Grief During the Holidays: Holding Joy and Loss at the Same Time

Small Habits, Real Change

Real change rarely comes from big promises, sudden motivation, or total life overhauls. More often, it’s built quietly, through small, consistent habits practiced with compassion, patience, and grace. In this episode of Unplugged Therapy, therapist Stephanie Evans explores why so many well-intentioned habits fail and what research actually shows about creating change that lasts. Drawing from evidence-based principles like habit stacking, focusing on one habit at a time, realistic timelines for habit formation (often closer to months than weeks), and the surprisingly powerful practice of starting with just one minute, this conversation reframes growth in a way that feels achievable instead of overwhelming. This episode is especially for those who: • feel discouraged by self-help culture • struggle with consistency and follow-through • carry trauma, chronic stress, or emotional exhaustion • want to grow without pushing their nervous system into burnout • desire change that aligns with both mental health and faith Rather than asking “How do I try harder?”, this episode invites a different question: What would growth look like if it were gentle, realistic, and sustainable? We talk about how trauma and stress impact habit formation, why shame actually blocks progress, and how small daily practices can support emotional healing, spiritual connection, and personal growth over time. This isn’t about perfection, productivity, or becoming a “better” version of yourself overnight. It’s about building habits that work with your nervous system instead of against it, and allowing change to unfold in a way that honors your story, your season, and your capacity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at growth, this episode will remind you: you’re not broken, you just need a kinder framework. Press play and discover how small steps, taken consistently, can lead to meaningful and lasting change.

The Lie About Motivation: Real Life Goals: Growth Without Burnout

New year. New goals. Same tired nervous system. Every January, we’re told that this is the year we finally become more disciplined, more motivated, more productive, more healed. But what if the problem isn’t your willpower, what if it’s the pressure? In this episode of Unplugged Therapy, therapist Stephanie Evans gently dismantles New Year goal culture and offers a radically different approach to growth, one rooted in nervous system awareness, mental health, faith, and compassion. This conversation is for anyone who feels: • emotionally exhausted • behind in life • disconnected from motivation • overwhelmed by “shoulds” • frustrated by goals that never seem to stick We explore why motivation naturally fluctuates, how trauma and chronic stress impact follow-through, and why traditional goal-setting often fails people who are already doing their best just to get through the day. Instead of pushing harder, this episode invites you to slow down, listen inward, and pursue growth that is sustainable, realistic, and deeply human. This is not about hustling, overachieving, or fixing yourself. It’s about honoring your season. It’s about progress without punishment. It’s about growth that doesn’t abandon your mental health or your faith. If you’re craving a grounded, honest, and grace-filled way to approach the new year — without shame, pressure, or burnout — this episode was made for you Take a breath. Press play. You’re not behind. Tags / Keywords Realistic goal setting Mental health and motivation Trauma-informed therapy New Year pressure Burnout recovery Nervous system regulation Faith and mental health Emotional exhaustion Sustainable growth Self-compassion Healing journey

How to Get Your LPC-A (Without Losing Your Mind)

Getting your LPC-A license can feel overwhelming, confusing timelines, endless acronyms, and paperwork that no one explains clearly. In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to get your LPC-A, step by step, based on what I was told and what I personally did. We talk about when you can take the NCE (yes, during your last semester if you’ve completed 75% of your program), how to set up your NBCC account, applying through the South Carolina LLR, uploading documents the right way, transcripts, name changes, CACREP vs. non-CACREP programs, and how starting early can seriously speed up the process. I share practical tips, real talk, and a little humor , because licensure info can be dry, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. If you’re in grad school, close to graduating, or feeling stuck in the licensure process, this episode is for you. Tags: * LPC-A * Licensed Professional Counselor Associate * Counseling Licensure * NCE Exam * NBCC * South Carolina LLR * Counseling Graduate Students * Therapist in Training * Mental Health Licensure * Counseling Careers * Graduate School Counseling * New Therapists * Unplugged Therapy Podcast * NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) 👉 https://www.nbcc.org [https://www.nbcc.org/] (Create your account, register for the NCE, and manage exam info) South Carolina LLR – Board of Examiners for LPCs 👉 https://llr.sc.gov/professional-counselors (Apply for your LPC-A, upload documents, and track your application) Email transcript to Contact.Counselor@llr.sc.gov

Grief During the Holidays: Holding Joy and Loss at the Same Time

This episode discusses grief and loss. Listener discretion is advised. Episode: Grief During the Holidays, Holding Joy and Loss at the Same Time The holidays can bring comfort, connection, and celebration, but for many people, they can also intensify grief. Family gatherings, old traditions, familiar music, and seasonal memories often stir emotions that feel heavier this time of year. In this episode of Unplugged Therapy, we talk honestly about grief during the holidays, why it can feel more intense, and how to support yourself when emotions come in waves. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and it doesn’t disappear just because the season changes. Drawing from therapeutic insight, lived experience, and reflections inspired by Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, this conversation offers validation, psychoeducation, and practical tools to help you navigate the holidays with more compassion and less pressure. In this episode, we explore: Why grief often feels stronger during the holiday season How memory, tradition, and the nervous system are connected What it means to “lower expectations” when you’re grieving Simple grounding tools for overwhelming moments How to set boundaries and stay connected without emotional burnout Why it’s okay to experience grief and moments of joy at the same time Grief looks different for everyone, and however it shows up for you this season is valid. If the holidays feel especially hard this year, you’re not alone. Support is available through local counseling resources, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 for immediate support. Listen now and give yourself permission to breathe through this season, one moment at a time. Tags: grief holiday grief grieving during the holidays loss and grief mental health podcast therapy podcast emotional healing nervous system regulation coping with loss holiday stress self-compassion trauma-informed Unplugged Therapy healing conversations

Slow Healing is Still Healing

Healing isn’t a straight line—and slow progress doesn’t mean you’re stuck. In this episode of Unplugged Therapy, Stephanie Evans explores the “in-between” moments of healing: when old triggers resurface, grace feels distant, and growth seems invisible. She shares personal stories, practical tools, and gentle reminders that even quiet, small steps count. Want to go deeper? Sign up for Stephanie’s email list to get a free journal download packed with prompts and reflections to guide your healing journey: [your website/landing page link]. Take a deep breath. Slow healing is still healing—and you are exactly where you’re meant to be. References / Recommended Reading: ·       Brown, B. (2021). Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience.Random House. ·       Germer, C. K., & Neff, K. D. (2019). Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals.Guilford Press. ·       Levine, P. A. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness. North Atlantic Books. ·       Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. William Morrow. ·       Siegel, D. J. (1999). The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are.Guilford Press. ·       Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). “Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence.” Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18. Episode Keywords / Tags: Healing journey, trauma recovery, nervous system, self-compassion, mindfulness, post-traumatic growth, emotional wellness, personal growth, mental health podcast, therapy tips