

Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 12min
1075-Essential TRAUMA INFORMED Skills for Counseling Older Adults
#aging #aginggracefully #nursinghome #aginginplace
00:00:00 - Introduction and welcome by the host, Dr. Donell Snipes.
00:01:59 - Definition of trauma and exploration of how loss is traumatic.
00:03:30 - Identifying losses in different areas of life.
00:05:03 - Impacts of losing balance and mobility in aging adults.
00:07:24 - Discussion of anticipatory anxiety and grief related to aging.
00:09:33 - Effects of aging on independence and strategies for coping.
00:12:00 - Loss of hobbies and social connections due to physical limitations.
00:15:27 - Progression of chronic illnesses and managing their impact.
00:18:54 - Coping with loss of vision and hearing in later life.
00:21:15 - Addressing cognitive decline and dementia.
00:24:40 - Environmental changes and adaptation strategies for older adults.
00:28:30 - Emotional impacts of aging, including grief, anger, and frustration.
00:32:36 - Social interactions and challenges in maintaining connections.
00:36:02 - Financial strains and fears associated with aging expenses.
00:39:56 - Coping with the loss of a spouse and its implications.
00:44:18 - Empowering older adults to retain a sense of control.
00:48:39 - Grieving loss of identity and self-esteem in later years.
00:52:14 - Practical strategies to maintain autonomy and dignity.
00:55:30 - Caregiver challenges and communication techniques.
00:58:12 - Summarizing coping strategies and concluding the webinar.
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Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 12min
1074-Caregiver ALERT! Reduce STRESS and BURNOUT Now!
00:00 Introduction & Overview of Caregiving
04:30 Defining Caregivers and Cared For
07:00 Types and Roles of Family vs Hired Caregivers
09:30 Frequency, Intensity, and Changes in Care Needs
13:30 Time, Energy, and Case Management Challenges
17:00 Life Changes and Planning for Caregiving
22:00 Physical Impacts: Benefits & Drawbacks
27:00 Managing Physical Exhaustion and Health Risks
33:40 Interpersonal Relationships and Social Changes
39:00 Setting Boundaries and Maintaining Relationships
45:00 Emotional Impact: Stress, Guilt & Grief
51:00 Resentment, Anger & Communication Challenges
56:00 Cognitive Effects: Learning, Confusion & Mental Fatigue
01:00:00 Environmental and Financial Strain
01:04:00 Caregiver Wellness & Self-Care Essentials
01:09:00 Managing Family Expectations & Guilt
01:14:00 Navigating Support, Resources & Closing Remarks
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Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 6min
1073-Aging and Mental Health: The Connections You Need to Know
00:00 Introduction and overview of aging and mental health by Dr. Donal Snipes.
00:33 Physical changes starting at age 40, including hormonal shifts.
01:36 The grieving process of aging and its emotional effects.
02:06 Cognitive adaptations and resistance to change in older adults.
03:07 Control issues and psychological resistance to aging tools.
03:38 Frustration, irritability, and depressive episodes linked to physical and cognitive decline.
04:42 Grief due to loss of functionality and processing limitations.
06:50 Hormonal changes impacting cognitive health, including loss of neuroprotection.
08:24 Neurotransmitter decline with age, including serotonin and dopamine reductions.
13:41 Oxytocin’s role in bonding and mood, with strategies to increase levels.
18:54 Thyroid health in older adults, focusing on hypothyroidism prevalence.
23:04 Declines in liver and kidney function affecting detoxification and medication processing.
25:09 Effects of thinning skin on vitamin D production and wound healing.
26:12 Challenges with nutritional absorption despite a healthy diet.
33:37 Muscle mass loss and the benefits of resistance training for older adults.
35:42 Arterial stiffening, hypertension risks, and mitigation strategies.
37:50 Oxygenation challenges and the importance of deep breathing exercises.
41:35 Cognitive slowing and strategies to address memory issues.
45:54 Vision and hearing loss and their links to dementia risks.
47:27 Diminished taste and appetite, and strategies for nutritional challenges.
1:00:04 Environmental adjustments to ensure safety and independence for aging individuals.
#selfhelp #cognitivebehavioraltherapy #counseling #counselling
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Jul 27, 2025 • 1h 4min
1072-Revolutionary Mind Body Strategies to address ADHD, Addiction & Trauma
00:00:00 Interventions for ADHD and Addiction
00:04:11 Challenges of ADHD Integration in a Neurotypical World
00:08:19 ADHD and Its Links to Stress and Autoimmune Disorders
00:12:29 Understanding ADHD and Sensory Overload
00:16:24 Managing Stress Through Better Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
00:20:08 The Impact of Blood Sugar Regulation on Mental Health
00:23:51 The Benefits of Antioxidants and Omega-3s
00:28:01 Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Emotional Regulation
00:31:59 Enhancing Self-Awareness and Impulse Control Through Vagus Nerve Stimulation
00:35:41 Strategies for Managing ADHD Impulsivity
00:39:15 Supporting Individuals with ADHD in Daily Life
00:43:05 Techniques for Managing ADHD and Anxiety
00:47:12 Strategies for Managing Anxiety and Hypervigilance
00:51:01 Boosting Motivation with Goal-Oriented Techniques
00:54:37 Strategies for Enhancing Motivation and Productivity
00:58:17 Understanding ADHD, Trauma, and Addiction
01:02:53 Challenges in Skilled Nursing Care for Older Populations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 14, 2025 • 1h
1071-Uncovering the Truth About Alcohol Pharmacology
00:00:00 Introduction to the Pharmacology of Alcohol
00:03:47 Alcohol Consumption and Its Impact on Health
00:07:28 Impact of Alcohol on Glutamate and Anxiety
00:11:11 Dangers of Combining Alcohol and Opioids
00:14:53 Impact of Alcohol on Blood Pressure and Hypertension
00:18:35 Impact of Alcohol on Drug Metabolism
00:22:15 Effects of Alcohol on Nutrient Absorption and Inflammation
00:25:45 Understanding Cognitive and Executive Functioning Impairments
00:29:12 Identifying Root Causes of Symptoms in Therapy
00:33:27 Effects of Thiamin Deficiency and Substance Abuse
00:37:31 Early Detection and Treatment of Corov Syndrome
00:40:52 Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Health and Well-being
00:44:18 Effects of Alcohol on Emotional Responses
00:47:43 The Impact of Stress and Alcohol on Gut Health
00:51:28 New Approaches to Alcohol Dependence Treatment
00:55:16 The Impact of Alcohol on Mood and Absorption of Vitamins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 16min
1070 - Can the PIECES Mind-Body Approach REALLY Improve Your Mental Health?
[00:00 - 03:45] Introduction to Transdiagnostic Assessment
Discussion of how transdiagnostic assessment is gaining recognition.
Comparison with older frameworks like motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care.
[03:46 - 11:00] Antidepressant Statistics and Issues
Insights into the effectiveness of antidepressants for anxiety and depression.
Discussion of how antidepressants work and how effective they are based on various studies.
[11:01 - 16:00] Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Its Effectiveness
Dr. Snipes discusses the results and effectiveness of CBT in managing depression and anxiety.
The conversation covers how combining CBT with medications can lead to mixed results.
[16:01 - 23:00] Impact of Environment and Relationships on Mental Health
How environmental factors and relationships can affect one's mental state.
Examples are provided of how external environments can influence internal emotions.
[23:01 - 30:00] The "Pieces" Model Explanation
Dr. Snipes explains her "pieces" model, emphasizing mind-body integration.
Exploration of various dimensions, including physical, emotional, and environmental aspects of treatment.
[30:01 - 36:00] Complexity of Symptoms
Discussion of how multiple conditions or symptoms can overlap.
How improving one area, such as sleep, can positively impact other areas of life.
[36:01 - 45:00] Chronic Pain and Mental Health
How chronic pain can affect both mental and physical well-being.
Dr. Snipes explores the relationship between stress, chronic pain, and mental health symptoms.
[45:01 - 53:00] Chronic Stress and the Autonomic Nervous System
Detailed discussion on how prolonged stress can disrupt the body's ability to manage stress effectively.
How stress influences neurotransmitters and hormones.
[53:01 - 58:00] Emotional and Cognitive Interactions
Addressing how emotions, behaviors, and thoughts are interconnected.
Practical examples are given of how clients can break down symptoms to address them one by one.
[58:01 - 66:00] Addressing Sleep, Nutrition, and Physical Health
The importance of assessing sleep, nutrition, and other physiological factors in mental health.
Dr. Snipes outlines different ways these affect overall well-being and mental clarity.
[66:01 - 72:00] Understanding Pain, Trauma, and Their Influence
Exploration of how past trauma and physical health issues (like hypothyroidism) overlap with mental health.
How to address both physical and emotional components in therapy.
[72:01 - 78:00] Summary and Closing Remarks
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Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 3min
1069 - The Dark Truth About How Addiction & Mental Illness Cause ACEs in Kids
00:00:00 Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
00:03:29 Understanding Basic Human Needs
00:07:10 Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Development
00:10:53 Understanding Types of Child Abuse and Neglect
00:14:37 Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on Caregivers
00:18:43 Addiction and Its Legal Implications
00:22:43 Impact of Separation Anxiety and Divorce on Children's Mental Health
00:26:30 The Impact of Inconsistent Care on Child Development
00:30:04 Impact of Control and Anxiety on Child Self-Esteem
00:34:02 Identifying Trauma: Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences
00:37:13 Understanding Trauma and Its Triggers
00:40:59 Understanding ACEs and Substance Abuse
00:44:27 Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency on Health
00:48:05 Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
00:51:56 Addressing Anxiety and Trust Issues in Children
00:55:22 Impact of Childhood ACEs on Safety and Stability
00:58:58 Understanding Intergenerational Trauma Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 16min
1068-Disaster Mental Health: Trauma-Informed Tools for Better Response
Explore the profound impact of disasters on mental health, including trauma-informed strategies for effective response. Delve into the complexities of PTSD and CPTSD, and the significance of safe zones and timely support. Discover how proximity to disaster sites amplifies emotional reactions, along with the cognitive and physical effects like stress and disrupted routines. Understand the importance of community support, diet, and empathy in recovery, while also addressing the emotional aftermath, including anger and survivor guilt.

9 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 1h
1067-Revealing the Impact of Trauma and Addiction on all the PIECES of Life
Dive into the complex interplay between trauma and addiction, exploring how one often fuels the other. Discover behavioral addictions and the nuances of alcohol consumption, including binge drinking. Learn about the rebound effect and how chronic THC use can alter serotonin levels. The discussion also covers the profound impact of trauma on mental health, relationships, and daily life. Unresolved grief and genetic predispositions further complicate recovery, stressing the need for holistic approaches to healing.

16 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 19min
1066-Healing Trauma: A New Approach to Personality Disorders
Discover the fascinating connections between childhood trauma and personality disorders. The discussion dives into the signs of various disorders in children, like paranoia and avoidance, while unpacking how cultural influences shape behavior. Delve into the complexities of borderline and antisocial personality disorders, as well as the role of self-destructive behaviors. The unique link between trauma and adult behavior is unearthed, emphasizing the importance of a trauma-informed approach to diagnosis and treatment.