Psyched to Practice

Every therapist can talk for days about difficult cases. But what about the cases that work? In this episode, Paul and Ray break down how success leaves clues — from therapist strengths to client readiness to the role of meaning and expert identity in change. You’ll learn how to reflect on what actually makes you effective, reshape your marketing to match your true impact, and confidently choose the right clinical fits instead of taking every referral that comes your way. Whether you’re building a caseload or rebuilding one, this conversation helps you practice with energy, alignment, and purpose.For more than 45 years, PAR has been publishing trusted assessment instruments that help their customers in the crucial work they perform every day. Their U.S.-based, company is a talented group of professionals who are guided by their desire to create tools that help their customers improve the lives of those they serve.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched" #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

‼️Continuing Education Series‼️This week on the Psyched to Practice podcast, Ray and Paul dive into a REMIXED three-part Practice in Action series: Beliefs, Blindspots, and Biases. Across these episodes, they explore the fascinating world of cognitive biases—how they shape our thoughts, influence behavior, and show up in the therapy room. From uncovering hidden blind spots to recognizing the role of bias in both our clients and ourselves, Ray and Paul examine how awareness of these mental shortcuts can lead to better thinking and more effective clinical practice. Tune in for this insightful series designed to challenge your perceptions and strengthen your therapeutic awareness.Earn CEUs for this episode at: Coming SoonFor more than 45 years, PAR has been publishing trusted assessment instruments that help their customers in the crucial work they perform every day. Their U.S.-based, company is a talented group of professionals who are guided by their desire to create tools that help their customers improve the lives of those they serve.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched" #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

Stop dreading your next CEU scramble—this episode of Psyched to Practice flips the script on continuing education for mental health professionals. Hosts Ray Christner and Paul Wagner dig deep into what it really means to grow as a clinician, sharing personal strategies to move from last-minute credit-chasing to a purposeful, energizing professional development plan. From the ethical imperative behind ongoing learning, to the link between specialized knowledge and reduced burnout, to practical ways to make CEUs genuinely work for you (while staying on budget), this episode is packed with candid insights and actionable tips. Tune in and learn how to design a career-long learning journey that fuels your passion, enhances your client care, and makes required credits feel rewarding—not just required.Website: www.psychedtopractice.com For more than 45 years, PAR has been publishing trusted assessment instruments that help their customers in the crucial work they perform every day. Their U.S.-based, company is a talented group of professionals who are guided by their desire to create tools that help their customers improve the lives of those they serve.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched" #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

In this bonus episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Paul Wagner and Ray Christner break down the recent White House and HHS announcements linking acetaminophen use in pregnancy to autism. They share their reactions of disappointment, frustration, and cautious hope while exploring how public messaging can harm families and fuel stigma. Together they unpack the critical difference between correlation and causation, the dangers of oversimplified science, and the importance of trusted sources in shaping how we understand autism. With clinical insights, historical context, and stories from real-world practice, this episode challenges listeners to think critically about research, rhetoric, and what truly supports autistic individuals and their families.Artile Referenced: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406 For more than 45 years, PAR has been publishing trusted assessment instruments that help their customers in the crucial work they perform every day. Their U.S.-based, company is a talented group of professionals who are guided by their desire to create tools that help their customers improve the lives of those they serve.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched" #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

This episode features Drs. Robyn Walser and Darrah Westrup discussing the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for trauma, highlighting approaches from their book, You Are Not Your Trauma: An ACT Guide to Healing from Within. Through an exploration of ACT’s core processes—including psychological flexibility, self-as-context, and committed action—the conversation provides advanced practitioners with evidence-based strategies for supporting trauma survivors beyond symptom reduction. Walser and Westrup address differentiating trauma from general distress, navigating the sequencing of safety, exposure, and reconnection, and deploying practical defusion techniques. The presenters emphasize actionable, compassion-driven skills for fostering client autonomy, meaning-making, and long-term healing. The content equips clinicians with concrete tools to deepen client engagement, tailor interventions for complex trauma, and reinforce lifelong practices of resilience within and beyond the therapy setting.Darrah and Robyn's new book: https://a.co/d/21XUIox For more than 45 years, PAR has been publishing trusted assessment instruments that help their customers in the crucial work they perform every day. Their U.S.-based, company is a talented group of professionals who are guided by their desire to create tools that help their customers improve the lives of those they serve.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched" #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

 In this bonus episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Ray and Paul sit down to talk about perception in the wake of tragedy and political tension. They explore how quickly opinions turn into divisions, why curiosity is essential for compassion, and how we can disagree without dehumanizing. Through stories, psychology insights, and self-reflection, they highlight the power of listening to understand rather than to defend. This conversation challenges us all to pause, reflect, and choose respect in how we respond to one another. For more than 45 years, PAR has been publishing trusted assessment instruments that help their customers in the crucial work they perform every day. Their U.S.-based, company is a talented group of professionals who are guided by their desire to create tools that help their customers improve the lives of those they serve.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched" #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

