

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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.


