

Psyched to Practice
Dr. Ray Christner and Paul Wagner
Join us as your hosts, Dr. Ray Christner and Paul Wagner, as we explore the far reaches of mental health and share this experience with you. We’re going to cover a wide variety of topics in and related to the field, as well as having experts share their findings and their passion for mental health. We look forward to taking this adventure with you and hope we can get you Psyched!“ Be well, and stay psyched!”
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 7, 2025 • 35min
Practice in Action: Venturing Beyond the Therapy Room, Diversifying Your Career and Passion
If you're a mental health professional aiming to preserve your passion and vigor in your career while steering clear of burnout, this episode of "Psyched to Practice" offers valuable insights. Hosts Paul Wagner and Ray Christner discuss their experiences from PodFest, highlighting the significance of diversifying your professional and personal pursuits. This episode provides guidance on how to strategically incorporate new activities into your routine, how calculated risks can be beneficial, and the broader impacts of enthusiasm on professional relationships.For those seeking to align their career with personal values and aspirations, this discussion offers practical methods to ensure long-term satisfaction and efficacy in your field. 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

Jan 24, 2025 • 6min
Podcast Update: PodFest, Social Media, and More...
In this episode of the Psych to Practice Podcast, host Paul Wagner shares exciting updates about the podcast and the recent experience at PodFest 2025. He discusses the importance of engagement, the need for a stronger social media presence, and plans for content expansion, including blog posts and newsletters. The episode emphasizes the lessons learned from the conference and how they will be applied to enhance the podcast and its offerings.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

Jan 10, 2025 • 48min
Practice in Action: Cybersecurity needs to be a Priority
In the latest Psyched to Practice podcast episode, Paul Wagner and Ray Christner are joined by cybersecurity expert Keith Bell, founder of MTS I.T. Solutions, to discuss the critical role of cybersecurity in mental health practices. From the growing risks of phishing attacks and data breaches to practical solutions for protecting client information, Keith offers actionable insights tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, especially those in healthcare and mental health. The conversation explores common vulnerabilities, such as weak passwords and outdated software, and emphasizes the importance of proactive measures like multi-factor authentication, risk assessments, and encrypted communications. If you’ve ever thought, "I’m too small to be targeted," this episode will challenge that misconception. Learn how to safeguard sensitive client data, maintain trust, and prevent the devastating consequences of a breach. Listen now to discover essential strategies for protecting your practice in this Practice in Action Episode: Cybersecurity needs to be a PriorityKeith’s Website: https://www.mtsits.com15 Ways to Protect You Business PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KBPmhD1EHtWS6ATUAWzgDSm3lfc43XiG/view?usp=share_link #psychedtopractice #Cybersecurity #mentalhealth #DataProtection #podcast 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

Dec 13, 2024 • 13min
Reflections, Milestones, and What's Next
Join Paul Wagner and Ray Christner on the Psyched to Practice podcast as they reflect on the highlights and milestones of 2024. From impactful conversations with experts to invaluable insights they celebrate the podcast’s growth. Exciting developments are underway, including becoming a continuing education provider and expanding the website to offer flexible learning opportunities for professionals and beyond. As they look ahead to 2025, Paul and Ray also share their gratitude for the listeners and guests who have made this journey so rewarding. Don’t miss this episode as they celebrate progress, highlight key lessons, and share what’s next for the podcast. Tune in now and be inspired to reflect on your own milestones from the year!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

Nov 29, 2024 • 44min
Practice in Action: The Power of Mentorship
In the latest episode of the Psyched to Practice podcast, Paul Wagner and Ray Christner explore the transformative impact of mentorship in personal and professional growth. From sharing career-changing moments with their own mentors to reflecting on the importance of reciprocal learning, they discuss how mentorship opens doors, builds confidence, and shapes careers. This episode dives into the characteristics of meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, including the value of being open to feedback, cultivating trust, and recognizing the potential for growth in every interaction. Paul and Ray also share inspiring stories about the mentors who shaped their paths and the lessons they’ve passed on to others. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights into how mentorship can create lasting change in both directions. Tune in now and discover how to embrace the roles of both mentor and mentee in this Practice in Action episode: The Power of MentorshipMr. Rogers Award Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upm9LnuCBUM 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

Nov 15, 2024 • 44min
Living Psyched: Practical Productivity
In this episode, Paul and Ray discuss the challenges of time management and productivity, especially during busy periods like the holidays. They share practical tips for effective scheduling, the importance of using calendars, and strategies for planning ahead. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and managing stress while balancing various responsibilities. They also explore the concept of anchor points and thinking in minutes to enhance efficiency and productivity. In this conversation, Paul and Ray delve into the nuances of time management, emphasizing the importance of tracking small tasks, being intentional with time, and utilizing techniques like the Pomodoro method. They discuss the significance of personalizing time management strategies to fit individual needs and the value of simplifying processes to enhance efficiency. The dialogue encourages listeners to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for them, ultimately leading to a more productive and fulfilling life.Email us at psychedtopractice@gmail.com for a copy of our Prioritization Matrix toolTo 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

Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 9min
Masters in Practice: Ween from the Screen w/ Dr. Jess Stewart
In our latest Psyched to Practice podcast episode, Jess Stewart joins hosts Paul Wagner and Ray Christner for an essential conversation on managing media and device use for children and adolescents. As a seasoned adolescent psychologist, Jess explores the complexities of media’s impact on young minds, from social connection to emotional regulation and the effects of instant gratification. She and the hosts share insights on the SCOPE model—a framework for understanding individual media use through social, cognitive, behavioral, physiological, and emotional lenses. Jess also introduces the GAMES model, a skills-based approach to helping young people set healthy media goals, build self-awareness, and manage screen time effectively. Whether you’re a parent, clinician, or educator, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating technology’s role in youth development and promoting a balanced approach to digital engagement. Tune in now for practical insights on healthy media use in this week’s Masters in Practice episode: Ween from the Screen w/ Dr. Jess StewartNew Book: https://a.co/d/h3f2vyc 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

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 11min
Practice in Action: Ethical Self-Care
In our latest Psyched to Practice episode, we explore the often-overlooked topic of self-care for helping professionals. They delve into why self-care is more than just a feel-good concept—it’s an ethical responsibility that directly impacts our ability to serve others. Paul and Ray reflect on how the pandemic reshaped the conversation around self-care, highlighting the tension between the need to care for ourselves and the demand to support others. They discuss how burnout, compassion fatigue, and even poor decision-making can emerge when self-care is neglected. The hosts emphasize that self-care isn’t just a one-time action but a lifestyle, requiring ongoing reflection and deliberate effort. They also discuss practical strategies for integrating self-care into daily routines, from taking short, intentional breaks to embracing hobbies that bring joy and energy. Learn how shifting the mindset around self-care can transform it from a perceived luxury to a professional necessity, helping you maintain resilience and provide the best care possible for your clients. Tune in to this episode to learn how to make self-care a sustainable part of your life and practice, and why taking care of yourself is the key to helping others. 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

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 12min
Masters in Practice: Mindfulness for Life w/ Dr. Willem Kuyken
In our latest episode of the Psyched to Practice podcast, we sit down with renowned psychologist and author Willem Kuyken for an insightful conversation about the power of mindfulness. Drawing from his new book Mindfulness for Life, Willem shares practical strategies to help us integrate mindfulness into everyday life and build mental resilience.Throughout the episode, Willem talks about how mindfulness goes beyond meditation and can be woven into our daily routines, relationships, and decision-making processes. He clears up common misconceptions about mindfulness and offers a fresh perspective on how to cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life. The discussion also touches on the idea of befriending our mind and body to live with more intention, presence, and purpose.If you’re looking to explore how mindfulness can enrich both your personal and professional life, this episode offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss.Tune in now to hear Willem’s thoughts on living a life well-lived and learn how to bring mindfulness into your own daily practices. Enjoy this Masters in Practice episode: Mindfulness for Life w/ Dr. Willem KuykenNew Book: https://www.guilford.com/books/Mindfulness-for-Life/Willem-Kuyken/9781462543977To 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

Sep 20, 2024 • 59min
Practice in Action: Guidance in Grief
Join us for the latest episode of the Psyched to Practice podcast! Hosts Ray and Paul dive into an insightful conversation about grief—a universal experience that we all face, but in deeply personal ways. From navigating grief tied to death, loss of opportunities, or even changes in relationships, they break down the difference between grief and depression and explore how both clinicians and individuals can understand these powerful emotions. Join them as they share clinical insights and strategies to guide you through the emotional process of grief, offering practical tips for those in need. Listen in to this Practice in Action episode: Guidance in GriefTo 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