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mary__marano

@mary__marano

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Long-term relationships aren’t built on constant happiness.

They’re built on repair.

Real connection isn’t about never hurting each other—it’s about what happens after the rupture. Do we turn toward each other with curiosity, or away with silence? Do we focus on understanding, or on keeping score?

Repair looks like:
Coming back after the hard moments instead of emotionally checking out
Owning your impact, not just defending your intent
Listening to understand, not to win
Choosing reconnection over punishment
Secure relationships aren’t conflict-free. They’re repair-rich. The willingness to pause, reflect, and try again is what builds trust over time—not perfection, not constant positivity, and not pretending things didn’t hurt.

If you’re learning how to stay present through discomfort rather than shutting down, you’re not “failing” at love—you’re practicing it.

#RelationshipHealth #EmotionalRepair #AttachmentTheory #CouplesTherapy #SecureAttachment #HealthyRelationships #EmotionalIntelligence #CommunicationSkills #TherapyTalk #HealingTogether by @mary__marano

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6 months ago

‘CEO’ imposters

When you feel like a fraud…

If you feel like a fraud even though you (kind of) know you’re not, you’re in good company. Many highly successful people are plagued with self-doubt, insecurity and feelings of unworthiness.

Maybe you thought you’d feel ok once you ‘made it’, but now you have and you don’t feel satisfied. You might even feel worse. Perhaps the self-critical part of you actually drove you to success.

But does it serve you now? Or is it stealing your joy?

Let’s work together to overcome imposter syndrome – Contact me now to schedule an appointment.

📞 (416) 473 2875
💻 info@lifeandfamilycounselling.com

🌐 www.lifeandfamilycounselling.com

#therapy #therapist #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #selflove #selfcare #growth #growthmindness #psychotherapy #freshinsights by @mary__marano

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1

a year ago

As a relationship therapist, I believe regular check-ins are one of the best ways to stay connected and keep your relationship strong.

Here are 7 monthly check-in questions to help you and your partner reflect, communicate, and grow together:

1. What's something you appreciated about me this month?
2. Is there anything I did that hurt or upset you, even unintentionally?
3. What's one way I can better support you in the coming month?
4. What's a moment this month that made you feel close to
me?
5. Are there any goals or dreams you'd like us to work on together?
6. What's one fun or meaningful thing we can plan to do next month?
7. What's something you'd like to see more of in our relationship?

These questions are simple but powerful tools for staying connected and aligned as a couple. Try them out and see what comes up 🤍

Let’s start 2026 off right! 🫂 by @mary__marano

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7 months ago

We often spend so much time chasing the next milestone that we forget to appreciate the blessings we already have.

Luxury isn't always found in expensive things. Sometimes, it's the simple moments we experience every day that quietly become the greatest gifts.

✨ Being able to call your mom.
✨ A full fridge.
✨ Good health.
✨ Clean sheets.
✨ Sleeping through the night.
✨ A good workout.
✨ Coming home to the people you love.
✨ Little hands reaching for you.
✨ Peace of mind.
✨ A slow Sunday morning.
✨ Laughing until your stomach hurts.
✨ Hearing your favorite song at just the right moment.
✨ Someone genuinely asking how you're doing.
✨ Feeling the warmth of the sun on your face.

Gratitude doesn't erase life's challenges, but it reminds us that even in difficult seasons, there is still goodness to be found.

Today, pause for a moment. Take a deep breath and ask yourself:
What ordinary blessing have I been overlooking? 💙

#MentalHealth #Gratitude #Mindfulness #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters by @mary__marano

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9 hours ago

I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be recognized as one of Canada's Top 25 Mental Health Leaders by Reach Out Together.

For over 30 years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate some of life's most difficult moments. Every conversation, every breakthrough, and every story has reinforced why I chose this work.

As the Founder and CEO of Life & Family Counselling Services, my mission has always been to help people build healthier relationships, strengthen their emotional well-being, and create meaningful, lasting change. I truly believe that change is not a skill—change is a choice. That belief has guided my work and continues to inspire me every day.

This recognition is not just about me. It belongs to every client who has trusted me with their journey, every colleague who has shared this mission, and everyone who continues to advocate for mental health. Thank you for allowing me to do the work I love.

Together, let's continue breaking the stigma, creating hope, and reminding one another that healing is always possible. 💙

#MentalHealth #MentalHealthLeader #Top25MentalHealthLeaders #ReachOutTogether #LifeAndFamilyCounselling taken in Mary Marano, Life & Family Counselling Services by @mary__marano

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a day ago

As therapists, we often encourage others to slow down, care for themselves, and prioritize their well-being. But it's just as important that we practice what we preach.

For me, self-care isn't always something big or elaborate. It looks like waking up a little earlier before work, stepping outside, breathing in fresh air, and going for a morning walk.

Those quiet moments help me reset, clear my mind, and show up more grounded for the people I support.

