

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

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.

May 29, 2025 • 1h 27min
1065-How Attachment Trauma Leads to CoDependency & Personality Disorders
Explore the intricate link between attachment trauma and personality disorders. Uncover how inconsistent caregiving and adverse childhood experiences shape emotional responses and relational dynamics. Delve into the chaos in family units and the fear of intimacy that can stem from insecure attachments. Discover strategies for setting healthy boundaries and the benefits of audio journaling for self-reflection. Learn how understanding these connections can empower individuals to navigate their relationships and mitigate distress.

May 22, 2025 • 1h 1min
1064-Uncovering the Power of Total Family Intervention
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Overview of Total Family Intervention
00:02:18 - Empathy and Interventions for Mental Health Issues
00:04:44 - The Importance of Interventions for Mental Health
00:06:52 - The Importance of Interventionists with Adequate Training
00:09:09 - Effects of Addiction on Family Dynamics
00:11:27 - Involving the Whole Family in Interventions
00:13:44 - Impact of Addictive Behaviors on Family Members
00:16:00 - Impact on Loved Ones of Addiction and Mental Health Disorders
00:18:11 - Challenges of understanding bipolar disorder
00:20:21 - Total Family Intervention Steps
00:22:22 - The Initial Contact in an Intervention
00:24:28 - Educating about Interventions
00:26:33 - Developing Hope Through Intervention
00:28:47 - Motivating factors for interventions
00:33:07 - Involuntary Commitment for Addiction and Mental Health Issues
00:35:18 - Managing Stress and Setting Boundaries
00:37:43 - Screening for Addiction and Mental Health Issues
00:39:49 - Making a Plan for Change
00:42:01 - Initial Placement for Treatment
00:44:08 - Overcoming barriers to seeking treatment
00:46:25 - Impact of Behavior on Relationships
00:48:42 - Handling objections in interventions
00:50:51 - Effective Intervention Strategies
00:53:09 - Moving Forward towards Treatment
00:55:23 - Empowering Patients through Follow-Up
00:57:26 - The Importance of Intervention Timing
00:59:47 - On-Demand CEUs for Podcast Viewers
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 snips
May 13, 2025 • 22min
1063-You did what? Avoiding Common Ethical Violations in Counseling
Dive into essential ethical principles for counselors, emphasizing the importance of boundaries and safeguarding client confidentiality. Explore common dilemmas, including the complexities of sexual relationships with clients and the significance of maintaining trust. Learn about the ethical decision-making framework and the need for informed consent, particularly when working with vulnerable populations. Plus, uncover the pitfalls of unethical billing practices and how to uphold integrity in counseling. It's a thought-provoking discussion on preserving ethics in mental health services!

May 8, 2025 • 1h 2min
1062-Unveiling Counseling Ethics: Setting Boundaries & Avoiding Abandonment
Explore the complex nuances of counseling ethics, including boundary extensions and the importance of informed consent. Discover the challenges of maintaining confidentiality, especially in crisis situations. Learn about navigating dual relationships and attending significant events in clients' lives while balancing support with professional boundaries. The discussion also covers essential standards like HIPAA, and the importance of maintaining continuity of care and proper access to electronic records. Ethical dilemmas take center stage, providing valuable insights for counselors.

11 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 15min
1061-Exposing Enabling Behaviors and 20 Tips for Providing Healthy Support
Exploring the fine line between support and enabling, this discussion dives into the psychological impact on both caregivers and those they help. It uncovers the complexities of codependency and emphasizes the necessity of setting healthy boundaries. Practical tips for navigating family dynamics are shared, alongside insights on fostering recovery through mindfulness. Listeners learn how to empower themselves while managing financial challenges and overcoming the chaos often associated with addiction and mental health.

Apr 22, 2025 • 2h 55min
1060-How Stress Alters Hormones, Neurotransmitters & Mental Health
I. Introduction to Stress and Its Impact
Stress affects the body's hormonal and neurotransmitter systems.
Chronic stress can lead to significant mental health challenges.
II. Hormonal Responses to Stress
Cortisol:
Known as the "stress hormone," it increases in response to stress.
Elevated cortisol levels can impair memory and cognitive functions.
Adrenaline and Noradrenaline:
These hormones prepare the body for "fight or flight" responses.
Prolonged elevation can lead to anxiety and sleep disturbances.
III. Neurotransmitter Alterations
Serotonin:
Chronic stress can decrease serotonin levels, contributing to depression.
Dopamine:
Stress can disrupt dopamine pathways, affecting motivation and pleasure.
GABA:
Reduced GABA activity under stress can lead to increased anxiety.
IV. Mental Health Consequences
Persistent stress is linked to disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Stress can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.
V. Strategies for Mitigating Stress Effects
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:
Practices like meditation can lower stress hormone levels.
Physical Activity:
Regular exercise helps regulate neurotransmitter levels.
Social Support:
Engaging with supportive communities can buffer stress impacts.
00:00:00 Overview of the Autonomic Nervous System and Hormonal Functions00:10:41 How to Boost Oxytocin for Connection 00:22:25 Understanding Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome 00:32:50 The Impact of Stress on Hormones and Sleep00:43:35 Hormonal Changes During and After Breastfeeding00:54:39 Understanding Glutamate and Anxiety01:05:03 Nutrient Absorption Challenges in Digestive Disorders01:15:17 Coping with Chronic Pain: Strategies and Emotional Impact01:30:34 Understanding the Stress Response and Its Biological Mechanisms01:41:01 Overcoming Arachnophobia with Systematic Desensitization 01:51:19 Chronic Stress and Neurotransmitter Imbalance02:01:40 Understanding Autoimmune Issues and Inflammation 02:11:43 Understanding Cortisol Sensitivity and PTSD 02:22:34 Understanding PCOS and Stress Connection 02:33:43 Understanding Circadian Rhythms and Sleep02:43:29 Coping with Stress and Evaluating Threats 02:53:18 Managing Stress Response for Healing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices