

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

Sep 30, 2023 • 10min
879 - 8 Questions to Help You Get Perspective _ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.mp3
Explore how cognitive behavioral therapy can transform distressing beliefs through challenging questions. Learn to assess extreme language and the likelihood of worst-case scenarios, helping to clarify thoughts. The discussion also covers techniques for evaluating situations realistically, empowering listeners to confront fears and move forward. Get insights on managing anxiety by reassessing beliefs for a more fulfilling life.

Sep 28, 2023 • 12min
878 - Increasing Motivation & Readiness for Change Precontemplation _ Addiction and Mental Health Recovery
Chapters:00:00:00 - CEUs and Addiction Counselor Precertification training00:00:06 - Stages of Readiness for Change: Contemplation00:02:40 - Increasing Sense of Control and Challenge00:03:25 - Highlighting Exceptions for Recovery00:03:48 - Using Positive Experiences as Tools00:04:03 - Identifying Differences in Symptom-free Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 27, 2023 • 19min
881-Seasonal Affective Disorder_ Tips and Strategies to Address It
Chapters:00:00:00 - Seasonal Affective Disorder and its Prevalence00:00:42 - Seasonal Affective Disorder and Circadian Rhythms00:01:36 - Circadian Rhythms and Seasonal Changes00:02:27 - The Cortisol Awakening Response and Circadian Rhythms00:03:10 - Awakening response and lack of vitamin D00:03:57 - Vitamin D and Seasonal Affective Disorder00:04:42 - Lack of Movement and Oxygen Levels00:05:31 - Seasonal Affective Disorder in Higher Latitudes00:06:19 - The Impact of Environment on Mental Well-being00:07:09 - The Emotional Toll of the Holidays00:07:56 - Circadian Rhythm Regulation and Light Therapy00:08:51 - Sleep Hygiene and Circadian Rhythms00:09:36 - Improving Sleep Hygiene and Circadian Rhythms00:10:31 - Tips for Dealing with Cabin Fever00:11:24 - The Benefits of Having Plants Inside00:12:10 - Creating a Nurturing Environment with Plants and Wildlife00:12:57 - Committing energy to important things during the holidays00:13:48 - Stressors and Relationship Strain during the Holiday Season00:14:42 - Addressing Grief and Trauma Triggers During Holidays00:15:33 - The Reality behind Social Media and Hallmark Facade00:16:20 - Creating a Rich and Meaningful Life00:17:11 - Managing Symptoms during Seasonal Changes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26, 2023 • 10min
877 - 4 Steps in Perspective Taking _ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy _ How to Take the Best Decision.mp3
Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction to Perspective Taking in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Techniques00:02:42 - Predisposing and precipitating factors in reactions00:05:37 - Understanding Reactions and Triggers00:08:34 - Developing compassion and empathy through self-reflection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 23, 2023 • 7min
876 - 11 Strategies to Enhance Forgiveness and Take Back Your Power _ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Nuggets.mp3
Chapters:00:02:42 - Dealing with Difficult People and Finding Meaning in Life00:05:47 - Tips for Forgiving Others and Finding a Rich and Meaningful Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 21, 2023 • 1h 6min
875 - 10 Meditation Activities and Strategies to Get Started.mp3
Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction to Meditation Techniques00:02:25 - Overcoming biases against meditation00:04:54 - Using meditation to overcome cravings and addiction00:07:20 - Altering physiological processes through meditation00:09:58 - The Benefits of Daily Meditation00:12:28 - Encouraging Consistency in Meditation Practice00:14:51 - Different Meditation Techniques00:17:25 - Introduction to Focused Attention Meditation00:20:10 - Zen Meditation: Rules and Benefits00:21:50 - Insight Meditation: Achieving Concentration00:22:48 - Open Monitoring Meditation00:25:25 - Open Mindfulness Meditation00:27:57 - Practicing Loving Kindness Meditation00:30:48 - Cultivating Loving Kindness towards Oneself and Others00:33:22 - Cultivating Loving-Kindness towards Difficult People00:36:02 - Cultivating Loving Kindness and Forgiveness with Difficult People00:38:37 - Exploring Different Meditation Techniques00:41:15 - Sound Meditation for Quieting the Mind00:42:07 - Tantra Meditations for Expansion of Awareness00:43:48 - Light Meditation for Inner Peace00:43:59 - Light Meditation for Pain Management00:46:43 - Different Forms of Contemplation and Meditation00:49:30 - The Power of the Lower Dantian in Qigong00:50:07 - Using Breathing to Calm the Mind00:50:33 - The Benefits of Qigong for Rehabilitation and Limited Mobility00:51:20 - The Importance of Energy Flow in Qigong00:51:46 - Using Guided Imagery and Meditation for Healing00:52:13 - Enhanced Immune Function through Guided Imagery00:52:18 - Guided meditation for immunity enhancement00:55:03 - The Power of Affirmational Meditations00:57:34 - The Benefits and Caution of Meditation Techniques01:00:14 - Guided Meditation Apps Recommendations01:02:15 - Christian Meditation Practice01:03:05 - Techniques for Managing Holiday Blues and Depression01:03:20 - Upcoming YouTube Video on the Podcast's YouTube Page01:03:29 - Support the Podcast by Purchasing CEUs01:03:40 - Direct Link to On-Demand CEUs for the Podcast01:03:47 - Sponsor an Episode of Counselor Toolbox for Maximum Reach and Impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 19, 2023 • 8min
874 - 3 Strategies for Thought Stopping _ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Nuggets.mp3
Learn techniques to tame the 'monkey mind' and stay grounded through narration and reflection. Discover strategies for thought stopping and addressing worries, along with effective ways to tame intrusive thoughts. Master the skill of controlling your mind, similar to training a puppy to sit, for a rewarding journey towards mental well-being.

