Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

Summary ~ Thyroid hormones can be altered by physical or emotional stress ~ Thyroid hormones via the HPT axis are intertwined with the HPA-Axis –dysfunction in one produces dysfunction in the other ~ Many cognitive, affective and behavioral symptoms commonly seen in behavioral health settings may have some underpinnings in thyroid dysfunction ~ Mental health clinicians can educate patients about the far-reaching impact of thyroid hormones; help them address cognitive and emotional stress and trauma and address sleep and circadian rhythms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

*Podcast had to be done with a backup microphone, I apologize for the sound quality. Sponsored by BetterHelp. Clinicians, sign up with BetterHelp to increase your bookings and work from the comfort of your own home. https://hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com/aff_c?offer_id=20&aff_id=2373 Objectives ~ Define the impact of disabilities on the 7 categories of functional capacity ~ Explore unique challenges for people with disabilities ~ Identify attitudinal, procedural and treatment barriers and methods to mitigate them ~ Review other identified behavioral targets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sponsored by BetterHelp. Clinicians, sign up with BetterHelp to increase your bookings and work from the comfort of your own home. https://hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com/aff_c?offer_id=20&aff_id=2373 Objectives ~ Learn what PAWS is ~ Explore why PAWS happens ~ Identify steps to take to reduce and cope with PAWS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exploring the multifaceted functions of oxytocin, its relationship with vasopressin, and its impact on mental health. Discussing oxytocin's role in neurotransmitters, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and early development. Delving into the risks and benefits of exogenous oxytocin in various mental health conditions.

Summary - Acetylcholine is not often talked about but is a necessary excitatory neurotransmitter - Acetylcholine interacts with gonadal hormones, thyroid hormones and several neurotransmitters - Acetylcholine is important for energy, memory, attention, regulation of muscle contraction and much more. - Choline is necessary to make acetylcholine - Tyrosine is necessary to make acetylcholine - Too much acetylcholine contributes to anxiety and irritability, too little contributes to anhedonia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Video games, online gambling, online shopping and pornography all have the potential to become problematic Social media also has an addictive quality that can cause withdrawal and exacerbate mood disorders and/or addictions What Makes a Video Game Addictive High Score Beating the Game No Ending to the Game – i.e. Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) Role Playing Novelty/Discovery A good portion of World of Warcraft is spent exploring imaginary worlds, and Minecraft is spent designing new worlds Relationships Acceptance A place to anonymously try out different personas Like other addictions, internet addiction can have physical, social, financial and emotional consequences In our digital age, it is highly unlikely that people can completely unplug. Similar to other behavioral addictions like eating and sex, it is necessary to identify the motivations behind the internet use Additionally, by its very rewarding nature, internet addiction will cause neurochemical imbalances which can lead to depression and apathy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Based in Part on Brief Therapy with Eating Disorders by Barbara McFarland, and the Overcoming Disordered Eating Protocol by the Centre for Clinical Intervention - Shifting paradigms to one of resourcefulness vs. sickness - Identifying key interviewing questions to develop a strengths-based alliance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Objectives - Core Mindfulness - Walking the Middle Path - Distress Tolerance - Emotion Regulation - Interpersonal Effectiveness - Mindfulness Exercises - DBT Games and Activities Core Mindfulness - Three States of Mind - Reasonable: School Brain, scientist, robot - Emotional: What your heart says - Wise: The logical choice that makes you as happy as possible - Example: Animal rescue - Example: Extracurricular activities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Objectives - BREIFLY review the findings from the research identifying the connection between the brain and the gut - Differentiate gut health from proper nutrition - Identify signs and consequences of poor gut health - Explore the bidirectional relationship between the brain and the gut (second brain) - Identify promising alternative approaches to treating mood (and other) disorders. Overview - Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world according to the World Health Organization. The effectiveness of the available antidepressant therapies is limited. - Data from the literature suggest that some subtypes of depression may be associated with chronic low grade inflammation. - The uncovering of the role of intestinal microbiota in the development of the immune system and its bidirectional communication with the brain have led to growing interest on reciprocal interactions between inflammation, microbiota and depression. - The intestinal microbiota: A new player in depression? Encephale. 2018 Feb;44(1):67-74 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Objectives - Explore the unique needs of loved ones and caregivers of people with cancer Diagnosis - 650,000+ people die of cancer EACH year - When someone is diagnosed, the patient and loved ones grieve - Even if the cancer is “cured” or goes into remission there may be lasting disabilities and/or losses - Loss of security (health anxiety in the patient and SOs) - Loss of function or changes in appearance - Cognitive impairment (“chemo-brain”) impacts attention, working memory, executive function, and processing speed - Unmet needs of caregivers and patients were associated with increased physical symptoms, anxiety, and reduced QoL - Not everyone experiences grief in the same way - Families need to be educated about the grief bill of rights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices