Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

Delve into how past relationships shape our current dynamics, especially through primary attachments. Discover signs of relationship insecurities, such as trust issues and constant need for reassurance. Explore the emotional baggage that affects new connections and the impact of idealizing previous partners. Learn about practical interventions like relationship inventories and mindfulness activities to heal and enhance communication. This insightful discussion encourages self-reflection and underscores the importance of understanding and forgiveness in fostering healthy bonds.

Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes, a seasoned counselor, dives deep into understanding triggers and cravings. She explains how external stimuli like smells, sights, or even people can initiate powerful responses linked to survival. The discussion emphasizes recognizing personal triggers and examining emotional states to manage cravings effectively. Strategies for enhancing well-being through mindfulness, creating supportive environments, and establishing healthy boundaries are also highlighted. A unique comparison between temper tantrums and adult cravings rounds out the conversation, shedding light on managing impulsive desires.

Dive into the nuances of defensiveness in communication. Discover how past experiences and low self-esteem can trigger defensive responses. Learn strategies to create a safe emotional environment for effective listening. Explore the importance of separating criticism from personal worth and navigating feedback with empathy. Understand how setting boundaries and enhancing self-esteem can lead to healthier interactions. Finally, gain practical tools to foster constructive dialogue and reduce misunderstandings.

Explore the stark contrast between healthy and toxic guilt, and discover how healthy guilt can inspire positive change. Uncover the detrimental effects of toxic guilt and understand its roots in societal expectations. Learn practical strategies to break free from guilt, including setting healthy boundaries and differentiating between internal values and external pressures. This enlightening discussion aims to empower listeners to reclaim their self-worth and embrace self-compassion.

#### Introduction- Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes- Topic: Theories of addiction and co-occurring disorders- Focus on understanding and addressing co-occurring disorders in addiction treatment#### Co-Occurring Disorders- Expectation rather than the exception in addiction treatment- Importance of addressing co-occurring symptoms to prevent relapse- Symptoms can include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and personality disorders#### Theories of Addiction1. **Moral Theory**  - Addiction seen as a moral weakness  - Treatment focused on willpower and virtuous lifestyle  - Largely outdated2. **Disease Theory**  - Addiction as a chronic, incurable, and progressive disease  - Genetic and biological factors play a significant role  - Focus on physiological deficits and neurotransmitter imbalances3. **Social Learning Theory**  - Addiction learned through observation and vicarious reinforcement  - Influence of family, peers, and media on addictive behaviors4. **Cognitive-Behavioral Theory**  - Irrational thoughts and cognitive distortions lead to addiction  - Addressing negative thinking patterns is crucial for recovery5. **Self-Medication Hypothesis**  - Addiction as a way to cope with distress and emotional pain  - Individuals use substances or behaviors to manage unbearable feelings6. **Biopsychosocial Model**  - Comprehensive approach combining biological, psychological, and social factors  - Recognizes the interplay of various elements in the development of addiction#### Key Symptoms in Early Recovery- Depression: Hopelessness, low energy, guilt, suicidal ideation- Anxiety: Increased worry, irritability, restlessness- PTSD: Emotional dysregulation, hypervigilance, avoidance- Personality Disorders: Unstable self-image, interpersonal functioning deficits#### Importance of Comprehensive Treatment- Addressing all aspects of a person's life for effective recovery- Combining different treatment models for a holistic approach### Time Codes for Major Points00:00 Introduction and overview of addiction and co-occurring disorders02:30 Co-occurring disorders are the expectation, not the exception05:15 Symptoms in early recovery: Depression, anxiety, PTSD10:45 Theories of addiction: Moral theory, disease theory15:00 Social learning theory and socio-cultural factors20:30 Cognitive-behavioral theory and cognitive distortions25:45 Self-medication hypothesis and distress management30:00 Biopsychosocial model and comprehensive treatment approach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

**Summary: How Schema Affect Anxiety and Depression by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes**[Watch the video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8SL2ZbWVFE)**Outline Summary:**1. **Introduction**  - Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes  - Topic: How Schema Affect Anxiety and Depression  - Objectives: Define schema, explain formation, discuss inaccuracies, and identify strategies to address unhelpful schema2. **Understanding Schema**  - Definition: Mental representations or beliefs about people or events  - Examples: Traffic lights, doctor visits, job interviews, news media, flu season, stock market  - Function: Help anticipate and interpret future situations3. **Formation of Schema**  - Based on interpretation and memories of experiences  - Influenced by age, prior experiences, cognitive development, and metacognition  - Example: Childhood experiences with a teacher or parent4. **General Categories of Schema**  - **Security and Abandonment**: Safety in relationships and self-worth  - **Trust and Safety**: General trustworthiness of others  - **Emotional Support vs. Deprivation**: Support in managing emotions  - **Self-Determination**: Control over life and vulnerability  - **Positivity vs. Negativity**: Optimism vs. pessimism  - **Acceptance vs. Hypercriticalness**: Self-acceptance vs. self-criticism  - **Competence vs. Defectiveness**: Capability vs. feeling broken  - **Independence vs. Dependence**: Reliance on others  - **Belongingness vs. Alienation**: Sense of fitting in vs. rejection5. **Impact of Schema on Anxiety and Depression**  - Negative schema lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and anxiety  - Positive schema promote feelings of safety, empowerment, and self-worth6. **Adjusting Outdated or Inaccurate Schema**  - Schema may be outdated or based on inaccurate interpretations  - Recognize and update schema based on current facts and experiences  - Example: Adjusting schema about medical conditions like cancer or HIV7. **Strategies to Address Unhelpful Schema**  - **Identify and Evaluate Current Schema**: Understand thoughts contributing to distress  - **Address Cognitive Distortions**: Overgeneralization and personalization  - **Explore Schema with Fresh Eyes**: Re-evaluate old situations  - **Schema Restructuring**: Develop new, healthier schema  - **Notice and Focus on Positives**: Encourage a balanced view8. **Practical Application**  - Consistency and predictability in caregiving  - Emotional and cognitive responsiveness  - Acceptance, attention, and validation  - Safety and support in solution generation**Time Codes for Major Points:**0:00 Introduction by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes2:45 Understanding Schema7:30 Formation of Schema15:20 General Categories of Schema23:40 Impact of Schema on Anxiety and Depression33:10 Adjusting Outdated or Inaccurate Schema41:50 Strategies to Address Unhelpful Schema54:30 Practical ApplicationFeel free to ask if you need further details or a more in-depth explanation on any part of the video! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

**Summary: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes**[Watch the video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEDayQBJXkA)**Outline Summary:**1. **Introduction**  - Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes  - Topic: Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)  - Objectives: Understand PAWS, its causes, and coping strategies2. **What is PAWS?**  - Definition: PAWS stands for Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome  - Affects people who have engaged in addictive behaviors  - Results from brain changes due to substance use  - Duration: Can last up to a year or more after acute withdrawal3. **Factors Influencing PAWS**  - **Substance Use History**: Length and intensity of substance use  - **Age of Onset**: Younger users have more significant brain changes  - **Gender Differences**: Affects men and women differently  - **Physical and Mental Health**: Poor health and underlying mental issues exacerbate PAWS4. **Causes of PAWS Symptoms**  - Memories of substance use trigger cravings and irritability  - Neurochemical changes: Altered dopamine, glutamate, and monoamine oxidase levels  - Detoxification effects: Opposite symptoms during detox compared to substance use5. **Common Symptoms of PAWS**  - Emotional outbursts or lack of emotion  - Anxiety, irritability, depression, and anhedonia  - Difficulty dealing with stress and fatigue  - Sleep disturbances and strange dreams  - Cognitive impairments: Memory problems, difficulty making decisions6. **Coping Strategies for PAWS**  - **Meditation and Breathing**: Helps modulate HPA axis response  - **Support Systems**: Engage sober social supports  - **Exercise**: Improves stress tolerance and brain health  - **Sleep Hygiene**: Ensure regular sleep patterns and quality sleep  - **Awareness and Mindfulness**: Regular check-ins on emotional and physical state  - **Pleasurable Activities**: Increase dopamine and other positive neurochemicals  - **Healthy Eating**: Provide the body with necessary nutrients  - **Relaxation Techniques**: Promote secretion of calming neurochemicals like GABA7. **Long-term Recovery and PAWS Management**  - Expect PAWS symptoms for at least the first year  - Integrate recovery with stress minimization  - Gradual rebalancing of brain neurotransmitters  - Maintain a plan for handling PAWS symptoms**Time Codes for Major Points:**0:00 Introduction by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes2:30 What is PAWS?7:15 Factors Influencing PAWS12:00 Causes of PAWS Symptoms20:00 Common Symptoms of PAWS27:45 Coping Strategies for PAWS40:00 Long-term Recovery and PAWS ManagementFeel free to ask if you need further details or a more in-depth explanation on any part of the video! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

