Deciphering Growth

12/02/2025

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.

🎧 Spotify + YouTube | 💬 Extras on Patreon | 📲 IG/FB/LinkedIn for clips & tips

Subscribe, rate, and share with a helper who needs a reset.

11/26/2025

11/18/2025

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.

🎧 Spotify + YouTube | 💬 Extras on Patreon | 📲 IG/FB/LinkedIn for clips & tips

Subscribe, rate, and share with a helper who needs a reset.

11/12/2025

Come to our Patreon to listen how video games can help our mental health!

11/11/2025

🎙New episode🎙

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 va**ng, 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.

11/04/2025

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 the essentials: 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 when everyone’s overwhelmed, this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite platform.
🌱 Want extras? Join our Patreon for early access, worksheets, and bonus mini-exercises from this episode.

10/29/2025

10/22/2025

10/21/2025

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.

🎧 Listen & subscribe: [https://www.youtube.com/] [https://open.spotify.com/show/6G4KBXXO66DRiufvjcJjkp] [https://www.patreon.com/cw/DecipheringGrowth198]
💬 What’s one boundary or support that helps you feel safe?

10/15/2025

10/08/2025

10/07/2025

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.”

You'll learn 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.

🎧Tune in + tell us your favorite micro-transition!