Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

1. Understanding Psychotic Symptoms Psychosis Definition: Includes hallucinations (seeing/hearing things not present) and delusions (firmly held false beliefs). Associated Disorders: Present in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and more. 2. Common Triggers and Causes of Psychotic Episodes Stress: A major factor that can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. Medication Compliance: Non-adherence or imbalance can lead to breakthrough symptoms. Physical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, sleep deprivation, and traumatic brain injuries may contribute to psychosis. 3. Strategies to Support Someone with Psychosis Create a Safe Environment: Focus on safety and security rather than challenging their reality. Reduce Stress: Identify and mitigate stressors (emotional, physical, or environmental). Develop an Emergency Plan: Be prepared with a relapse or prodromal symptom plan. 4. Managing Symptoms in Acute Episodes Join Their Reality: Instead of arguing, acknowledge their experience and work on creating a sense of safety. Behavioral Observations: Examine behavior as a form of communication to understand underlying needs. 5. Long-Term Interventions CBT for Psychosis (CBTp): Effective in residual symptoms or remission but not during acute episodes. Motivation and Scaffolding: Help individuals develop motivation for self-care tasks using step-by-step guidance and rewards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Introduction to H.A.L.T. H.A.L.T.: Mnemonic for four major relapse triggers: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired. These states make individuals more susceptible to stress, which can lead to relapse in various aspects of life (addiction, mental health, etc.). 2. Hunger – Physical and Beyond Physical Hunger: Basic need for food, water, pain relief. Broader Meaning: Desire for emotional, interpersonal, and cognitive fulfillment. Spiritual Aspect: Hunger for connection with others who share similar values and beliefs. 3. Anger and Anxiety – Fight or Flight Responses Anger as a Response: Linked to a perceived threat and vulnerability. Effects: Prolonged anger can cause systemic inflammation, poor sleep, and lead to relapse. Management: Recognizing anger and anxiety, using distress tolerance skills to prevent escalation. 4. Loneliness – Disconnection and Fear of Rejection Loneliness Rooted in Disconnection: Can stem from fear of rejection, lack of external validation, or diminished self-worth. Impact on Recovery: Isolation in addiction recovery or physical limitations can trigger loneliness, leading to a higher risk of relapse. 5. Tiredness – Physical and Emotional Exhaustion Physical Exhaustion: Obvious need for rest and recovery. Emotional and Cognitive Exhaustion: Overthinking or dealing with unresolved emotional issues can lead to fatigue. Recovery Strategy: Balance rest and proactive recovery actions to prevent burnout and relapse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introduction Presenter: Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes discusses helping families navigate life transitions using the Flower Empower Model. The focus is on understanding how various transitions impact both individuals and families, emphasizing the importance of supportive partnerships between clinicians and families. Defining Life Transitions What Are Life Transitions?: Transitions can be both positive (e.g., getting married, having a baby) and negative (e.g., divorce, illness). Regardless, they can cause stress. Impact on Families: Each family member is affected differently during transitions, such as moving, illness, or marriage. These changes require both individual and collective adjustment. The Flower Empower Model Core Concept: The model emphasizes the clinician-family partnership, where clinicians work with families to assess needs and foster a supportive environment. Vision and Values: The focus is on respect, individual definitions of family, and recognizing the diverse needs of family members during transitions. Principles of the Model: Emphasizes care, empathy, responsibility, and safety in supporting families through transitions. Common Life Transitions Marriage and Divorce: These significant life changes impact everyone in the family, requiring adaptation and emotional support. Illness and Caregiving: Chronic illness (e.g., cancer, Alzheimer’s) introduces new caregiving needs and role shifts within the family. Moving: Relocation brings stress related to loss of familiar environments, support systems, and routines, impacting children and adults alike. Challenges of Life Transitions Loss and Grief: Every transition involves loss, whether it’s time, friendships, or lifestyle changes. Grieving these losses is part of the adjustment process. Stress Management: Families must learn to manage the stress that comes with change, as well as the ripple effects it creates within the family unit. The Role of Clinicians Partnership and Support: Clinicians play a key role in facilitating family transitions by assessing needs, offering resources, and providing emotional support. Education and Advocacy: Families often need help navigating systems (e.g., health care, resources). Clinicians assist in linking families to appropriate services. Conclusion The Flower Empower Model offers a comprehensive framework for guiding families through life transitions. By fostering strong clinician-family partnerships and addressing both individual and collective needs, families can navigate transitions with greater resilience and support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices