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
  • 1044-Reset Your Nervous System _ Understanding the Dopamine Connection

    1044-Reset Your Nervous System _ Understanding the Dopamine Connection
    Jan 30 2025
    What is Dopamine? Dopamine is often referred to as a motivation chemical rather than just a pleasure chemical. It regulates mood, movement, energy, sleep, libido, and pain tolerance. Dopamine plays a key role in cognitive functions like memory, attention, and decision-making. The Concept of Dopamine Fasting Dopamine fasting does not reduce dopamine levels but aims to reduce compulsive behaviors that overstimulate the dopaminergic system. This approach involves reducing stimulating behaviors intermittently (e.g., hours per day or days per week) to reset the brain’s reward system. Dopamine's Role in Addiction and Stress Excessive stimulation, like addiction or chronic stress, can desensitize the brain to dopamine, causing reduced motivation and emotional regulation. Conversely, trauma may cause hypervigilance, where the brain responds too strongly to stimuli due to dopamine imbalances. Dopamine Receptors and Tolerance Tolerance develops when dopamine receptors downregulate after prolonged overstimulation, requiring more of the same activity to get the same reward. The nervous system naturally attempts to achieve homeostasis by adjusting receptor sensitivity and dopamine production. Impact of Trauma on the Dopamine System Chronic trauma and stress can lead to neurotoxic environments, which reduce the number of dopamine receptors and damage neurons. Dopamine is also linked to systemic inflammation, further complicating its role in trauma survivors. Dopamine Fast Alternatives Dr. Snipes advocates for a lifestyle approach rather than short-term dopamine fasts. This alternative focuses on reducing overall stimulation levels daily to create a sustainable balance in the nervous system. Tools for Nervous System Rebalance Mindful breathing, reducing caffeine, and taking regular stimulation breaks are practical ways to reduce overstimulation. Moderate exercise, proper hydration, and practicing mindfulness can help the nervous system reset and maintain emotional regulation. Long-Term Benefits of a Dopamine Reset Reducing overstimulation helps rewire the brain to respond better to simple pleasures and mindful living, fostering emotional well-being. Over time, this approach decreases reliance on compulsive behaviors and promotes a balanced, more fulfilling lifestyle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • 1043-9 Powerful Tips for Rewiring an Anxious Brain_ Neuroplasticity Secrets

    1043-9 Powerful Tips for Rewiring an Anxious Brain_ Neuroplasticity Secrets
    Jan 28 2025
    Understanding Anxiety and the Stress Response Anxiety is a natural emotional reaction, often triggered by physical and cognitive stressors. It activates the body's HPA axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis), leading to physical reactions like increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and digestive issues. Emotional Reasoning Anxiety may arise from incorrect beliefs about danger, even when no real threat exists. Emotional reasoning leads people to act as though their anxious feelings are facts. The Brain’s Bias Toward Threats The brain often prioritizes memories of negative or threatening experiences to keep us safe, causing anxiety when facing similar situations. Prior bad experiences with things like aggressive dogs or natural disasters can heighten anxiety in future similar scenarios. Mindfulness as a Rewiring Tool Practicing mindfulness encourages individuals to focus on the present moment, reducing the brain's reliance on past fears and automatic responses. Becoming aware of physical, cognitive, and emotional anxiety triggers allows for better emotional regulation. Sleep and Anxiety Lack of sleep increases the activity of the HPA axis, making it harder to manage stress and anxiety. Good sleep hygiene is essential for maintaining mental and emotional balance. Physical Sensations and Anxiety Bodily sensations like pain or low blood sugar can mimic or trigger anxiety responses, creating a feedback loop of stress and discomfort. Nutrition and Anxiety Blood sugar fluctuations, often caused by poor diet, can worsen anxiety. Maintaining stable blood sugar through balanced nutrition can help manage anxious feelings. Distress Tolerance Techniques Tools like slow breathing, guided imagery, and physical activity help calm the stress response and regain emotional control. Cognitive-behavioral strategies such as reframing anxious thoughts are effective for reducing anxiety. Rewriting Core Beliefs Writing down and challenging negative thoughts helps rewire the brain. Identifying cognitive distortions like all-or-nothing thinking, magnification, and personalization can improve emotional resilience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • 1041-Understanding Unique Needs of BDSM Practitioners_ A Counselors Guide

    1041-Understanding Unique Needs of BDSM Practitioners_ A Counselors Guide
    Jan 21 2025
    Understanding BDSM BDSM involves consensual sexual practices including bondage, dominance, submission, and sadomasochism. The core principle is that all activities must be safe, sane, and consensual. The Role of Counselors Therapists must provide a non-judgmental space for clients practicing BDSM. Recognizing biases and understanding the nature of BDSM relationships is essential to competent care. Common Myths and Misconceptions BDSM is not inherently linked to psychopathology or trauma. It does not increase the likelihood of mental illness or indicate that the person was abused. Relationship Dynamics in BDSM BDSM relationships often involve clear communication and negotiated roles, including dominance and submission. Role flexibility, including "switches," is common, allowing participants to alternate between dominant and submissive roles. Addressing Concerns in Therapy Counselors should address physical and psychological safety, ensuring clients do not feel judged. BDSM is a practice for many that fosters empowerment, trust, and intimacy. Physical and Psychological Risks While BDSM is practiced safely by many, there is potential for harm if boundaries are not respected. Awareness of physical risks, such as injury from bondage or breath play, is crucial. Consent and Communication BDSM requires high levels of consent and communication before, during, and after scenes (activities). Aftercare is essential to ensure emotional and physical well-being post-BDSM activity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 19 mins

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