Psyched to Practice

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 ...

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 ...

 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 ...

‼️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 motivat...

‼️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 Tr...

‼️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 st...

‼️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 ...

‼️Continuing Education Series‼️

Test anxiety isn’t just background noise in our clinics and classrooms—it’s the silent force holding clients back, often misunderstood and mismanaged. In this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Ben Lovett, leading researcher and co-author of "Overcoming Test Anxiety," we push past tired myths and reveal why nearly every student faces these struggles—and most interventions miss the mark. Dr. L...

In this episode, Paul and Ray explore the multifaceted nature of rivalries, discussing their psychological implications, social identity, and the balance between competition and respect. They delve into how rivalries can motivate individuals in sports, personal development, and even business, while also cautioning against the potential for toxicity and hatred. The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining respect for ri...

Applied Behavior Analysis is often boxed into narrow stereotypes—and controversy—but what if the real story is far bigger, more collaborative, and more humanistic than you think? Join Dr. Jessica Kendorski and Ray Christner for a candid conversation that busts myths, clarifies what ABA truly is (and isn’t), and explores how behavior science radically transforms not only the lives of neurodivergent kids, but entire systems—from fami...

Following our recent episode, Accuracy in Accommodations, we wanted to revisit an episode that plays a crucial role in creating accurate accommodation. Enjoy this revisit to our previous Practice in Action episode: Problem? Solved

Problem solving is an integral part of our everyday lives and a critical skill that every mental health professional must be aware of. But what is good problem solving, and how do we use it in the therapy ...

In this episode of Psyched to Practice, Paul and Ray take on a conversation that hits home for educators, therapists, and parents alike—how do we know when an accommodation is actually helping? And when is it holding someone back? With clinical insight, personal stories, and a bit of humor, they break down how to tell the difference between under-accommodating, over-accommodating, and finding that “just right” fit. From executive f...

‼️Continuing Education Series‼️

In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, hosts Ray and Paul engage with Jana Parker, a licensed educational psychologist and entrepreneur, discussing the transition from clinical work to business ownership. They explore the mindset shifts necessary for success, the importance of networking, and the continuous learning required in the field. Jana shares her personal journey, including the ch...

In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, host Paul Wagner discusses the concept of metacognition, particularly in relation to executive functioning and ADHD. He explains metacognition as 'thinking about thinking' and emphasizes its importance in therapy and personal development. Using the metaphor of a GPS, he illustrates how individuals can evaluate their goals and the routes they take to achieve them, encoura...

‼️Continuing Education Series‼️

In this episode, Dr. Ryan DeLapp discusses his new book on racial and cultural stress, focusing on the REACH program he developed to help clinicians better support youth facing these challenges. The conversation explores the definitions of racial and cultural stress, the impact on youth, and practical coping strategies. Dr. DeLapp emphasizes the importance of community, advocacy, and the role of clini...

‼️Continuing Education Series‼️

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 ...

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 ...

‼️Continuing Education Series‼️

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 m...

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 decision...