‼️Continuing Education Series‼️Psychosis is often treated as a mystery, something clinicians avoid or feel unprepared to address. In this Masters in Practice episode, Dr. Aaron Brinen shares how his book Living Well with Psychosis makes this complex topic approachable for individuals, families, and therapists alike. Drawing from Recovery Oriented Cognitive Therapy, Dr. Brinen explains how shifting the focus from symptoms to motivation, connection, and aspirations creates powerful pathways to recovery. Whether you’re a clinician looking for practical tools, a family member supporting a loved one, or simply curious about mental health treatment, this conversation challenges myths, sparks new ways of thinking, and highlights the power of hope in the face of psychosis.Earn CEUs for this episode at: https://www.psychedtopractice.com/course/living-well-with-psychosisAaron’s New Book: https://a.co/d/2fHGJqY Aaron’s recommendation: https://www.youtube.com/@SchizandGigglesFor more than 45 years, PAR has been publishing trusted assessment instruments that help their customers in the crucial work they perform every day. Their U.S.-based, company is a talented group of professionals who are guided by their desire to create tools that help their customers improve the lives of those they serve.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched" #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

‼️FREE Workshop: 3 CEUs‼️As mental health professionals, we regularly encounter clients whose experiences with racial and cultural stress significantly impact their well-being. Yet many of us feel underprepared to address these complex dynamics effectively. Join Dr. Ryan DeLapp on August 29th from 1-4 PM EST for a live workshop that will transform your clinical approach: "Help Your Clients Heal, Cope, and Thrive: A Flexible Treatment Framework for Clients Struggling with Racial and Cultural Stress." Dr. DeLapp, creator of the acclaimed REACH program and co-Director of Community Education at The Ross Center, will share his evidence-based framework for addressing three critical stress areas: ● Emotional Stress: Intense responses to culturally stressful events ● Identity Stress: Impacts on self-love, confidence, and cultural pride ● Agency Stress: Undermined sense of control and personal power You'll walk away with: ● Practical strategies for sensitively broaching cultural conversations ● Tools for creating culturally responsive treatment plans ● Assessment techniques for identifying stress indicators ● Flexible interventions that respect client intersectionality This interactive workshop draws from Dr. DeLapp's 20+ publications and 100+ presentations on cultural stress treatment. CE credits available. [REGISTER FOR FREE WITH THE LINK BELOW - Don't Miss This Exclusive Preview]https://www.psychedtopractice.com/course/racial-cultural-stress-webinarThis complimentary workshop offers you a firsthand look at the expert-led training that will be the cornerstone of our upcoming membership platform. Soon, you'll have unlimited access to workshops like this, ongoing clinical resources, and cutting-edge training from the field's top practitioners. This is just the beginning! We look forward to seeing you there and as always, For more than 45 years, PAR has been publishing trusted assessment instruments that help their customers in the crucial work they perform every day. Their U.S.-based, company is a talented group of professionals who are guided by their desire to create tools that help their customers improve the lives of those they serve.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched" #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

‼️Continuing Education Series‼️Tourette’s and tic disorders are often misunderstood, leaving families and clinicians unsure how to respond. In this episode, Ray Christner sits down with Hailey Frazier, LPA-I, LSSP, to talk about Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)—an evidence-based treatment that helps children and families regain a sense of control. Haley shares both her professional expertise and her personal story of living with tics and parenting children with Tourette’s. Together, they explore common misconceptions, what CBIT looks like in practice, and how it empowers kids to face challenges with confidence.Earn CEUs for this episode at: https://www.psychedtopractice.com/course/tic-talk-evidenced-based-support-for-tourettesFor more than 45 years, PAR has been publishing trusted assessment instruments that help their customers in the crucial work they perform every day. Their U.S.-based, company is a talented group of professionals who are guided by their desire to create tools that help their customers improve the lives of those they serve.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched" #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

‼️Continuing Education Series‼️In this episode, Paul and Ray revisit and remix their trilogy on communication—covering the impact of words, the role of swearing in session, and the power of nonverbal cues. They explore how subtle changes in language can deepen connection, how to use emotionally charged words with intention, and why meaning matters as much as the words themselves. From therapy openings and closings to those pivotal in-the-moment phrases, they share real examples and practical takeaways for mental health professionals who want their communication to land with purpose, authenticity, and impact.Earn CEUs for this episode at: https://www.psychedtopractice.com/course/words-words-wordsFor more than 45 years, PAR has been publishing trusted assessment instruments that help their customers in the crucial work they perform every day. Their U.S.-based, company is a talented group of professionals who are guided by their desire to create tools that help their customers improve the lives of those they serve.To hear more and stay up to date with Paul Wagner, MS, LPC and Ray Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP visit our website at: http://www.psychedtopractice.com Please follow the link below to access all of our hosting sites. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2007098/share “Be well, and stay psyched" #mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast