Episodes

  • 1005-Uncovering Pornography's Impact_ The Good and the Bad

    1005-Uncovering Pornography's Impact_ The Good and the Bad
    Sep 17 2024
    1. Introduction to Pornography 2. Prevalence of Pornography Use Statistics: High prevalence of pornography use among both men and women, with significant weekly usage. Noted increase in pornography use among older adults (ages 50-77). Impact of Stigma: Stigmatizing pornography use can lead to secrecy, shame, and potential mental health issues. 3. Reasons for Pornography Use Common Motivations: Curiosity, sexual education, social enhancement, peer pressure, and sexual arousal. Pornography can also serve as a medium for exploring sexuality and managing mood. Sexual Enhancement: Some use pornography to generate new sexual fantasies or to manage sexual tension. It provides anonymity, convenience, and safety in exploring sexual desires. 4. Positive Impacts of Pornography Exploration and Relief: Facilitates exploration of personal sexuality in a private and non-judgmental setting. Provides a less risky outlet for sexual release compared to real-life hookups. Neurochemical Effects: Triggers the release of dopamine, oxytocin, and other chemicals that can enhance mood and reduce stress. 5. Negative Impacts of Pornography Physical and Hormonal Changes: Overuse of pornography can lead to neurotoxic effects, reducing brain density and causing hormonal imbalances. Disruption of the HPA axis, leading to emotional dysregulation and neurotransmitter imbalances. Impact on Sleep and Health: Pornography overuse can impair sleep quality and contribute to chronic stress and inflammation. 6. Interpersonal Aspects of Pornography Positive Aspects: Can build trust and reduce fear of rejection in relationships by facilitating open discussions about sexual preferences. May enhance sexual satisfaction and support monogamy in certain situations. Negative Aspects: Can lead to guilt, anxiety, emotional distancing, and lower relationship satisfaction if not openly communicated between partners. May contribute to attachment issues, fear of rejection, and unrealistic sexual expectations. 7. Impact on Self-Esteem and Body Image Negative Effects: Pornography use can negatively impact both the user’s and their partner’s self-esteem and body image. May perpetuate unrealistic expectations about sexual interactions and contribute to the objectification of others. 8. Cognitive and Emotional Impacts Positive Cognitive Effects: Allows individuals to refine their sexual schema and challenge pre-existing attitudes. Negative Cognitive Effects: Can lead to cognitive distortions such as all-or-nothing thinking, jumping to conclusions, and overgeneralization. Emotional Effects: While pornography can temporarily relieve stress, it may also increase feelings of loneliness, detachment, and reduced emotional intimacy. 9. Conclusion: Addressing Pornography Use Healthy Management: Emphasizes the importance of open dialogue about pornography use to reduce stigma, shame, and secrecy. Recognizes that while some individuals may use pornography without ill effects, others may quickly develop problematic patterns. Advocates for understanding and addressing the potential negative impacts of pornography within the context of relationships and personal well-being. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Understanding Pornography and Its Effects 00:05:09 - Reasons for Engaging in Sex and Porn 00:10:37 - Motives for Having Sex 00:15:45 - Negative Consequences of Overusing Porn 00:20:46 - Dysfunction of the HPA Axis and Problematic Use 00:25:29 - The Impact of Pornography on Relationships 00:30:32 - Objectification in Pornography and its Interpersonal Effects 00:36:13 - The Impact of Pornography on Relationships 00:41:30 - Challenges and Perceptions of Sexual Schema 00:46:31 - Promoting Stigma and Shame Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • 1004-Ethics, Self Care, Counseling Skills and Ongoing Supervision

