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.