Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
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Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 3min

1085-Addressing Drug and Alcohol Related Brain Damage - Counselor Training

00:00 Introduction: Drug-Induced Brain Damage 01:19 Physical, Emotional, and Cognitive Impacts 03:09 Alcohol’s Effect on the Brain and Body 04:19 Key Brain Regions Affected by Substances 07:22 Understanding Substance-Induced Brain Disorders 08:15 How Different Drugs Cause Brain Atrophy 08:56 Alcohol: Neurotoxicity and Deficiencies 10:59 Stimulants, Opioids, and Inhalants: Brain Impacts 14:23 Cannabis and Other Substances: Neurocognitive Effects 15:46 Substance Use, Symptoms, and Treatment Challenges 16:51 Hallucinogens and Long-term Perceptual Disturbances 20:01 Delirium and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy 23:04 Thiamine Deficiency: Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome 27:48 Diagnosing and Managing Alcohol-Related Brain Damage 31:02 Prevalence and Underdiagnosis of Brain Injury 34:39 Dementia Risks and Alcohol Consumption Guidelines 38:01 Healing the Brain: Recovery and Lifestyle Changes 42:01 Alcohol-Related Brain Disorders: Symptoms and Assessment 45:11 Treatment Options and Hope for Recovery 46:25 Vascular Dementia: Causes and Symptoms 49:28 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) 53:01 Diagnosing FASD and Client Profiles 56:00 Treatment Challenges for FASD 58:07 FASD in Correctional and Clinical Settings 59:39 Summary: Risks and Considerations for Clinicians 01:00:26 Q&A and Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Dec 5, 2025 • 58min

1084 - How Are Nursing Homes Failing Addiction Patients in 2025?

Explore the alarming state of addiction care in nursing homes. Discover statistics revealing high rates of substance use disorders among patients. Learn about the challenges of medication management, highlighting risks of self-administration and diversion. Delve into the vulnerabilities present in care settings that can lead to relapse. Understand the importance of screening for co-occurring issues and how emotional intelligence plays a role in recovery. Plus, find out about environmental triggers that threaten sobriety and strategies for prevention.
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Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 16min

1083 - Managing Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussions

The podcast dives into the complexities of traumatic brain injury and concussions. It compares brain functions to computer parts, unpacking the various symptoms that can arise. Emotional challenges, such as grief and anxiety, are explored alongside concussion causes and misconceptions about recovery. There's a compelling discussion on CTE and its risks, especially in athletes. Listeners learn about practical management techniques, including cognitive rehabilitation, mindfulness strategies, and the importance of support systems to enhance recovery.
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Nov 22, 2025 • 1h 13min

1082 - Essential Skills for Diabetes-Related Disability Adjustment Counseling

Explore essential skills for counseling individuals with diabetes-related disabilities. Discover the impact of diabetes on mood, complications, and general health. Learn strategies for patient empowerment and acceptance, as well as practical tips for improving self-esteem and social interactions. Gain insights on managing nutrition, exercise, and medications while addressing stigma and peer support. Dive into ways to enhance healthcare engagement and navigate treatment targets for better quality of life!
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15 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 2min

1081 - 10 Tools to Understand and Address Agitation, Delirium and Sundowning

Explore the spectrum of cognitive impairment, from aging to dementia, and discover common misdiagnoses. Learn about reversible causes of cognitive changes, including hydration and medication side effects. The discussion highlights multi-component interventions versus relying on medications. Delirium types are defined, revealing critical distinctions between hypoactive presentations and sundowning. Engage with strategies to manage agitation and improve hydration for older adults. Practical tips abound, including addressing grief and anxiety, to enhance care and comfort.
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Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 2min

1080 - 15 Simple Strategies to Improve Dementia Care Today

•Review the scope of practice for clinicians •Identify who is involved •Review the most common cognitive staging tools and their purpose •Discuss evidence based interventions for • Physical symptoms like pain and sympathetic dominance • Interpersonal symptoms • Emotional symptoms • Cognitive symptoms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Oct 12, 2025 • 1h 14min

1080 - A Revealing Look at the Different Types of Alzheimer's and Dementias

00:00 Welcome & Overview of Dementia 01:20 Defining Dementia & Cognitive Decline 04:30 Symptoms and Impacts on Daily Life 08:40 Executive Function & Memory Impairments 12:00 Alzheimer’s Disease: Causes & Progression 19:00 Alzheimer’s Symptoms: Early to Late Stages 24:10 Vascular Dementia: Causes & Risk Factors 30:00 Stroke and FAST Screening 34:40 Stepwise Decline in Vascular Dementia 36:50 More Dementia Types: Lewy Body & Frontotemporal 43:10 Lewy Body Dementia: Symptoms & Fluctuations 49:40 Frontotemporal & Parkinson’s Dementia 52:00 Consequences of Dementia on Health & Function 57:00 Common Causes of Misdiagnosis 01:00:00 Differentiating Dementia from Normal Aging 01:03:30 Screening Tools and When to Refer 01:07:00 Navigating the Healthcare System & Advocacy 01:11:00 Closing Thoughts & Support Resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 3min

1079 - 32 Ways to Reduce Your Dementia Risk

00:00:00 - Introduction: Overview of the 32 risk factors contributing to dementia. 00:00:35 - Early Life Education: Importance of education and cognitive reserve in childhood. 00:03:40 - Midlife Hypertension: Impact of hypertension on brain health and dementia. 00:06:10 - Hypoxia: Role of oxygen deprivation in cognitive decline. 00:08:05 - Sleep Apnea and Breathing Issues: Discussion on apnea, snoring, and their link to dementia risk. 00:11:35 - Obesity and Inflammation: Effects of excess fat tissue on brain inflammation. 00:14:10 - Diabetes and Blood Sugar Management: Stress and sugar levels as contributors to cognitive decline. 00:18:45 - Hearing Loss: The connection between untreated hearing loss and dementia. 00:22:20 - Vision Loss: Impacts of vision impairment on brain activity and stress. 00:26:30 - Poor Diet and Dehydration: Diet quality, hydration, and their influence on cognition. 00:30:15 - Antioxidants and Ultra-Processed Foods: Role of colorful diets and avoiding processed foods. 00:34:00 - Physical Activity: Benefits of exercise in reducing dementia risks. 00:38:40 - Autoimmune Disorders: Links between systemic inflammation and cognitive decline. 00:42:10 - Social Isolation: Importance of social interactions in maintaining brain health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 7min

1078 - Developing Rapport with Older Adults Made EASY!

00:00 Introduction & Overview 00:15 Defining Rapport & Its Importance 01:00 Impact of Lacking Rapport 01:50 Meeting Clients Where They Are 02:44 Consistency & Attachment Behaviors 03:42 Building Trust Through Consistency 04:46 Learning About Client Culture 05:32 Validating and Accepting Older Adults 06:18 Gaining Insight Into Client's Background 07:16 Nonverbal Cues & Acceptance 08:06 Generational Differences and Life Experiences 08:46 Emotional Responsiveness & Validation 09:48 Encouragement & Supporting Independence 11:00 Facing Fears & Stepping Out of Comfort Zones 11:46 Environmental Stability & Safety 12:48 Communication: Consistency, Acceptance, Responsiveness 14:07 Overcoming Communication Barriers 15:09 Cognitive Slowing & Allowing Processing Time 15:35 Vision, Hearing, and External Communication Barriers 17:11 Powerlessness, Trauma & Emotional Triggers 18:01 Past Trauma and Current Impact on Communication 19:14 Treatment Engagement and Advocacy 21:25 Connection, Regret, and Finding Meaning 22:27 Cultural and Generational Norms in Questioning Authority 23:28 Fostering Questions & Advocacy for Clients 24:00 Fears About Asking Questions & Being Judged 25:42 Hopelessness, Empowerment & Intervention 26:42 Fears About Losing Control & Institutionalization 27:32 Treatment Non-Compliance & Communication Gaps 28:35 Open Dialogue & Empowering Choices 29:13 Hidden Barriers to Communication 30:12 Communication Basics: Clarity and Directness 31:09 Asking Direct Questions & Advocating for the Client 32:55 Creating Accessible Environments 33:37 Finding Shared Interests & Setting a Positive Mood 34:47 Avoiding Jargon and Ensuring Understanding 35:40 Cultural Sensitivity & Individual Preferences 36:27 Fostering Privacy & Confidentiality 40:23 ACE: Ask, Collaborate, Empower 42:03 Goal-Setting & Addressing Barriers Together 43:01 Motivational Collaboration & Empowerment 44:08 Synergy and Win-Win Solutions 45:54 Effective Communication Techniques 47:48 Frequent Summarizing & Open-Ended Questions 48:47 Pacing Questions and Avoiding Confrontation 49:58 Alternative Perspectives & Teach Backs 51:06 Nonverbal Communication & Engagement 52:15 Dress, Presentation, and Self-Concept 53:05 Physical and Nutritional Health Insights 56:03 Building and Maintaining Rapport 57:14 Reflecting on Rapport in Practice 59:20 Key Takeaways & Applying to Everyday Life 01:00:29 Processing Loss When Rapport Ends 01:03:39 Growing Demand & Training Needs in Elder Care 01:05:32 Certification & Continuing Education Resources 01:05:43 Closing Remarks & Advocacy Tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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11 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 34min

1077 - 5 Ways AI is Revolutionizing Mental Health Counseling RIGHT NOW

Discover how AI is transforming mental health counseling with innovative support tools. Listen as experts demonstrate mindfulness techniques using AI clones. Learn effective strategies for managing anxiety during job changes and navigating family dynamics, especially around the holidays. Delve into the benefits of setting personal boundaries and how AI can enhance communication within support networks. Explore practical applications of AI in creating treatment plans and managing emotional well-being.

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