    1004-Ethics, Self Care, Counseling Skills and Ongoing Supervision
    Sep 12 2024
    Video Title: Ethics, Counseling Skills Development, Self-Care, and Ongoing Supervision Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes 1. Introduction to Ethical Imperatives Overview: Discusses the importance of ethics in counseling, emphasizing the need for self-care, skill development, and supervision. Philosophical Ethical Practices: Review of the five ethical principles: Non-maleficence, Beneficence, Justice, Fidelity, and Autonomy. Emphasis on the importance of going beyond just "doing no harm" to actively contributing to the well-being of clients. 2. Counseling Skills Development Importance of Skill Development: Stresses the need for continuous improvement of counseling skills. Discusses various methods such as attending workshops, reading current research, and seeking mentorship. Benefits: Enhances the ability to provide high-quality care, ensuring that the counselor remains effective and relevant in their practice. Encourages the use of evidence-based practices and new therapeutic approaches. 3. Ongoing Supervision Role of Supervision: Supervision helps counselors stay self-aware, identify blind spots, and gain feedback on their practice. Types of Supervision: Discusses formal supervision, peer consultation, and self-supervision. Importance of task-focused supervision to hone specific skills. Challenges: Balancing supervision with busy schedules and high caseloads. Encourages creative approaches to integrate supervision into daily practice. 4. Self-Care and Burnout Prevention Identifying Burnout: Recognizes signs of burnout such as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. Self-Care Strategies: Importance of work-life balance, setting boundaries, and engaging in recreational activities. Encourages mindfulness, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and maintaining a support system. Organizational Role: Highlights the importance of supportive work environments and the role of middle management in mitigating burnout. Practical Tips: Suggests practical ways to reduce stress and enhance self-care, such as simplifying documentation and prioritizing tasks. 5. Ethical Decision-Making Process Steps in Ethical Decision-Making: Recognizing ethical issues, gathering facts, considering stakeholders, evaluating options, and making informed decisions. Challenges: Discusses the complexity of ethical dilemmas, especially when choosing between two bad or two good options. Acting on Decisions: Importance of reflecting on the outcomes of decisions and learning from experiences. 6. Practical Applications and Tools Resource Utilization: Recommends various tools and resources for counselors, such as SAMHSA publications, APA guidelines, and online platforms. Time Management: Tips on how to manage time effectively, delegate tasks, and prioritize essential duties. Documentation Strategies: Encourages using templates and checklists to streamline paperwork and ensure thorough documentation. 7. Conclusion Ethical Responsibility: Counselors are encouraged to advocate for their clients, continue their professional development, and take care of their own well-being. Final Thoughts: Emphasizes the importance of balancing professional duties with personal self-care to maintain long-term effectiveness in the field. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Ethical Imperatives in Counseling 00:07:00 - Exploring Treatment Options 00:14:07 - The Impact of Gut Health on Mood 00:21:19 - Resources for Continuing Education 00:28:48 - Impact of Past Experience on Current Interaction 00:35:47 - Authoritarian leadership and its impact on burnout 00:42:49 - Job Sharing and Work Environment 00:49:49 - Tips for Maintaining Work-Life Balance 00:56:43 - Treatment Plan Reassessments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 1003-Developing Respect to Save Your Marriage _ Pastoral Counseling

    1003-Developing Respect to Save Your Marriage _ Pastoral Counseling
    Sep 10 2024
    Video Title: Managing Depression: Tips and Strategies Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes 1. 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 Respect 00:06:02 - Valuable qualities and respect inventory 00:11:49 - The Importance of Respect in Relationships 00:18:02 - Communicating Expectations 00:24:11 - Addressing Disrespect in Relationships 00:30:16 - Respecting Personal and Partner's Boundaries 00:36:21 - Respecting Boundaries in Relationships 00:42:12 - Communication and Respecting Boundaries 00:48:11 - Unequally Yoked with Unbelievers? 00:54:05 - Examining Facts and Beliefs in Relationships Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • 1002-Diagnosis of Personality Disorders A Trauma Informed Approach

    1002-Diagnosis of Personality Disorders A Trauma Informed Approach
    Sep 5 2024
    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 Perspective 00:06:56 - Characteristics of Paranoid Personality Disorder 00:13:38 - Trauma's effect on mood and libido 00:20:22 - Unusual Perceptions and Magical Thinking 00:27:13 - Characteristics of Dependent Personality Disorder 00:33:59 - Borderline Personality Characteristics 00:40:54 - Differential Diagnosis and Co-occurring Disorders 00:47:27 - Differential Diagnosis of Personality Disorders 00:54:12 - Differentiating Personality Disorders from Other Conditions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • 1001-How Endurance can Improve Your Marriage _ Pastoral Counseling Series