Self-care isn't selfish—it's how we sustain ourselves so we can continue to care for others without losing ourselves in the process. What does self-care look like for you?

#SelfCare #MentalHealthMatters #TherapyTools #MindfulLiving #WellnessJourney by @mary__marano

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8 days ago

Happy Anniversary to us — 32 years married. 🤍

Thirty-two years together is a reminder that healthy relationships aren't effortless—they're intentional.

Relationships are hard work. They require open communication, trust, forgiveness, vulnerability, and the willingness to choose each other, especially during life's most challenging seasons. Love isn't about avoiding conflict; it's about learning how to repair, grow, and stay connected through it.

Today, we're celebrating 32 years of choosing one another. Here's to the journey, the growth, and the love that continues to evolve.

#HappyAnniversary #HealthyRelationships #MarriageMatters #LoveGrows #RelationshipTherapy by @mary__marano

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9 days ago

Meet Mary Marano, one of Canada's Top 25 Mental Health Leaders, recognized by Reach Out Together for her outstanding contributions to advancing mental health across Canada.

Dr. Mary Marano, RP, DCP, is the Founder and CEO of Life & Family Counselling Services and a psychotherapist based in Toronto, Ontario with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families create lasting change. Holding a Doctorate in Counselling and Psychotherapy, she is known for a compassionate, direct, and transformative approach, specializing in relationship dynamics, emotional wellness, and personal growth. Often called the "Do or Die Relationship Doctor," she has dedicated her career to restoring hope, strengthening connections, and helping people live more authentic, fulfilling lives. Her guiding philosophy is simple: change is not a skill, change is a choice, a belief she brings to every client relationship.

Her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating a more compassionate and mentally healthy future continue to inspire communities across the country. We are proud to celebrate her impact and recognize the meaningful difference they are making.

Learn more about her work or connect with them at: https://www.lifeandfamilycounselling.com/

#reachouttogether #worldreachouttogetherday #mentalhealthleaders #mentalhealthawareness #canada by @mary__marano

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10 days ago

Sometimes we get so focused on what's still missing that we forget to notice how far we've come.

Take a moment to look around. The life you're living today may hold answers to prayers you whispered months or even years ago. Gratitude doesn't mean everything is perfect—it means recognizing the quiet ways life has unfolded, even through unexpected paths.

"What a blessing it is to look around and see pieces of my old prayers scattered everywhere."🤍

#MentalHealthMatters #TherapyThoughts #GratitudeJourney #HealingTogether #MindfulLiving by @mary__marano

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11 days ago

Please never forget how brave it is to continue showing up in a story that looks so different than what you thought it would be. 🤍

Life doesn't always unfold the way we imagined. Plans change, relationships shift, careers take unexpected turns, and healing rarely follows a straight path.

It's easy to believe you've fallen behind or that you've failed because your life doesn't match the picture you once had.

But the truth is, resilience isn't about having the perfect story—it's about continuing to move forward, even when the path is uncertain.

Every time you choose to get out of bed, attend therapy, ask for help, set a boundary, or simply make it through another day, you're demonstrating courage.

Healing isn't measured by how quickly you reach your destination. It's measured by your willingness to keep showing up, one step at a time.

Your story may look different than you expected, but that doesn't mean it's any less meaningful. Sometimes the chapters we never planned become the ones that shape us the most.

💙 Be gentle with yourself. You're doing better than you think.

#MentalHealthMatters #Therapy #HealingJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCompassion by @mary__marano

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12 days ago

Forgive yourself for not knowing earlier what only time, experience, and healing could teach.

We often judge our past decisions with the wisdom we have today, forgetting that we didn't have today's perspective back then.

Growth changes us.
Experience teaches us.
Healing gives us new understanding.

Instead of criticizing the person you were, thank them for getting you here.

You didn't fail—you learned.

And that learning is something no one can take away from you.

#SelfCompassion #Healing #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #TherapyJourney by @mary__marano

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17 days ago

Lately, I've been soaking in the joy of becoming a new grandparent. It's been a season filled with gratitude, love, and precious moments that I don't take for granted.

At the same time, I recognize that not everyone's family story looks the same.

As a therapist, I have the privilege of sitting with people every day as they share experiences that are often unseen by the outside world. Some are navigating grief, family conflict, estrangement, infertility, loss, trauma, or relationships that feel incredibly complicated.

That's why I've learned not to assume that what brings joy to one person will feel the same for someone else.

We all carry stories that aren't immediately visible.

If there's one thing I hope we can offer one another, it's compassion. We may never fully understand what someone is carrying, but we can choose to listen, to support, and to meet people with kindness rather than assumptions.

Sometimes, being a small, safe part of someone's story can make more of a difference than we'll ever know.

#Compassion #MentalHealthAwareness #FamilySystems #TherapistPerspective #ChooseKindness by @mary__marano

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18 days ago