Psyched to Practice

Is social media the hidden driver of teen depression, or can the internet be a lifeline for struggling youth? Join Dr. Meredith Gansner, child psychiatrist and author of “Teen Depression Gone Viral,” as she sits down with Ray Christner and Paul Wagner to explore the complicated—and sometimes risky—relationship between digital media, mental health, and today’s teens. Drawing from real clinical stories and cutting-edge research, this episode gives parents and professionals no-nonsense insights into why “just take the phone away” hardly ever works, how to develop true digital literacy in your family, and what practical steps can actually make a difference. Whether you worry about TikTok challenges, cyberbullying, or just want to understand how to better support a teen in your life, this conversation will leave you thinking twice about every swipe.Teen Depression Gone Viral: https://a.co/d/gNL2aj1 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 episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, host Paul Wagner discusses the opportunities that spring brings for enhancing mental wellness. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with nature, encouraging physical activity, fostering social connections, and the benefits of spring cleaning for mental clarity. The conversation highlights practical strategies for clinicians to support their clients in embracing the season for improved mental health.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

Pop culture isn’t just entertainment—it’s a gateway to connection, empathy, and deep therapeutic work. In this episode, Paul and Ray sit down with clinical psychologist and media consultant Dr. Drea Letamendi to explore how fictional characters—from Batman to X-Men to Star Wars—can open doors in therapy that traditional methods often can’t. They talk real strategy: using pop culture in CBT, building media literacy, and why what we watch really matters in the therapy room. Whether you’re working with teens, young adults, or just trying to connect differently, this episode will shift how you think about clinical practice.Dr. Drea's Website: https://drdreapsychology.comDr. Drea's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-arkham-sessions-psychology-of-batman-more/id806565467 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 episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Ray Christner explores the metaphor of March Madness in relation to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He discusses how filling out a March Madness bracket can reflect our decision-making processes, particularly the balance between gut reactions and evidence-based analysis. Ray emphasizes the importance of resilience and acceptance of imperfection in both sports and life decisions, encouraging listeners to use cultural metaphors in their therapeutic practices.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 episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Justin Rubenstein discusses his journey into school psychology and his specialization in executive functions. In this conversation, Paul and Ray engage with Justin to explore the intricate relationship between executive functioning, emotional regulation, and motivation in children and adolescents. They discuss the importance of involving parents in the therapeutic process, the role of self-management in fostering emotional stability, and effective strategies for enhancing motivation. The discussion also highlights the significance of language in shaping motivation and the necessity of consistency in therapeutic interventions.Justin's Practice: https://solutionsforeducationllc.com/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 episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, host Paul Wagner reflects on the recent episode, The Problem with Men, and shares how it has helped in addressing emotional intelligence, particularly focusing on alexithymia. He shares practical insights and strategies for therapists to help clients articulate their emotions and cope with anxiety, emphasizing the need for safe environments to express feelings and the value of psychoeducation in therapy.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 episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Dr. Ron Levant shares his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a leading figure in the psychology of men and masculinity. He discusses his personal experiences with trauma, the impact of the pandemic on mental health, and the themes explored in his memoir, 'The Problem with Men.' Dr. Levant also delves into the concept of normative male alexithymia, the challenges men face in expressing emotions, and the importance of emotional awareness in parenting. In this conversation, the speaker discusses the concept of normative male alexithymia, exploring how societal norms shape men's emotional expression and the challenges they face in therapy. The discussion covers therapeutic approaches to help men articulate their emotions, the importance of developing emotional vocabulary, and the impact of emotional policing on men's internal experiences. The conversation also touches on how these dynamics affect parenting and the common mistakes clinicians make when working with men. The speaker emphasizes the need for clinicians to recognize the difficulties men face in seeking therapy and offers key takeaways for effective practice.The Problem with Men: https://a.co/d/7u4wA4D The Problem with Men Kindle: https://a.co/d/eUzG4RN 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

Most of us have a voice in our head that isn’t always kind. But what if you could hear that voice argue with your better self—set to music? In this episode, we break down Ren’s powerful song Hi Ren, a raw and intense depiction of the struggle between self-doubt and self-empowerment. From the way he personifies intrusive thoughts to the way he finds his way back to hope, this song is a masterclass in mental health awareness. Join us as we unpack its meaning, how it relates to therapy, and why it left us speechless.Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/s_nc1IVoMxc?si=MB1RcnM7fXCtbQSQ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/0FLwYQoXvX8q5iRZnFX59u?si=01541158852a4c63To 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

Artificial intelligence is moving at breakneck speed, and mental health professionals are scrambling to keep up. In this episode of Psyched to Practice, Paul and Ray welcome Dr. Dan Florell—professor, psychologist, and AI expert—to break down how AI is reshaping clinical work, research, and education. Is AI a game-changing tool or a legal and ethical minefield? We cover the risks, rewards, and practical ways you can start integrating AI into your practice today. Don’t get left behind—tune in now to stay ahead of the curve.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 Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t just a performance—it was a conversation starter. Kendrick Lamar’s bold artistic choices, layered symbolism, and powerful message had everyone talking. But was the deeper meaning lost in the debate? In this special bonus episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Ray Christner and Paul Wagner break down the visuals, themes, and cultural impact of one of the most talked-about halftime performances in years. From Samuel L. Jackson’s surprising role to Serena Williams’ unexpected statement, we explore how this performance challenges perspectives and what it says about America today.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