Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY
Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

Counselors, coaches and sober companions help hundreds of thousands of people affected by Addictions and Mental Health issues each year. Learn about the current research and practical counseling tools to improve your skills and provide the best possible services. Counselor Toolbox targets counselors, coaches and companions, but can also provide useful counseling self-help tools for persons struggling with these issues and their loved ones. AllCEUs is an approved counseling continuing education provider for addiction and mental health counselors in most states. Counseling CEUs are available for each episode.

  1. ACEs Childhood Trauma's Lifelong Effects

    10 HR AGO

    ACEs Childhood Trauma's Lifelong Effects

    Types of Trauma in Childhood Childhood trauma can be intentional (abuse, neglect) or unintentional (caregivers unable to meet the child's needs due to issues like depression or addiction). Trauma affects children physically, emotionally, cognitively, and relationally, causing a sense of insecurity and powerlessness. Physical and Emotional Trauma Physical trauma includes abuse or neglect, while emotional trauma involves lack of emotional validation or support, which hinders a child's emotional development. Emotional neglect prevents children from learning to identify, regulate, and cope with their feelings. Cognitive Trauma and Environmental Disruption Cognitive trauma can result from gaslighting or parental alienation. Environmental trauma occurs when a child experiences sudden, drastic changes such as losing their home or a stable living situation. Impact of Trauma on Different Stages of Childhood In early childhood, children lack the skills to survive on their own, leading to a profound sense of disempowerment when their needs are not met. During adolescence, children gain more independence but still seek guidance, and trauma can severely impact their emotional regulation and impulse control. Egocentric and Concrete Thinking in Children Young children use egocentric, all-or-nothing, emotion-based reasoning. They cannot distinguish that a caregiver's actions are unrelated to their own worthiness. This thinking leads to personalization, where children believe their needs are unmet because they are unlovable. Trauma's Effect on the Brain and Body Childhood trauma alters brain development and body responses, leading to hypervigilance, emotional dysregulation, and chronic stress. Trauma survivors are at greater risk for stress-related illnesses and mental health issues later in life. Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms Trauma survivors often struggle with impulsivity, anxiety, depression, and difficulty regulating emotions. Emotional dysregulation results in either flat or extreme reactions, and trauma may lead to impulsivity or behaviors mimicking ADHD symptoms. Healing and Reprogramming the Brain Healing involves reducing physical and emotional stress, learning distress tolerance skills, and using fact-based reasoning to counter emotion-based reactions. Trauma survivors must work on recalibrating their nervous system to reduce hypervigilance and build a sense of safety and empowerment. Addressing Cognitive Distortions Survivors must confront cognitive distortions like personalization and overgeneralization, which perpetuate fear and helplessness. Reframing these thoughts and focusing on the present context is essential for recovery. Developing Boundaries and Self-Trust Trauma survivors often struggle with boundaries and trust due to past experiences of neglect or control. Building mindful awareness of personal needs and asserting boundaries is crucial for emotional healing and relationship development. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min
  2. 20 Essential Mindfulness Tools in My Arsenal to Defeat Anxiety

    2 DAYS AGO

    20 Essential Mindfulness Tools in My Arsenal to Defeat Anxiety

    Introduction to Anxiety Relief Strategies Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes presents 20 strategies to help alleviate anxiety, focusing on individualized approaches based on intake assessments. It's important to address anxiety before it reaches a crisis point, as early intervention can prevent escalation. Understanding Anxiety Triggers Anxiety triggers can stem from concerns like loss, rejection, failure, or lack of control. Dr. Snipes emphasizes the importance of identifying these triggers and grouping them to understand the core issues driving anxiety. Vulnerabilities to Anxiety Vulnerabilities are factors that make individuals more susceptible to anxiety, such as poor sleep, caffeine intake, or stress from relationships. It's crucial to systematically address these vulnerabilities through lifestyle adjustments and coping strategies. Cognitive and Emotional Techniques Cognitive vulnerabilities, such as negative thinking patterns, contribute to anxiety. Learning to identify and reframe these thoughts helps reduce anxious responses. Emotional regulation techniques like mindfulness and distress tolerance aid in managing emotional triggers effectively. Body-Based Interventions Muscle tension, fatigue, and restlessness are physical symptoms of anxiety that can be alleviated with strategies like stretching, progressive muscle relaxation, and proper sleep hygiene. Exercise and physical activity also play a key role in managing anxiety by boosting endorphins and reducing muscle tension. Coping Strategies for Restlessness and Irritability Restlessness and irritability are common in anxiety, and Dr. Snipes suggests strategies like breathing exercises and setting healthy boundaries in relationships to manage these symptoms. Identifying environmental triggers that cause restlessness, such as overstimulation, helps in reducing these feelings. Sleep Hygiene and Nutrition Good sleep is critical for anxiety management. Dr. Snipes recommends establishing regular sleep routines, reducing screen time, and addressing underlying issues like pain or hormonal imbalances that affect sleep quality. Nutrition also plays a role, with a focus on balanced diets rich in vitamins and minerals to support neurotransmitter function and reduce anxiety. Mindfulness and Reframing Techniques Mindfulness exercises, including body scans, focused breathing, and open awareness, help individuals stay present and reduce anxiety. Reframing negative or distorted thoughts, such as "catastrophizing" or "all-or-nothing" thinking, aids in creating a more balanced and realistic perspective on stressful situations. Developing Healthy Boundaries and Assertiveness Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is essential for reducing interpersonal anxiety. Assertiveness training helps individuals express their needs without feeling overwhelmed or disrespected in relationships. Building a Resilient Mindset Fostering resilience involves creating a rich and meaningful life vision, accepting difficult situations, and using energy purposefully to pursue personal goals. Tragic optimism, which acknowledges both the good and bad in life while maintaining hope, is a key factor in overcoming adversity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  3. Demystifying Trauma Responses 12 Signs of PTSD You May Not Know

    6 MAR

    Demystifying Trauma Responses 12 Signs of PTSD You May Not Know

    Trauma vs. Traumatic Injury Trauma is an event that causes a sense of helplessness and horror. Traumatic injury refers to the physical, emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal effects of trauma. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD or complex PTSD (CPTSD). Symptoms Often Misdiagnosed Conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and addiction are often misdiagnosed when they are actually symptoms of unresolved trauma. Understanding the root cause of these conditions helps tailor treatment to address trauma. Trauma in Childhood vs. Adulthood Childhood trauma, especially in chaotic or abusive households, can have lasting effects on attachment styles and emotional regulation in adulthood. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, and abandonment significantly impact mental health. Hypervigilance and Executive Dysfunction Trauma survivors are often hypervigilant, constantly scanning for threats, which can impair their ability to concentrate and problem-solve. This can mimic symptoms of ADHD, making it difficult to diagnose correctly. Emotional Dysregulation and Anger Trauma often leads to emotional dysregulation, where individuals respond with exaggerated emotions or anger to minor stressors. This can be a learned response from childhood, where the fight-or-flight mechanism is over-activated. Cognitive and Sensory Effects Trauma survivors may experience sensory hypersensitivity, such as being overly alert to sounds, smells, and visual triggers that remind them of past trauma. They may also struggle with recognizing and labeling emotions, making emotional regulation even more challenging. Attachment Trauma and Relationship Issues Trauma, especially attachment trauma, can lead to avoidance or anxiety in relationships. Some survivors may withdraw from social situations, while others may be hypersensitive to rejection and constantly seek validation. Impact on Physical Health Trauma affects the body's stress response system (HPA axis), leading to issues like inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disorders. Chronic stress also impairs the immune system, increasing the risk of various health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Sleep Problems Trauma disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to insomnia or sleep disorders like sleep apnea. These sleep problems exacerbate mental health conditions, making recovery from trauma even more difficult. Emotional Numbing and Depression Emotional numbing, apathy, and depression are common in trauma survivors, often making it difficult for them to experience joy or motivation. Chronic stress impairs the brain's ability to respond to pleasure and excitement, contributing to long-term mental health issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min
  4. Revolutionizing Opioid and Trauma Treatment with Neurostimulation

    4 MAR

    Revolutionizing Opioid and Trauma Treatment with Neurostimulation

    Introduction to Neurostimulation in Recovery Neurostimulation techniques, like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), have been researched for their role in treating neurological diseases, including addiction and trauma-related disorders. Dr. Navid Kodaparash shares his insights into how neuroplasticity, triggered through VNS, helps the brain recover and adapt. Autonomic Nervous System and Its Role The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) systems, which work in tandem to regulate stress responses. Dysregulation of this system, especially in chronic stress or trauma, can lead to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and addiction. Vagus Nerve: The Wandering Nerve The vagus nerve is crucial for regulating the parasympathetic nervous system. It's known as the "wandering nerve" because it connects multiple organs in the body. Stimulating the vagus nerve can promote a calming effect, reducing heart rate and helping the body relax. Vagal Tone and Stress Regulation Poor vagal tone refers to reduced parasympathetic activity, leading to higher stress and anxiety levels. Improving vagal tone can enhance overall emotional regulation. Techniques like breathing exercises and auricular vagus nerve stimulation can help improve vagal tone over time. Neurostimulation for Addiction and Trauma Chronic stress and trauma predispose individuals to self-medicate with substances like opioids, leading to addiction. Neurostimulation techniques, including auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS), show promise in reducing symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) and anxiety during recovery from opioid use disorder. Non-Invasive VNS Non-invasive VNS techniques, like ear stimulation, can offer similar benefits to implanted devices without requiring surgery. These methods have shown success in managing stress, trauma, and addiction recovery. Clinical Trials and Treatment Sparrow biomedical devices are currently being researched for their effectiveness in treating opioid withdrawal and chronic pain management. Trials have demonstrated the efficacy of VNS in reducing withdrawal symptoms and shortening recovery times for patients suffering from opioid dependency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    59 min
  5. Expert tips for setting and maintaining boundaries in relationships

    27 FEB

    Expert tips for setting and maintaining boundaries in relationships

    Defining Boundaries Boundaries are behaviors that communicate what we will and will not tolerate from others. Think of boundaries as a door to your safe space that you control—deciding whom to let in or out. Types of Boundaries Physical Boundaries: Cover personal space, touch, and eye contact preferences. Affective Boundaries: Reflect the ability to empathize without being consumed by others' emotions. Cognitive Boundaries: Allow individuals to maintain their own beliefs and perceptions. Environmental Boundaries: Relate to personal belongings, space, and time shared with others. Relationship Boundaries: Define who you choose to spend time with and how you engage with them. The Impact of Healthy Boundaries Healthy boundaries make you feel safer and more supported, helping reduce stress, improve immunity, and enhance emotional well-being. They contribute to better sleep, less anxiety, and improved cognitive clarity by reducing external interference. Evaluating Boundaries Periodically evaluate your boundaries to ensure they are appropriate. They should not be too rigid or too weak. Overly rigid boundaries can lead to isolation, while weak boundaries can overwhelm you with others' issues and demands. Handling Boundary Violations When boundaries are violated, it’s important to assertively communicate your needs and set limits. You have the power to refuse to rescue or enable harmful behaviors and to protect your emotional and physical space. Types of Boundary Violators Benign Strangers: People you may not know well, but who do not pose immediate threats. You can engage with them cautiously, possibly learning from them. Burglars: Narcissists, sociopaths, or manipulative people who try to rob you of self-worth, confidence, and sometimes material things. Children: Those who respond immaturely to not getting their way, throwing tantrums until they get what they want. Boundary Maintenance Keep an eye on how your boundaries evolve in relationships. Boundaries with trusted people may become more open, while those with untrustworthy individuals should remain firm. Use assertiveness to communicate your boundaries clearly, ensuring others understand your limits and respecting their own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min
  6. Addiction Counselor's Guide to the Neuroscience of Stimulants

    25 FEB

    Addiction Counselor's Guide to the Neuroscience of Stimulants

    Introduction to Stimulants Stimulants affect the neurological system by altering neurotransmitter levels. Key neurotransmitters impacted include dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, glutamate, and acetylcholine. Dopamine’s Role in Addiction Dopamine regulates movement, motivation, and mood. It plays a major role in the brain's reward pathways, which can reinforce addictive behaviors. Stimulants increase dopamine release, creating feelings of pleasure and reinforcing drug use. Stimulant Effects on the Nervous System Stimulants trigger the stress response, causing a release of norepinephrine, dopamine, and cortisol. This results in heightened focus, energy, and mood regulation, but also leads to issues such as agitation and potential cardiovascular effects. Tolerance and Dependency Over time, the body can become tolerant to stimulants, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Psychological and physiological dependency can develop, leading to withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and cravings. Commonly Abused Stimulants Caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, methamphetamines, and prescription ADHD medications like methylphenidate are among the most commonly abused stimulants. These substances vary in potency and half-life, but all can cause significant neurological and physical effects when misused. Withdrawal and Detox Withdrawal symptoms from stimulants can include depression, irritability, fatigue, and drug cravings. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) may last for weeks or months, requiring ongoing support and monitoring during recovery. Impact of Stimulants on Mental Health Chronic stimulant use can lead to paranoia, anxiety, and even psychotic symptoms in some cases. Long-term use also impacts the body's ability to regulate stress, contributing to systemic inflammation and reduced immunity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m
  7. Mastering Healthy Relationship Boundaries

    20 FEB

    Mastering Healthy Relationship Boundaries

    Definition of Boundaries Boundaries in relationships are like a house: you choose who enters and how far they can go. Just like a house has doors and windows, you decide who to let into your personal space (physically and emotionally). Types of Boundaries Physical Boundaries: Involves personal space, touch, and eye contact. Interpersonal Boundaries: Defines relationship expectations, such as time alone or together. Emotional & Cognitive Boundaries: You are entitled to your own feelings and thoughts, without needing validation from others. Environmental Boundaries: Pertains to personal belongings and who has access to them. Trust and Boundaries Trust develops gradually, and boundaries adjust accordingly, whether with your physical space, emotions, or belongings. The more trust you have in someone, the more you're likely to share deeper aspects of yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    7 min
  8. Mastering Trauma-Informed Screening and Assessment _ Counselor CEUs

    18 FEB

    Mastering Trauma-Informed Screening and Assessment _ Counselor CEUs

    Importance of Trauma-Informed Screening Screening must be trauma-informed, even if not directly screening for trauma. Trauma is at the core of many mental health, behavioral, and physical health problems, so it's crucial to recognize its role. Trauma and Health Problems Trauma, including Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), can contribute to a range of health issues, such as hypothyroidism, depression, and autoimmune disorders. Screening should address both the physical symptoms and the underlying trauma-related causes. Screening and Prevention Early trauma screening helps prevent additional related issues, such as PTSD, addiction, or chronic health conditions. Recognizing the signs of trauma early on improves treatment outcomes by addressing root causes of symptoms. 16 Principles of Trauma-Informed Care These principles emphasize safety, empowerment, and collaboration in clinical settings. It's essential to create environments that feel safe and controlled for patients, especially those with trauma histories. Trauma's Broad Impact Trauma affects a person physically, emotionally, interpersonally, cognitively, and spiritually. It's important to address trauma holistically to prevent revictimization and improve overall treatment outcomes. Environmental Sensitivity Clinical environments can unknowingly trigger trauma survivors (e.g., locked doors, security measures). Being sensitive to such triggers can help patients feel more in control and less threatened. Addressing Trauma Symptoms Symptoms of trauma, such as hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, and emotional regulation issues, can mimic other disorders like ADHD or anxiety. It's important to identify the trauma-related causes to provide effective treatment. Intergenerational Trauma Trauma often perpetuates across generations, with parents passing their unresolved trauma to their children. Addressing trauma through early screening and prevention can help break this cycle. Screening for Trauma Screening can be conducted by various professionals, not just licensed clinicians. Simple screening questions can help identify trauma-related issues and prompt further evaluation. Creating a Trauma-Informed Environment From the moment a patient contacts the clinic to their interactions with staff, every step should be trauma-informed. Pay attention to patient needs and responses to ensure they feel safe and supported throughout their experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 6m
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About

Counselors, coaches and sober companions help hundreds of thousands of people affected by Addictions and Mental Health issues each year. Learn about the current research and practical counseling tools to improve your skills and provide the best possible services. Counselor Toolbox targets counselors, coaches and companions, but can also provide useful counseling self-help tools for persons struggling with these issues and their loved ones. AllCEUs is an approved counseling continuing education provider for addiction and mental health counselors in most states. Counseling CEUs are available for each episode.

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