Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
  • 4.7 (606)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 3d ago

    Hormones & Mental Health: What Every Counselor Should Know (CEU)

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m

  2. May 22

    Beyond Willpower: Nervous System Regulation for PAWS (Counselor CEU)

    00:00 Introduction & Overview 01:04 Defining Addiction & Postacute Withdrawal (PAWS) 03:30 Symptoms and Experience of PAWS 05:56 Duration and Course of PAWS 08:06 Educating Supporters & Common Misunderstandings 09:53 Addiction's Effects on the Nervous System 13:05 Behavioral Addictions & Neurochemistry 14:38 Other Stressors in Addiction 15:40 Gut Health and Nutrition in Recovery 18:25 Hormonal Imbalances & Increased Pain 19:35 Hypervigilance, Trauma, and Stress Response 21:05 Treatment Strategies: Sleep, Nutrition & Environment 22:52 Supporting Gut & Hormonal Health Practically 25:08 Interpersonal & Relationship Challenges 29:13 Emotional Regulation in Recovery 30:06 Cognitive Impairment & Coping Strategies 33:13 Environmental Triggers & Safety 35:00 Sympathetic Dominance & Substitute Addictions 37:44 Empowerment & Managing Ongoing Stress 40:39 Therapy Skills: Grounding & Mindfulness 43:39 Checking Perceptions & Addressing Mind Reading 46:01 Sleep Hygiene, Emotional Numbing, and Activation 48:07 Cognitive Strategies: Ruminations & Impulsivity 51:36 Common Recovery Mistakes & Healthy Habits 54:06 Overlooked Areas: Blood Sugar, Oral Health & Vagal Tone 55:53 Mindfulness, Behavioral Activation & Resilience 01:00:00 Spirituality, Empowerment & Recovery Principles 01:00:38 Conclusion & Key Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m

  3. May 15

    Thyroid Trouble: The Hidden Root of Low Energy, Mood & Brain Fog

    00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:34 Thyroid Basics and Mental Health 01:54 Thyroid Imbalances: Symptoms and Impacts 05:04 Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases and Inflammation 06:35 Thyroid and the Stress Response 12:10 Thyroid Hormones: TSH, T4, T3, and RT3 16:37 Blood Tests and Diagnosing Thyroid Issues 20:03 Chronic Stress, Downward Spirals, and Depression 27:02 Thyroid, Hormones, and the Autonomic Nervous System 31:01 Gonadal Hormones, PCOS, and Thyroid 36:06 Thyroid Dysfunction and Aging 39:59 Neurotransmitters and Thyroid Connection 44:03 Medication, Nutrients, and Thyroid Function 48:03 Thyroid Stress: Challenges and Patient Experience 52:53 Therapeutic and Practical Strategies 57:52 Cognitive and Environmental Supports 01:00:42 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m

  4. May 8

    Calmer Environments for Seniors: Sensory & Communication Tips

    00:00 Introduction: Safe Environments for Older Adults 01:11 Goals: Reducing Stress Through Environment 01:32 Sensory Loss and Daily Hazards 03:00 Touch and Smell: Accidents and Safety Concerns 04:12 Impact of Sensory Decline on Well-Being 05:18 Hearing Loss, Vulnerability, and Emotional Impact 07:05 Isolation, Depression and Cognitive Health 08:04 Slowed Processing and Increased Vulnerability 09:01 Trauma, Falls, and Emotional Recovery 10:59 Historical Trauma and Environmental Triggers 13:02 Managing Trauma Triggers: Noise and Weather 15:16 Customizing the Environment for Comfort 18:25 Stress, Nervous System, and Physical Health 20:05 Trauma-Informed Care and Triggers 21:20 Smells and Holiday Triggers 23:17 Screening and Supporting Sensory Needs 24:05 Designing Empowering Spaces and Communication 25:04 Gentle Care, Trust, and Sensory Aids 26:05 Safety, Anxiety, and Personality Changes 27:03 Assistive Technologies and Overcoming Device Hesitation 29:01 Chronic Stress: Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, and Health 31:33 Inflammation, Brain Health, and Cognitive Decline 32:52 Pain, Immunity, and Memory Impacts 34:06 Noise, Light, and Environment Modifications 36:15 Adjustments for Sensory Processing 39:01 Announcing Presence and Movement Zones 41:05 Smell: Positive Memories and Noxious Triggers 42:31 Tech Tools for Safety and Independence 45:12 Fire, Crime, and Disaster Preparedness 47:09 Handling Strangers and Maintaining Security 48:59 Empowerment Through Environmental Control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min

  5. May 6

    Whole Person Counseling: Addiction Assessment & Interventions

    00:00 Welcome & Functional Health Overview 00:45 Defining Addiction & Relapse Vulnerabilities 01:57 Addiction Causes: The Whole Person Approach 02:22 Development & Progression of Addiction 03:25 Tolerance, Withdrawal & Recovery 05:06 Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) 06:36 Impact of Circadian Disruption in Recovery 09:12 Physical Causes: Stress, ANS Dysregulation 12:12 Consequences: Stress, Inflammation & Sleep 14:11 Interventions for Stress & Nervous System 16:06 Hypervigilance & Creating Safety 17:31 Sleep Difficulties, Apnea & Addiction Links 20:26 Sleep Hygiene, Circadian Rhythms & Interventions 23:37 Nutritional Deficiencies & Gut Microbiome 25:16 Interventions: Nutrition, Diet & Probiotics 27:01 Blood Sugar Regulation in Recovery 29:34 Immune System, Inflammation & Pain 32:28 Physical Health, Autoimmune Disorders & Recovery 34:07 Hormones, Cardiovascular Issues & Medications 37:30 Neurotransmitters & Dopamine in Healing 39:07 The Central Role of Stress Management 40:26 Interpersonal Causes: Self-Esteem & Isolation 42:00 Building Self-Efficacy & Communication 43:41 Attachment, Fears & Relationship Patterns 45:06 Dynamics of Boundaries & Safe Relationships 47:04 Unstable Relationships & Trust Issues 50:17 Family, Relapse & Generational Patterns 54:05 Adverse Childhood Experiences & Trauma 55:57 Emotional Regulation: Anxiety, Guilt & Grief 57:46 Cognitive Issues: Brain Fog & Executive Function 59:14 Tools for Memory, Thought Restructuring 01:00:28 Environmental Triggers & Meeting Basic Needs 01:01:14 Managing Triggers & Clutter 01:02:48 Spiritual Disconnection & Hope 01:03:54 Summary: Whole Person Interventions & Healing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 7m

  6. May 1

    The Surprising Two Way Connection Between PCOS and Stress

    00:00 Introduction & Overview 00:15 What is PCOS and Who is Affected? 01:09 Prevalence and Misdiagnosis of PCOS 01:32 Underlying Causes & Hormonal Imbalances 02:26 Risk Factors for PCOS & Mental Health 03:06 Chronic Stress & Hormonal Disruption 04:13 Types of Stress Influencing PCOS 05:00 Inflammation, Diet, and Environmental Factors 05:50 Insulin Resistance & Endocrine Disruptors 06:36 Microbiome and PCOS Development 07:28 Physical Consequences of PCOS 08:08 Key PCOS Symptoms & Signs 09:47 Fatigue, Periods, and Fertility Issues 10:39 Acne, Hair Thinning, and Skin Changes 11:18 Diagnosis & The Importance of Screening 11:44 Insulin, Cholesterol, and Hypertension 12:15 Sleep Apnea & Eating Disorders 13:01 Inflammation, Gut, and Neuroinflammation 14:06 The Importance of Treating the Whole Person 14:18 Interpersonal & Self-Esteem Consequences 15:14 PCOS and Relationship Challenges 16:05 Fertility, Grief, and Self-Esteem 17:19 Mental Health: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma 18:04 PCOS & Increased Psychiatric Disorders 19:13 Hormones & Neurotransmitter Effects 20:08 PCOS and Cognitive Symptoms 20:54 Brain Fog, Focus, and Negative Self-Talk 21:09 Cortisol, Stress, and Mood Regulation 22:08 Glucocorticoid Resistance in PCOS 22:15 Adrenaline, Blood Sugar, and Thyroid 23:15 Thyroid Hormones and Chronic Stress 23:45 Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone Balance 24:41 Oxytocin, Dopamine & Mood 26:01 Glutamate, GABA & Serotonin in Stress 27:04 Neurotransmitter Changes & Impacts 28:42 Stress, Hormones & PCOS Recap 29:06 Autonomic Nervous System Disregulation 29:40 Strengthening the Parasympathetic System 29:48 Hormonal Feedback Loops & PCOS 31:01 PCOS as a Vicious Cycle 32:07 Chronic Activation, Inflammation & Interventions Intro 32:15 Physical Interventions & Lifestyle Tips 33:05 Anti-Inflammatory Diet & Microbiome Support 34:42 Sleep Hygiene & Sleep Disorders 36:12 Bedroom Environment & Blue Light Blockers 37:00 Circadian Rhythm Regulation 39:04 A1C & Insulin Regulation 40:02 Nature Therapy: Forest Bathing & Earthing 41:33 Hormone Therapy Options 41:41 Building Parasympathetic Strength 42:08 Grounding, Breathing & Relaxation 44:09 Meditation, Pain, and Coping 47:07 Managing Body Image & Interpersonal Support 49:04 Trauma, Safety & Empowerment 50:02 Partner Education & Alternative Strategies 50:37 Emotional & Cognitive Coping Skills 51:17 Distress Tolerance & Positive Focus 52:05 Cognitive Distortions & PCOS 53:32 Summary & Empowering Patients 54:56 PCOS Screening & Advocacy 55:09 Reducing Stress & Enhancing Well-Being Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min