**Summary: Breaking Free from Quick Fixes - Healing Deep Wounds for Good by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes**[Watch the video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZR-UqWpVgE)**Outline Summary:**1. **Introduction**  - Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes  - Topic: Breaking free from quick fixes and healing deep wounds  - Objectives: Discuss quick fixes, their problems, the impact of deep wounds, and healing strategies.2. **The Allure and Problem of Quick Fixes**  - Quick fixes are often superficial and temporary.  - They fail to address the root causes, leading to recurring issues.  - Example: Using antacids for stress-related GI distress without addressing the stress.3. **Impact of Deep Wounds**  - **Physical Impact**: Alters brain structure and neurotransmitter balance.  - **Interpersonal Impact**: Affects ability to trust others and lowers self-esteem.  - **Emotional Impact**: Causes anger, anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.  - **Cognitive Impact**: Leads to negative beliefs about oneself and the world, overgeneralization, and unfiled traumatic memories.  - **Environmental Impact**: Triggers through associated sights, sounds, and smells.4. **Strategies for Healing Deep Wounds**  - **Recognizing the Impact**: Understand the effect of wounds on brain, energy, and health.  - **Reducing Stress**: Physical and emotional stress reduction through sleep, nutrition, pain management, and relaxation.  - **Managing Emotions**: Downregulate emotions to engage the wise mind, using techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, and support systems.  - **Distress Tolerance**: Develop skills to tolerate distress without resolving underlying issues, e.g., shifting focus, physical activity, and alternate thoughts.5. **Understanding Emotions and Triggers**  - **Identifying Emotions**: Understand that anger and anxiety signal potential threats, not actual problems.  - **Evaluating Emotions**: Assess the facts and context of emotional responses.  - **Exploring Deep Wounds**: Validate past feelings and reframe beliefs with a mature perspective.  - **Addressing Cognitive Distortions**: Identify and challenge thoughts stemming from deep wounds.6. **Creating a Healing Plan**  - **Downregulating Emotions**: Use tools to manage emotional intensity.  - **Examining Beliefs**: Re-evaluate beliefs in the current context and find alternative explanations.  - **Healing Over Time**: Recognize that healing is a gradual process requiring focus and energy.**Time Codes for Major Points:**0:00 Introduction by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes2:30 The Allure and Problem of Quick Fixes6:45 Impact of Deep Wounds13:00 Strategies for Healing Deep Wounds20:15 Understanding Emotions and Triggers29:10 Creating a Healing PlanFeel free to ask if you need further details or a more in-depth explanation on any part of the video! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

**Summary: Ending a Relationship When You’re Anxiously Attached by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes**[Watch the video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS53N-Evz4Q)**Outline Summary:**1. **Introduction**  - Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes  - Topic: Ending a relationship when you’re anxiously attached  - Definition of anxious attachment2. **Characteristics of Anxious Attachment**  - Need for relationships to feel safe  - Fear of rejection and abandonment  - Fight or Fawn response to stress  - Dependence on others for validation  - Difficulty setting and maintaining boundaries3. **Causes of Anxious Attachment**  - Poor child-caregiver relationships  - Trauma and unpredictability in early life  - Experiences in significant relationships4. **Challenges in Ending Unhealthy Relationships**  - Feeling like a failure  - Opening old wounds from past relationships  - Confusing self-worth with relationship success5. **Steps to Begin Healing**  - Motivational interviewing and decisional balance  - Identifying benefits and drawbacks of the relationship  - Exploring alternative ways to meet needs6. **Addressing Unhelpful Thoughts**  - Cognitive distortions: All-or-nothing thinking, catastrophizing, minimizing, personalizing, mind reading  - Listing needs the relationship is supposed to fulfill  - Identifying and challenging beliefs about the relationship7. **Creating a Safety Net and Relapse Prevention**  - Establishing boundaries and support systems  - Practicing mindfulness  - Focusing on progress rather than perfection8. **Emotional Responses and Coping Mechanisms**  - Recognizing and addressing feelings of grief and loss  - Having self-compassion  - Engaging with support systems to prevent relapse**Time Codes for Major Points:**0:00 Introduction by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes2:15 Characteristics of Anxious Attachment9:45 Causes of Anxious Attachment15:30 Challenges in Ending Unhealthy Relationships20:50 Steps to Begin Healing28:10 Addressing Unhelpful Thoughts35:40 Creating a Safety Net and Relapse PreventionFeel free to ask if you need further details or a more in-depth explanation on any part of the video! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes, a seasoned clinician and mental health advocate, delves into the hidden emotional toll of goal setting. She explains how expectations can trigger feelings of depression and anxiety, driven by fears of failure and reminders of past setbacks. Dr. Snipes emphasizes the importance of creating realistic, manageable goals using the SMART criteria. Listeners learn to navigate emotional challenges by breaking goals into smaller steps, celebrating achievements, and practicing self-compassion on their journey to success.