Effective Counseling for Co-Occurring Disorders: Tips from Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
We need to use supportive and empathic counseling. We don't have to agree with them, but we do want to respect that.
When you're working with clients facing both mental health and substance use issues, the approach needs to be nuanced and deeply empathetic. In this episode of the 'Counselor Toolbox Podcast', Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes dives into practical strategies for counseling people with co-occurring disorders. She stresses the importance of building a strong therapeutic alliance, where understanding and acceptance are at the forefront. Dr.
Snipes shares valuable insights on how to provide ongoing support throughout the recovery journey and highlights the role of engaging in healthy, pro-social activities to aid in this process. You'll also hear about cognitive-behavioral tools that can be particularly effective in addressing both mental health and substance use challenges. Dr. Snipes reminds clinicians to be aware of their own limitations and how these might affect their relationship with clients.
Cultural awareness is another key element she discusses, emphasizing its importance in truly understanding and helping clients. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice and research-backed guidelines, making it a must-listen for anyone involved in counseling or supporting individuals with co-occurring disorders.