    1001-How Endurance can Improve Your Marriage _ Pastoral Counseling Series
    Sep 3 2024
    Here is a structured bullet-point summary of the video titled "Restoring Your Marriage with God: Developing Endurance" presented by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes: --- Introduction Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes Topic: Developing endurance in marriage, guided by biblical principles. Key Idea: Marriage involves enduring both good and bad times, as reflected in traditional wedding vows. Understanding Endurance Definition: Endurance is the courage to face and overcome difficult situations, motivated by hope for improvement. Biblical Basis: Romans 5:3-4: Suffering leads to endurance, which builds character and hope. James 1:12: Endurance through trials results in the Crown of Life from God. Endurance in Personal Responsibility Admitting Mistakes: It's often easier to endure others' faults than to acknowledge and face consequences for our own. Example: Recognizing personal faults and enduring correction, as advised in Proverbs 15:32. Biblical Examples of Endurance Enduring Personal Mistakes: Adam and Eve: Expelled from Eden after disobeying God. Noah: Endured the flood and later faced consequences for getting drunk. Other Figures: Abraham, Aaron, the Israelites, Moses, Jonah, David—each faced and endured the consequences of their actions. Enduring Others’ Mistakes: Jacob: Tricked into marrying Leah instead of Rachel. Joseph: Endured slavery and false accusations. Other Figures: Moses, Ruth, Naomi, Job, and David all endured hardships caused by others' actions. Applying Endurance in Marriage Self-Reflection: Reflect on personal experiences where endurance was necessary (e.g., parenting, personal growth). Identify risks needed to repair a marriage, such as speaking the truth or rebuilding trust. Motivational Enhancement: Focus on long-term benefits of enduring and working on relationships. Increase motivation by recognizing small achievements and progress. Practical Tools for Endurance Distress Tolerance: MAD Technique: Be Mindful, Accept feelings, Down-regulate stress. Dialectics: Embrace both the good and bad aspects of life and relationships. Tragic Optimism: Acknowledge difficulties while maintaining hope for improvement. Handling Resistance in Counseling: Explore reasons behind resistance to change. Ensure both partners understand the purpose and benefits of suggested changes. Additional Considerations Commitment, Control, Challenge (Heartiness): Commitment: Review what's important in life and allocate energy accordingly. Control: Identify aspects of life where control is possible and make plans to manage them. Challenge: View obstacles as challenges to overcome rather than insurmountable barriers. Repairing Attachment: C.A.R.E.S. Mnemonic: Focus on Consistent mindfulness, Attention, Response, Empathy, and Support. Rebuild trust and faith in one another through enduring commitment and small steps of progress. Conclusion Endurance in Recovery: Essential for the success of counseling and improving relationships. Biblical Insight: Resistance is a sign of fear or lack of tools to change; seek strength in faith, as exemplified by Jonah's prayer in distress. --- Chapters: 00:00:00 - Developing Endurance in Your Marriage 00:04:21 - The Endurance of Mistakes and Fallout 00:08:59 - Endurance in the Bible 00:13:19 - Increasing Motivation for Growth 00:17:29 - Distress Tolerance Skills in Relationships 00:21:51 - Calming Down and Having Productive Discussions 00:26:01 - Overcoming Resistance to Change 00:30:10 - Building Endurance and Courage in Relationships 00:34:08 - Making a Plan and Facing Challenges 00:38:16 - Increasing Endurance through Effective Communication Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • 1000-Secrets of Effective Treatment Planning & Reassessment