  7. Apr 24

    Reduce Caregiver Burnout with These Cognitive and Environmental Tools

    00:00 Welcome & Overview of Caregiver Burnout 01:14 Understanding Cognition & Environment 02:18 Environmental Safety & Caregiver Concerns 03:17 Defining Burnout & Stress in Caregiving 04:06 Common Caregiver Stressors & Thought Patterns 06:04 Cognitive Overload & Executive Functioning 07:08 Juggling Responsibilities & Strategic Planning 08:16 Recognizing Cognitive Signs of Burnout 09:57 Brain Fog, Memory & Sleep Deprivation 11:04 Sleep Pressure & Rigid Thinking in Burnout 12:03 Pessimism & Environmental Signs of Burnout 13:01 Environmental Stress: Decline in Home Care 14:02 Learning Curve & Seeking Help 15:15 Consulting Experts & Repeating Information 16:07 Writing Things Down & Juggling Tasks 17:24 Prioritizing: Identify, Eliminate, Delegate 18:49 Simplifying & Scheduling Self-Care 21:03 Strategizing & the Principle of Diminishing Returns 22:42 Managing Cognitive Overload with Others 23:57 The Trap of 'What Ifs' & Focusing on Facts 24:46 Avoiding Jumping to Conclusions 25:52 Personalization & Alternate Explanations 27:02 Handling Criticism & Approach Differences 28:08 Planning for Environmental Safety 29:03 Collaborating with Care Teams & Rehearsal 30:19 All-or-Nothing Thinking & Progress Focus 31:49 Balanced Perspective on Life & Caregiving 33:11 Magnifying Negatives, Minimizing Positives 34:01 Powerlessness & Emotion-Based Reasoning 35:35 Managing Worries & Focusing Energy 36:43 Environmental Stressors: People & Scheduling 37:43 Hoverers, Boundaries & Social Support 39:03 Returning Home, Scheduling, & Tech Aids 40:15 Constant Input & Taking Breaks 41:09 Clutter, Caregiver Sites, and Empowerment 43:09 Minimizing Environmental Overload 44:13 Assistive Devices & Environmental Empowerment 45:03 Closing Thoughts on Safety & Empowerment 46:42 Q&A: Environmental Stress & Nosy Neighbors 48:05 Communication, Tone, and Trauma-Informed Care 49:54 Supporting Autistic & Non-Verbal Loved Ones 51:25 Final Words & Thank You Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m

  8. Apr 17

    Creating a Nurturing Environment as a Caregiver to Prevent Burnout

    00:00 Intro: Understanding Caregiver Burnout 01:50 Cognitive & Environmental Stress Explained 03:40 Defining Burnout & Its Impact 05:50 Common Caregiving Stressors 07:10 Managing Cognitive Overload 09:40 Recognizing Brain Fog & Executive Dysfunction 13:00 Environmental Signs of Burnout 14:00 Learning, Anxiety, and Information Overload 16:50 Delegating, Simplifying, and Self-Care 21:40 Strategizing & Planning—Focus on What Matters 25:50 Challenging Cognitive Distortions 33:00 Emotional Triggers & Personalization 37:00 Personal Experiences & Alternate Perspectives 41:30 Environmental Challenges for Caregivers 47:00 Setting Boundaries & Asking for Help 51:30 Reducing Clutter and Environmental Stress 54:10 Assistive Devices & Empowering the Environment 57:00 Feeling Safe and Empowered as a Caregiver 01:00:00 Q&A: Real Life Caregiving Issues 01:02:30 Compassion, Tone, and Trauma-Informed Care 01:03:30 Closing Thoughts & Next Topics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m
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606 Ratings

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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