Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Therapeutic Tools Essential in Addiction Medicine
Therapeutic Tools Essential in Addiction Medicine
Therapeutic Tools Essential in Addiction Medicine
Tuesday 27th August 2024
Discover essential therapeutic tools for addiction medicine with Dr. Spencer Hansen. Learn life-saving listening skills and effective safety planning.
Explicit
64 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Encouraging
Educational
About this podcast
Author:
Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Life-Saving Listening Skills: Therapeutic Tools in Addiction Medicine
Episode Overview
- Effective listening can resolve crises in minutes.
- Safety planning is crucial for patients at risk of self-harm.
- Empathy and non-verbal cues are key in patient interactions.
- Avoid enabling behaviours while offering support.
- Personalised safety plans reduce emotional distress.
The most common medical procedure in medicine is listening.
Ever wondered how essential listening skills can save lives? This episode of 'The Addiction Files' features Dr. Spencer Hansen, an addiction psychiatrist, who shares his expertise on two critical therapeutic techniques: effective listening and safety planning. Hosted by Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt reflections on the art of addiction medicine. Dr.
Hansen starts by introducing himself and his journey into addiction psychiatry, highlighting his experiences in crisis care and outpatient settings. He emphasises the power of attentive listening, describing it as perhaps the most common yet underestimated medical procedure. Hansen shares that simply giving a patient five minutes of undivided attention can often resolve a crisis, illustrating the profound impact of genuine human connection.
The conversation then shifts to safety planning, a vital tool for patients experiencing suicidal thoughts or at risk of self-harm. Dr. Hansen explains how creating a personalised safety plan can provide a sense of stability and hope, reducing emotional distress. He shares practical tips on how to effectively engage with patients during these critical moments, including avoiding excessive head nods and maintaining appropriate eye contact. Throughout the episode, Dr.
Hansen and the hosts discuss the importance of empathy, non-verbal communication, and the balance between offering support without enabling harmful behaviours. The episode is rich with anecdotes and practical advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone involved in addiction treatment or support. Why should you tune in? Because understanding these therapeutic tools can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
Whether you're a healthcare professional or someone supporting a loved one, this episode offers insights that are both informative and deeply compassionate.