

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 12, 2024 • 1h 4min
1004-Ethics, Self Care, Counseling Skills and Ongoing Supervision
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes, an expert in ethics and counseling skills development, dives deep into the crucial role of ethics in counseling. She emphasizes the five ethical principles and advocates for continuous skill improvement through workshops and mentorship. The importance of ongoing supervision is highlighted, focusing on self-awareness and feedback. Dr. Snipes also addresses self-care and burnout prevention, urging professionals to find balance amidst the challenges of high caseloads and workplace dynamics.

Sep 10, 2024 • 56min
1003-Developing Respect to Save Your Marriage _ Pastoral Counseling
Video Title: Managing Depression: Tips and StrategiesPresenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes1. Introduction to Depression
Definition and Understanding of Depression:
Depression as a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms that affect daily functioning.
Emphasis on the importance of understanding depression as a complex condition influenced by multiple factors, including biological, psychological, and social elements.
2. Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common Symptoms of Depression:
Persistent sad or empty mood, feelings of hopelessness, irritability.
Loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or weight, difficulty sleeping.
Fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of death or suicide.
Criteria for Diagnosis:
Overview of how depression is diagnosed based on symptom duration and impact on daily life.
Importance of professional evaluation in diagnosing depression.
3. Causes and Risk Factors
Biological Factors:
Discussion on genetics and brain chemistry as contributing factors to depression.
Psychological Factors:
Role of personality, coping skills, and previous trauma or stress.
Social and Environmental Factors:
Impact of life events, social support, and socioeconomic status.
4. Treatment Options
Psychotherapy:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as an effective treatment.
Other therapeutic approaches including interpersonal therapy (IPT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Medications:
Overview of antidepressants, how they work, and their role in treatment.
Lifestyle Changes:
Importance of exercise, nutrition, and sleep in managing symptoms.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies:
Mention of mindfulness, yoga, and other holistic approaches.
5. Self-Management Strategies
Coping Mechanisms:
Techniques such as journaling, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises.
Building a Support System:
Encouragement to reach out to friends, family, or support groups.
Routine and Structure:
Establishing a daily routine to provide stability and predictability.
6. Challenges and Stigma
Addressing Stigma:
Discussion on the stigma surrounding mental health and the importance of seeking help.
Overcoming Barriers to Treatment:
Common obstacles such as fear of judgment, lack of access to care, and strategies to overcome them.
7. Conclusion
Encouragement and Hope:
Reinforcement that depression is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right strategies and support.
Call to Action:
Encouragement to seek professional help if needed and to implement the discussed strategies in daily life.
Chapters:00:00:00 - Developing Respect00:06:02 - Valuable qualities and respect inventory00:11:49 - The Importance of Respect in Relationships00:18:02 - Communicating Expectations00:24:11 - Addressing Disrespect in Relationships00:30:16 - Respecting Personal and Partner's Boundaries00:36:21 - Respecting Boundaries in Relationships00:42:12 - Communication and Respecting Boundaries00:48:11 - Unequally Yoked with Unbelievers?00:54:05 - Examining Facts and Beliefs in Relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 1min
1002-Diagnosis of Personality Disorders A Trauma Informed Approach
Overview of Personality Disorders
Definition:
Key Features:
Inflexible and Pervasive Behavior: Present across various contexts.
Early Onset: Behavior is stable and typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood.
Exclusion Criteria: Must rule out other mental disorders, medical conditions, or substance use as primary causes.
Common Diagnostic Challenges
Overlap with Other Disorders:
Trauma Considerations: .
Specific Personality Disorders and Trauma-Informed Perspectives
Paranoid Personality Disorder:
Mnemonic: "SUSPECT" - Suspiciousness, unforgiving, perceives attacks, etc.
Trauma Link: May develop from environments with distrust or betrayal.
Schizoid Personality Disorder:
Mnemonic: "DISTANT" - Detached, indifferent to praise/criticism, tasks done solitarily, etc.
Trauma Link: Chronic exposure to trauma may lead to emotional numbing and detachment.
Schizotypal Personality Disorder:
Mnemonic: "ME PECULIAR" - Magical thinking, eccentric behavior, anxiety in social situations, etc.
Trauma Link: Development of odd beliefs or behaviors may stem from a need to cope with a traumatic environment.
Avoidant Personality Disorder:
Mnemonic: "CRINGES" - Certainty of being liked, rejection preoccupies thoughts, intimacy restrained, etc.
Trauma Link: Likely related to experiences of rejection or abandonment, leading to extreme caution in relationships.
Dependent Personality Disorder:
Mnemonic: "RELIANCE" - Reassurance required, expressing disagreement difficult, life responsibilities assumed by others, etc.
Trauma Link: Often linked to enmeshed or controlling family environments, where independence was discouraged.
Antisocial Personality Disorder:
Mnemonic: "CORRUPT" - Conformity to law lacking, obligations ignored, reckless, etc.
Trauma Link: May develop from a criminogenic environment or chronic trauma leading to a disregard for societal norms.
Borderline Personality Disorder:
Mnemonic: "AM SUICIDE" - Abandonment fears, mood instability, suicidal behaviors, etc.
Trauma Link: Strongly associated with early abandonment or chaotic environments.
Histrionic Personality Disorder:
Mnemonic: "PRAISE ME" - Provocative behavior, relationships considered more intimate than they are, uncomfortable not being center of attention, etc.
Trauma Link: May develop as a way to gain attention in emotionally neglectful environments.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
Mnemonic: "SPECIAL" - Believes they are special, preoccupied with fantasies of success, lacks empathy, etc.
Trauma Link: Possible development as a defense mechanism in response to trauma or low self-esteem.
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder:
Mnemonic: "LAW FIRMS" - Loses point of activity due to detail, friendships excluded due to work, inflexible, etc.
Trauma Link: Rigidity and control may arise from environments where safety and predictability were lacking.
Differential Diagnosis and Considerations
Rule Out Other Disorders:
Mood disorders with psychotic features.
Autism spectrum disorders.
Substance use disorders.
Importance of Context:
Acculturation and Intergenerational Trauma:
Treatment and Systemic Considerations
Personality Disorder Stigma:
Trauma-Informed Care:
Treatment Barriers:
Chapters:00:00:00 - Differential Diagnosis of Personality Disorders from a Trauma-Informed Perspective00:06:56 - Characteristics of Paranoid Personality Disorder00:13:38 - Trauma's effect on mood and libido00:20:22 - Unusual Perceptions and Magical Thinking00:27:13 - Characteristics of Dependent Personality Disorder00:33:59 - Borderline Personality Characteristics00:40:54 - Differential Diagnosis and Co-occurring Disorders00:47:27 - Differential Diagnosis of Personality Disorders00:54:12 - Differentiating Personality Disorders from Other Conditions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 3, 2024 • 40min
1001-How Endurance can Improve Your Marriage _ Pastoral Counseling Series
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes, a presenter on developing endurance in marriage through biblical principles, shares insights on navigating both good and bad times in relationships. She emphasizes that endurance is key to overcoming challenges and personal growth. Through biblical examples, listeners learn how figures like Noah and Joseph faced hardships with resilience. The conversation also covers the significance of communication, empathy, and recognizing small successes as vital tools for reconnecting and strengthening marital bonds.

Aug 29, 2024 • 48min
1000-Secrets of Effective Treatment Planning & Reassessment
Explore the essential elements of effective treatment planning and reassessment in clinical practice. Discover how integrative summaries can bridge symptoms to diagnoses, while standardized tools like FARS and CANS enhance client engagement and track progress. Learn the key components of reassessing patient status, which helps in adjusting care plans to address new challenges. The discussion emphasizes collaboration between clinician and client, fostering a more dynamic and effective treatment journey.

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 2min
980-Revealing the Influence of the Past on Relationship Skills
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.

Aug 22, 2024 • 51min
999-Understanding Triggers and Cravings: Counselor Education Webinar
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.

Aug 20, 2024 • 57min
998-Improve Your Listening Skills: Breaking the Cycle of Defensiveness
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.

11 snips
Aug 15, 2024 • 40min
997-Overcoming Toxic Guilt & Shame with CBT Techniques
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.

Aug 13, 2024 • 41min
996-Unlocking Recovery: Exploring Models and Theories of Addiction
#### 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