    1000-Secrets of Effective Treatment Planning & Reassessment
    Aug 29 2024
    ### Treatment Planning - **Importance**: Many clinicians and interns struggle with writing effective treatment plans. - **Tools**: - **Integrative Summary**: Provides an executive summary of the patient's story, supports diagnosis, and identifies problems to drive treatment planning. - **Standardized Instruments**: Used for guiding treatment planning, such as FARS, CANS, ASAM, and LOCUS. ### Integrated Summary - **Purpose**: Summarizes the patient’s condition, diagnosis, and impacts of identified problems. - **Use**: Drives treatment planning by connecting symptoms to the diagnosis and planning interventions. - **Key Components**: - Summarize presenting problems and evidence of impairments. - Define the diagnosis and support it with evidence. - Provide treatment recommendations. - Include a relapse prevention plan. ### Reassessment - **Purpose**: Evaluate patient progress, note any changes in their condition, and adjust treatment plans as needed. - **Frequency**: Recommended to be done at least monthly to ensure up-to-date care. - **Components**: - Reassess the patient’s current status. - Evaluate progress on goals and identify new challenges or strengths. - Adjust treatment plan accordingly. ### Standardized Instruments - **FARS (Functional Assessment Rating Scale)**: - Evaluates various symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive performance. - Helps in tracking progress by rating symptoms at regular intervals. - **CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths)**: - Focused on trauma and development issues in children and adolescents. - Considers family, developmental needs, trauma, and substance use. - **LOCUS (Level of Care Utilization System)**: - Assesses risk of harm, functional status, and recovery environment. - Used often with clients to determine the appropriate level of care. - **ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine Criteria)**: - Measures the need for treatment in six dimensions, including substance use and biomedical conditions. - Broad and effective for evaluating comprehensive needs. ### Effective Treatment Planning - **Goals**: Set measurable and achievable targets. - **Client Involvement**: Engage the client in the planning process to ensure motivation and adherence. - **Reassessment**: Conduct frequent reassessments to monitor progress, identify obstacles, and adjust plans as needed. ### Common Pitfalls in Treatment Planning - **Lack of Measurable Goals**: Goals should be specific and measurable. - **Insufficient Client Feedback**: Clients should be involved in their treatment planning process to ensure they are motivated and invested. - **Failure to Reassess Frequently**: Regular reassessments are critical to adjusting treatment plans and maintaining client motivation. ### Time-Effective Strategies - **Client Participation**: Involving clients in the treatment planning and documentation process. - **Use of Worksheets**: Clients fill out treatment planning worksheets at home, focusing on what's important to them and identifying problems. ### Conclusion - **Empowerment**: When clients participate in the treatment planning process, they are more empowered and motivated. - **Concurrent Documentation**: Involving clients in documentation during sessions can improve their engagement and understanding of the treatment process. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Treatment Planning and Reassessment 00:05:21 - Supporting Diagnoses with Evidence 00:10:34 - Integrated Summaries and Reassessments 00:15:45 - Treatment Plan and Family Involvement 00:20:56 - Enhancing Motivation and Reassessing Progress in Treatment 00:26:01 - Identifying Resources and Strengths 00:31:41 - Assessing Presenting Issues and Needs for Treatment 00:37:09 - Addressing Fatigue: Learning and Planning 00:42:37 - Client Participation in Treatment Process Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • 980-Revealing the Influence of the Past on Relationship Skills

    980-Revealing the Influence of the Past on Relationship Skills
    Aug 27 2024
    (Release was delayed, unreleased episode 980) ### Summary of the Video **Introduction** - Welcome to Part Three of Interpersonal Skills series. - Focus on how past impacts present relationships, especially primary attachment relationships. - Host: Dr. Donell Snipes. - Objectives: Identify signs of relationship insecurities, explore past relationships' impact on present ones, and identify interventions for addressing relationship insecurities. **Signs of Relationship Insecurities** - Difficulty trusting partner. - Regularly comparing oneself or partner to others. - Requiring frequent reassurance. - Anxiety when separated. - Internalizing negative thoughts and creating self-fulfilling prophecies. - Feeling of distance or detachment. - Reading negative into partner’s words or actions. **Impact of Past Relationships** - Past relationships, including primary attachment and friendships, influence current relationships. - Carrying baggage from past relationships can impact new relationships. - Holding current partners responsible for past hurts. - Idealizing past relationships and comparing them to present ones. **Unhealthy Relationship Characteristics** - Chaos, abuse, neglect, boundary violations, invalidation. - Appearance-focused rather than genuine connection. - Role reversals in parent-child dynamics. - Low self-esteem and feeling inadequate despite best efforts. - Difficulty trusting people due to past unpredictability. **Interventions and Activities** 1. **Relationship Inventory:** - Assess primary attachment relationships and significant adult relationships. - Identify learned behaviors and characteristics from these relationships. 2. **Brick and Backpack Activity:** - Write names of past relationships on bricks, carry them in a backpack. - Reflect on the weight and impact of carrying past relationship baggage. 3. **Venn Diagrams:** - Compare and contrast past and current relationships to identify unique aspects. 4. **Collage and Advertising Campaign:** - Create a collage of self-appreciation. - Develop an advertising campaign highlighting personal strengths. 5. **Thought Stopping and Handling Hecklers:** - Techniques to manage and redirect negative self-talk. 6. **Heartbreak Pot:** - Break and reassemble a terracotta pot, symbolizing healing and support systems. **Embracing Imperfection and Communication** - Accepting that neither partner will be perfect 100% of the time. - Importance of open communication and mindfulness. - Articulating needs and expectations clearly. - Developing rules for resolving challenges. - Regular self and relationship maintenance. **Grieving Past Relationships** - Understanding the grieving process for past relationships. - Reviewing messages received about dealing with loss. - Identifying and processing continuing issues from past relationships. **Summary** - Recognizing and addressing insecurities stemming from past relationships. - Importance of self-awareness, communication, and maintenance in healthy relationships. - Encouragement to embrace imperfections and work towards synergistic partnerships. --- ### Major Time Codes 0:00 Introduction by Dr. Donell Snipes, overview of session objectives. 3:20 Signs of relationship insecurities, common indicators of problems. 10:15 Impact of past relationships on current dynamics, carrying baggage. 18:45 Unhealthy relationship characteristics, examples and consequences. 26:30 Interventions and activities, practical exercises for addressing issues. 39:00 Embracing imperfection and communication, tips for healthier interactions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 999-Understanding Triggers and Cravings: Counselor Education Webinar

    999-Understanding Triggers and Cravings: Counselor Education Webinar
    Aug 22 2024
    ### Summary #### Introduction - Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes - Topic: Understanding triggers and cravings - Goals: Define triggers and cravings, identify personal triggers, and discuss coping methods #### Defining Triggers and Cravings - **Triggers**: Anything prompting a rewarding or survival response. - Examples: Touch (hot stove), sounds (alarm clock), sights (child's smile), smells (fall air), places (dentist's office), people (reminding you of someone), situations (new job). - **Cravings**: Repetitive, consuming thoughts or desires caused by triggers. - Example: Food commercials triggering hunger at night. #### Components of Triggers 1. **Sensory Awareness**: - Body perceives a stimulus and sends it to the brain. - Brain retrieves a schema to interpret and respond to the stimulus. - Neurochemical release depending on the schema (fight or flight, pleasure). 2. **Cognitive Awareness**: - Includes flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. - Brain determines how to handle the situation based on past experiences. 3. **Systemic Awareness**: - Body notices imbalances (blood sugar, dopamine levels). - Brain looks for past coping mechanisms to address the imbalance. #### Coping with Triggers and Cravings 1. **Identify Personal Triggers**: - Recognize triggers for specific feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. - Example: Hunger, tiredness, environmental factors (places, times of day). 2. **Developing Awareness**: - Be mindful of surroundings and internal states. - Journal recent triggers and analyze early warning signs. 3. **Increase Positive Triggers**: - Enhance the environment with positive stimuli (pictures, smells, music). 4. **Addressing Negative Triggers**: - Reduce or manage negative triggers (broken locks, unsafe situations). - Use coping strategies like deep breathing, meditation, exercise. #### Practical Strategies 1. **Four Square Breathing**: - Trigger relaxation response by deep breathing. 2. **Loving Kindness Meditation**: - Reduce stress response by fostering positive emotions. 3. **Increase Physical Safety**: - Modify environment to reduce stress (mirrors, locked doors). 4. **Address Comfort and Ergonomics**: - Improve physical comfort to enhance mood and focus. 5. **Build Positive Relationships**: - Use assertive communication and manage boundaries to feel secure. 6. **Recondition Responses**: - Change associations with negative triggers (e.g., payday as positive). - Make triggers more unpleasant if necessary (e.g., Antabuse for alcohol). 7. **Mindfulness and Journaling**: - Reflect on triggers and responses to understand and manage them better. #### Handling Cravings 1. **Stop, Look, Listen, and Feel**: - Recognize cravings as clues to unmet needs. 2. **Alternative Actions**: - Identify what is truly needed and find healthier ways to fulfill that need. 3. **Dealing with Persistent Cravings**: - Understand cravings as similar to a child's tantrum; resisting strengthens resolve. ### Time Codes for Major Points 00:00 Introduction and goals of the video 02:00 Definition and examples of triggers 06:30 Components of triggers (sensory, cognitive, systemic) 10:45 Understanding cravings and their impact 15:30 Identifying personal triggers and increasing awareness 20:00 Developing positive triggers and addressing negative ones 25:45 Practical strategies for coping with triggers 30:00 Handling cravings and alternative actions 35:00 Reflecting on personal experiences and journaling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    51 mins