will thank you.

🚶 2. Keep Moving
Exercise for Emotional Balance
Movement clears the mind and lifts the spirit. Regular physical activity releases natural feel-good chemicals, easing tension and boosting motivation. You don’t have to hit the gym, a stroll, a swim, or even dancing around the living room can do wonders for your wellbeing.

🧠 3. Be Present
Find Calm in the Moment
Mindfulness is about slowing down and noticing what’s around you - the sounds, the sensations, your breath. Just a few minutes of focused breathing can ease anxious thoughts and bring peace to your mind. Over time, this simple habit builds emotional strength and focus.

🥦 4. Fuel Yourself Well
Eat to Support Your Mind
Food fuels your thoughts as much as your body. Choose nourishing meals with plenty of colour - fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, and healthy fats. A balanced diet helps stabilise your mood, sharpen concentration, and support overall mental clarity.

🤝 5. Build Your Circle
Stay Connected
Humans thrive on connection. Spending time with people who uplift and understand you can reduce loneliness and help you feel supported. Whether it’s catching up with a friend, joining a group, or simply sharing a laugh, genuine connection strengthens your emotional wellbeing.

🛑 6. Know Your Limits
Boundaries Are Self-Respect
Protect your peace by setting clear limits. Saying “no” isn’t rude — it’s an act of self-care. When you stop overextending yourself, you make space for rest and joy. Boundaries allow you to give your best without running on empty.

💬 7. Ask for Help When You Need It
Support Is Strength
Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is reach out. Talking with a mental health professional can help you understand your emotions and learn new ways to manage them. Seeking help early can prevent small worries from becoming overwhelming.

🌿 Final Thought:
Self-care is a lifelong practice, not a single act. It’s about showing up for yourself — one moment, one choice at a time. Take care of your mind, listen to your needs, and remember that small steps lead to lasting change 💙

10/10/2025

Stronger Communication. Deeper Connection. Lasting Love. 💕

Did you know that relationship counselling isn’t just for couples in crisis? Even healthy, happy relationships can grow stronger with the right support. From improving communication to deepening trust and understanding, counselling can help you and your partner connect on a whole new level.

Discover how couples counselling can strengthen your bond and bring more harmony into your relationship. 💑✨

👉 Read more: Link in Bio👆

10/10/2025

Repost from Dr. Stan Tatkin

“I call these the troublesome triad.

This triad, if not understood as intrinsic to the human condition, will lead to countless misunderstandings that you and your partner will presume to be intentional and personal.

So how can you avoid these misunderstandings? Be curious, not furious.

Check and cross-check your perceptions: what you hear, what you say, and what your partner hears.

Ask yourself: Are we talking about the same thing? Is my face saying something different from my words? Is my voice? Is the shortcut I’m using with my partner really being understood?

All of us can become arrogant about what we believe is true. The best way to error-correct is to remain curious, friendly, flexible, humble, and open to being wrong. Your relationship’s integrity is what keeps you safe and secure, not your adherence to fact, righteousness, or perfection”

10/10/2025

Stronger Communication. Deeper Connection. Lasting Love. 💕

Did you know that relationship counselling isn’t just for couples in crisis? Even healthy, happy relationships can grow stronger with the right support. From improving communication to deepening trust and understanding, counselling can help you and your partner connect on a whole new level.

Discover how couples counselling can strengthen your bond and bring more harmony into your relationship. 💑✨

👉 Read more: https://tinyurl.com/42nawrvd

Whether you're a married couple or near the start of a relationship, every couple can benefit from relationship counselling. And while couples counselling is always a great choice for people with relationship problems, it doesn't need to get to that point. Even healthy relationships can benefit from...

09/10/2025

Repost from Dr. Stan Tatkin

"I call these the troublesome triad.

This triad, if not understood as intrinsic to the human condition, will lead to countless misunderstandings that you and your partner will presume to be intentional and personal.

So how can you avoid these misunderstandings? Be curious, not furious.

Check and cross-check your perceptions: what you hear, what you say, and what your partner hears.

Ask yourself: Are we talking about the same thing? Is my face saying something different from my words? Is my voice? Is the shortcut I’m using with my partner really being understood?

All of us can become arrogant about what we believe is true. The best way to error-correct is to remain curious, friendly, flexible, humble, and open to being wrong. Your relationship’s integrity is what keeps you safe and secure, not your adherence to fact, righteousness, or perfection"

09/10/2025

𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘔𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘢,
𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘦’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘐’𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘐 𝘥𝘰? 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸....

When love meets life’s challenges, things can get complicated. One woman’s excitement turns to doubt after discovering a hidden engagement ring — but ongoing money tensions have her wondering if now’s the right time to say yes.

💬 Relationship expert Melissa Ferrari shares her insights on navigating love, money, and communication in this week’s column.

👉 Read the full story > https://tinyurl.com/bdwdjhsd

24/09/2025

👉 You might be more comfortable expressing yourself with words, while your partner may not communicate in the same way. In that case, it helps to do a little extra “detective work” to really understand what’s happening for them.

Thanks Dr. Stan Tatkin