Episode Summary
In 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 Stephanie
Stephanie 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.