Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

By: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
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  • Summary

  • 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.
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Episodes
  • 1034-The Hardest Part About Diagnoses (And How To Avoid Biases)

    1034-The Hardest Part About Diagnoses (And How To Avoid Biases)
    Dec 26 2024
    1. Introduction to Diagnoses and Framing Bias Framing Bias: A cognitive bias affecting how information is perceived based on how it is presented. Importance of Broad Evaluations: Symptoms like fatigue could have various causes (e.g., hormonal imbalance, cardiovascular issues, substance withdrawal). 2. Common Mental Health Diagnoses Mental Health Disorders: ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression, and schizophrenia are common diagnoses that require differential evaluation. Physical Causes of Symptoms: It’s essential not to overlook physiological factors like low testosterone, thyroid issues, or vitamin deficiencies that can mimic or exacerbate mental health symptoms. 3. The Role of Bias in Diagnosis Confirmation Bias: Clinicians may be more likely to diagnose based on expected symptoms, which can lead to misdiagnosis. Availability Heuristic: Media coverage of disorders can lead to an increase in diagnoses because clinicians or patients are more aware of certain symptoms. 4. Diagnosing Beyond Labels Over-Diagnosis Risk: Assigning multiple diagnoses (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety) can overwhelm patients, making them feel broken. Focus on Symptoms: Instead of focusing on diagnostic labels, it’s important to address the root causes of symptoms for effective treatment. 5. Interplay of Physical and Mental Health Comprehensive Bio-Psycho-Social Diagnosis: Mental health professionals must consider physical health, emotional well-being, cognitive functions, and interpersonal relationships. Hormonal and Neurotransmitter Balance: Hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone, as well as neurotransmitters, play a vital role in mood regulation and overall mental health. 6. Managing Cognitive Biases in Healthcare Critical Thinking: Avoid jumping to conclusions based on first impressions or limited information. Holistic Approach: Incorporate a wide range of physiological, emotional, and environmental factors when evaluating a patient. 7. Consequences of Ignoring Physical Health Medical Referrals: Mental health professionals should collaborate with medical providers to rule out underlying medical conditions that might manifest as psychological symptoms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 1033-The Surprising Connection Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intergenerational Trauma

    1033-The Surprising Connection Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intergenerational Trauma
    Dec 24 2024
    MERRY CHRISTMAS! 1. Introduction to Intergenerational Trauma Definition of Trauma: Trauma occurs when an individual experiences events that leave them feeling unsafe and powerless. Intergenerational Trauma: Trauma that is passed down through generations, impacting not only the person who experienced it but also their children and grandchildren. 2. Types of Trauma Physical Trauma: Examples include injuries or illnesses that change life circumstances. Emotional Trauma: This can stem from unresolved emotional issues, leading to long-term feelings of helplessness. Environmental Trauma: Major life changes or disasters can cause lasting trauma. Spiritual Trauma: A loss of connection with one's values, beliefs, or higher power. 3. Impact of Trauma on Physical and Emotional Health Grief and Loss: Trauma often results in a loss of security, hopes, or dreams, leading to grief. Cognitive Changes: Trauma can alter how individuals think about themselves and the world, leading to confusion or black-and-white thinking. Interpersonal Effects: Trauma affects relationships, often causing difficulty in trusting others. 4. Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma Attachment Issues: Trauma can disrupt attachment bonds between parents and children, leading to insecure attachment styles. Caregiver Impact: Caregivers who experienced trauma may struggle with consistency and emotional availability, further perpetuating trauma in their children. Behavioral Manifestations: Trauma can lead to patterns of behavior such as codependency, emotional detachment, or hypervigilance, which are passed down through generations. 5. Breaking the Cycle of Trauma Mindfulness and Self-Awareness: Acknowledging and addressing personal trauma is the first step toward healing and breaking the cycle. Developing Secure Attachment: Focus on being consistent, attentive, and responsive to one's own needs and the needs of others. Emotional Intelligence: Teaching emotional awareness and distress tolerance helps prevent trauma from being passed down to future generations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 54 mins
  • 1032-How GABA And Glutamate Control Your Brain and Stress Response

    1032-How GABA And Glutamate Control Your Brain and Stress Response
    Dec 19 2024
    1. Overview of GABA and Glutamate GABA: The brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter, responsible for calming the central nervous system. Glutamate: The brain's primary excitatory neurotransmitter, promoting alertness and cognitive function. Both neurotransmitters are crucial for maintaining a balance between stimulation and relaxation. 2. Functions and Balance Goldilocks Principle: Both GABA and glutamate must be in proper balance—too much or too little leads to problems. Stress Response: Under stress, glutamate is released, which triggers fight-or-flight responses. GABA is needed to calm the system down afterward. Alcohol and GABA: Alcohol temporarily increases GABA, providing a calming effect, but as it leaves the body, anxiety can spike. 3. Symptoms of Imbalance Excess Glutamate: Leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and can result in neurotoxicity, contributing to inflammation and mental health issues. Low GABA: Results in heightened anxiety, poor concentration, sleep issues, and muscle tension. Chronic Conditions: Imbalance in GABA and glutamate is linked to conditions like PTSD, generalized anxiety, and depression. 4. Diet and Neurotransmitter Production Nutrient Deficiency: Without adequate nutrients, the body can't produce enough GABA or glutamate. Gut Health: Gut inflammation or stress can affect nutrient absorption and neurotransmitter production. Foods that Support GABA: Whole grains, nuts, spinach, yogurt, and fermented foods can promote GABA production. 5. Pharmaceutical and Natural Modulation Pharmaceuticals: Benzodiazepines and SSRIs are commonly used to increase GABA or serotonin levels but may not always target the correct imbalance. Natural Remedies: Supplements like valerian root, passionflower, and certain teas can increase GABA naturally, but must be used carefully to avoid excessive calm or depression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins

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