Sep 16, 2023 • 5min
873 - 3 Tips for Defining Your Rich and Meaningful Life _ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Nuggets.mp3
Chapters:00:00:00 - Creating a Rich and Meaningful Life00:02:47 - Taking Steps Towards a Rich and Meaningful Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 14, 2023 • 1h 2min
872 - 12 Strategies for Mindfulness and Self Awareness in Contextual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.mp3
Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction to Contextual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Techniques00:02:56 - Different interpretations and truths00:03:46 - Empowering conscious choices00:04:23 - Examining interpretations and reactions00:05:35 - The role of family context in mental health00:06:01 - The Impact of Early Interactions on Schema Formation00:08:58 - Understanding Age-Appropriate Communication00:11:53 - The Impact of Insecure Attachment in Childhood00:14:41 - Effects of addiction on children and caregivers00:17:36 - The Terrifying Thought of Giving up Addiction00:18:38 - Growing up in a Scary Environment00:19:17 - Common Characteristics in Household with Uncontrolled Mental Health Issues00:20:26 - Repeating Actions from the Past00:20:33 - Developing Mindful Self-Awareness00:23:41 - Cultivating General Awareness and Reflection00:26:37 - Having Safe Conversations00:27:16 - Radically Accepting Internal Experiences00:28:35 - Following the Road Signs00:29:33 - Unhooking from Thoughts and Feelings00:31:23 - Using Dialectics for Acceptance and Self-Care00:32:26 - The Dialectics of Stress and Happiness00:35:33 - The Impact of Context on Reactions00:38:15 - Understanding Vulnerabilities in Similar Situations00:38:37 - Changing Your Relationship with Stressors, Depression, and Addiction00:41:33 - Recognizing and Accepting Feelings00:44:33 - Prioritizing Energy Credits in Your Life00:46:18 - Recognizing the Benefits of Staying the Same00:47:10 - Using a Broad Functional Approach for Improvement00:47:29 - Healing the HPA Axis for Mental Health and Addiction00:50:38 - Understanding Emotional Dysregulation00:53:55 - The Importance of Psychological Flexibility00:56:42 - Tools for Self-Reflection and Improvement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12, 2023 • 14min
871 - 8 Benefits of Mindfulness.mp3
Chapters:00:00:29 - The Benefits of Mindfulness00:03:16 - Preventing Stress and Burnout with Mindfulness00:06:14 - The Benefits of Mindfulness00:09:14 - The Impact of Mindfulness on Empathy and Communication00:10:00 - Observing and Describing for Improved Communication00:10:22 - Mindfulness and Relapse Prevention00:11:12 - Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Mental and Physical Health00:12:28 - Understanding Mindfulness and its Benefits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices