

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

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 The conversation explores common vulnerabilities, such as weak passwords and outdated software, and emphasizes the importance of proactive measures like multi-factor authentication, risk assessments, and encrypted communications.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 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

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!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

Nov 29, 2024 • 45min
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 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

Nov 15, 2024 • 45min
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 toolFor 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

Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 10min
*Masters in Practice: Ween from the Screen w/ Dr. Jess Stewart
‼️Continuing Education Series‼️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 StewartEarn CEUs for this episode at: https://www.psychedtopractice.com/course/ween-from-the-screenNew Book: https://a.co/d/h3f2vyc 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

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 11min
*Practice in Action: Ethical Self-Care
‼️Continuing Education Series‼️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. Earn CEUs for this episode at: https://www.psychedtopractice.com/course/ethical-self-careFor 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

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 12min
*Masters in Practice: Mindfulness for Life w/ Dr. Willem Kuyken
‼️Continuing Education Series‼️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. 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. Enjoy this Masters in Practice episode: Mindfulness for Life w/ Dr. Willem KuykenEarn CEUs for this episode at: https://www.psychedtopractice.com/course/mindfulness-for-lifeNew Book: https://www.guilford.com/books/Mindfulness-for-Life/Willem-Kuyken/9781462543977For 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

Sep 20, 2024 • 60min
*Practice in Action: Guidance in Grief
‼️Continuing Education Series‼️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 GriefEarn CEUs for this episode at: https://www.psychedtopractice.com/course/guidance-in-griefFor 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

Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 9min
*Masters in Practice episode: Mindful Self Compassion for Burnout w/ Dr. Chris Germer
‼️Continuing Education Series‼️Join Ray and Paul as they sit down with Dr. Chris Germer, author of 'Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout,' to explore the powerful connection between self-compassion and overcoming burnout. Burnout is part of the human experience—but what if we learned to treat ourselves with the kindness we deserve? Dr. Germer breaks down the practice of self-compassion, sharing how it can help us recover, set boundaries, and find resilience. Learn practical strategies to address burnout, embrace difficult emotions like grief and shame, and enhance your professional empathy. Tune in for valuable insights and start your journey to self-compassion today! Enjoy this Masters in Practice episode: Mindful Self Compassion for Burnout w/ Dr. Chris GermerEarn CEUs for this episode at: https://www.psychedtopractice.com/course/mindful-self-compassion-burnoutNew Book: https://www.guilford.com/books/Mindful-Self-Compassion-for-Burnout/Neff- Germer/9781462550227For 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

Aug 23, 2024 • 37min
Living Psyched: Polarizing Politics
Join us on the latest episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast as Paul and Ray delve into the impact of politics on our mental health. They explore how political ads and social media amplify extreme viewpoints, creating a cycle of polarization that can feel overwhelming.In this thought-provoking discussion, they break down the tactics behind political marketing, including the use of rhetoric, emotional appeals, and personas. Learn how to seek balanced news sources, fact-check claims, and understand the motivations behind political ads. The episode emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and open dialogue in managing political stress and encourages listeners to think critically about their reactions to political content.Tune in to “Living Psyched: Polarizing Politics” – Available nowCheck out this resource: https://www.isidewith.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


