The holidays aren’t easy for everyone — and grief doesn’t care what the calendar says.

In this week’s episode of Deciphering Growth, we sit down with Bethany Valenti to talk about what grief really looks like during the holidays, why the “stages” don’t tell the full story, and how to navigate traditions, boundaries, and emotional waves with compassion.

We’re therapists—and humans. In this episode of Deciphering Growth, we drop the polished scripts and share the exact self-care we use when life (and clinical work) gets heavy. From odd little joys (automation video games, planted shrimp tanks) to parasympathetic resets (Epsom-salt baths, stretching, visual grounding, the Serenity Prayer), we show how we downshift our nervous systems without perfection or guilt.

You’ll hear:

• Micro-habits that stick on busy days (no 2-hour routines).

• A “skill points” self-care reframe—level up one point at a time.
• Introvert-friendly strategies for crowds, schedule changes, and “I’m running late” spikes.
• Why therapists need permission to be human—and how we protect against burnout.

We’re diving into how teen trauma reshapes the developing brain—and why that can look like “bad choices,” emotional whiplash, or substance use. Tiffany breaks down the neurobiology (amygdala, prefrontal cortex, reward systems, HPA axis) while Eric explores real-world patterns in youth vaping, drinking, and self-medication.Key takeaways:• Trauma ≠ destiny—adolescent neuroplasticity means we can rewire toward regulation and resilience.• Dysregulation can mimic ADHD/ODD/depression; zoom out before labeling.• Substance use often signals unmet regulation needs, not moral failure.If this topic hits close to home, pace yourself and come back when ready. #DecipheringGrowth #TeenMentalHealth #TraumaInformed #Neuroscience #ACEs #YouthSubstanceUse #ParentingTeens #Resilience #TherapyPodcast

Trauma doesn’t just live in the past—it shows up in our communication, our tone, and our bodies. In this week’s Deciphering Growth, we unpack trauma-informed couples therapy and how to build safer connection.

We cover: why domestic violence screening must be done individually, how triggers hijack conversations, what polyvagal cues (voice, face, posture) do to our nervous systems, and practical tools—grounding, co-regulation, “Gottman” time-outs, and repair rituals—you can start using today.

Whether you’re curious about EFT/Gottman, want better communication during conflict, or need ways to de-escalate fast, this one’s for you.

Healthy relationships after trauma are possible—and they’re science-backed. In this episode of Deciphering Growth, Tiffany Graves, LPCC-S, and Eric Stone break down how trauma reshapes the nervous system (amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex), why polyvagal theory matters (fight/flight/freeze/fawn), and how attachment patterns, boundaries, and co-regulation rebuild safety and trust. We share practical scripts, day-to-day strategies, and why consistency—not grand gestures—drives neuroplastic change. Whether you’re a survivor, a partner, a friend, or family, you’ll learn trauma-informed ways to support connection without falling into codependency. Trigger warning for discussion of symptoms and lived experiences.

We’re doing something different—an honest check-in about balance. What’s working, what’s not, and the tiny habits that move us from a 3 to a 6 on our “balance scale.”

Inside: how a quick mini shower can flip your brain out of work mode, why 15-minute buffers are magic, and how to stop the comparison loop on social media.

In this powerful episode of Deciphering Growth, Tiffany and Eric explore the complex topic of trauma bonding—a survival-based attachment that forms through cycles of abuse, intermittent reinforcement, and emotional highs and lows.

We break down the neuroscience behind trauma bonds, including how the brain’s stress and reward systems can create emotional dependency, and why these bonds can feel so difficult to break. You'll learn the signs of trauma bonding, how love bombing plays a role in abusive dynamics, and how distorted self-worth can keep survivors stuck in harmful relationships.

We also discuss:

• How trauma bonding mirrors addiction cycles

• Why people “gaslight” themselves into staying

• The role of shame, guilt, and learned helplessness

• What recovery and reconnection to self can look like

💡 This episode is trauma-informed and supportive, offering psychoeducation—not judgment—for anyone navigating these experiences.

In this powerful episode of Deciphering Growth, we sit down with Chris Perry, a retired police officer and mental health advocate, to explore the emotional toll of working in law enforcement and what it really takes to heal from trauma.

Chris shares his raw, personal story of navigating PTSD, breaking through the stigma of seeking help, and transforming his pain into purpose by supporting first responder mental health nationwide. From culture change to peer support, this conversation sheds light on the intersection of public safety, trauma recovery, and wellness advocacy.

Whether you're a first responder, mental health professional, or someone navigating your own healing journey, this episode offers validation, encouragement, and real-life tools for staying grounded through the hard stuff.

🔹 Topics include:

• PTSD in policing and cumulative trauma

• The cost of silence in high-stress professions

• First responder peer support & culture shifts

• Prioritizing mental health over career pressure

• Chris’s work with the Alzheimer’s Association & training programs