Psyched to Practice

Dr. Ray Christner and Paul Wagner
  • 4.8 (16)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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!”

  1. 2D AGO

    Masters in Practice: School Refusal Behavior & Family Collaboration w/ Tom Brant, Eric Elias, & Courtney Huguenin

    School refusal isn’t just about kids staying home. It shows up in subtle ways—frequent nurse visits, missed classes, late arrivals, and quiet disengagement that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a major problem. In this episode, we break down what’s actually driving school refusal behavior and why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Drawing from real clinical and school-based experience, we explore the four core functions behind these behaviors and how they often overlap in ways that make intervention more complex than it seems. You’ll hear how anxiety, avoidance, attention-seeking, and access to more rewarding alternatives all play a role—and how modern factors like virtual learning, technology, and shifting family dynamics are changing the landscape. We also walk through practical, evidence-based strategies that clinicians, schools, and families can use together. From distress tolerance and exposure work to environmental changes and caregiver collaboration, this episode focuses on what actually helps move kids back toward consistent school engagement. If you’re working with students who are struggling to attend—or families who feel stuck—this conversation will give you a clearer framework and more confidence in how to respond. Brightminds Ad PAR Ad This episode is brought to you by PAR. Explore the AI Report Writer here: https://www.parinc.com/product/ai-report-writer?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts Learn more about the RIAS-2 NU here: https://www.parinc.com/product/groups/rias-rist-assessments?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts 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  “Be well, and stay psyched"

    1h 6m

  2. MAR 20

    Practice in Action: Turning Teens Towards Social Media Literacy

    Social media isn’t going anywhere, but the way we’re handling it with kids and teens might be making things worse. In this episode, we sit down with Kelly McCullough, LCSW, to unpack what’s actually happening when kids spend hours on their phones. From sleep loss and anxiety to comparison and constant pressure to respond, we explore why this generation is struggling and why it’s not just a “self-control problem.” You’ll hear how clinicians can guide parents without turning the phone into a constant battle, what actually motivates teens to change their behavior, and how to shift from control to collaboration. We also break down practical strategies that work in real homes, including setting limits without escalating conflict, helping kids rethink what they see online, and building healthier habits that stick. If you work with kids, teens, or families, this conversation will change how you approach screen time, connection, and mental health. Brightminds Ad PAR Ad This episode is brought to you by PAR. Explore the AI Report Writer here: https://www.parinc.com/product/ai-report-writer?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts Learn more about the RIAS-2 NU here: https://www.parinc.com/product/groups/rias-rist-assessments?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts 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  “Be well, and stay psyched"

    1h 15m

  3. MAR 6

    Practice in Action: Specialization Is a Verb: Building Focus Without Chasing Trends

    Many clinicians leave graduate school with strong foundational skills but very little guidance on how to shape their professional path. Over time, therapists begin to notice patterns in their work—certain populations, problems, or clinical questions that keep showing up in the therapy room. The question is what to do with those patterns. In this episode, Paul Wagner and Ray Christner explore how clinicians develop areas of focus in their practice. They discuss the difference between chasing trends and building a thoughtful specialty, how real clinical needs often reveal themselves through repeated client concerns, and why personal fit matters just as much as professional opportunity. The conversation also highlights the importance of curiosity, ongoing reading, mentorship, and honest self-reflection when deciding where to grow professionally. Listeners will hear examples from leaders in the field who built unique niches by combining emerging needs with their own interests and strengths. Whether you are early in your career or rethinking the direction of your practice, this episode offers a practical framework for deciding where to invest your time, training, and energy. Upcoming Live Webinars: (1 Credit) Same Symptoms, Different Stories: Differentiating Neurodevelopmental and Emotional Disorders- 03/27/2026 08:00 AM EST (https://learn.psychedtopractice.com/course/same-symptoms-different-stories-differentiating-neurodevelopmental-and-emotional-disorders) (3 Credits) Using AI Tools for Research and Practice- 04/14/2026 3:00 PM EST (https://learn.psychedtopractice.com/course/live-using-ai-tools-for-research-and-practice) (1 Credit) Automate-Then-Audit: Building Sustainable Systems for ADHD Success- 04/17/2026 12:00 PM EST (https://learn.psychedtopractice.com/course/automate-then-audit-building-sustainable-systems-for-adhd-success) Brightminds Ad PAR Ad This episode is brought to you by PAR. Explore the AI Report Writer here: https://www.parinc.com/product/ai-report-writer?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts Learn more about the RIAS-2 NU here: https://www.parinc.com/product/groups/rias-rist-assessments?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts 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  “Be well, and stay psyched"

    1h 4m

  4. FEB 20

    Practice in Action: When the Case on Your Schedule Feels Off

    Most clinicians enter this field wanting to help everyone. But over time, we learn a hard truth: being willing isn’t the same as being the right fit. In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Paul Wagner and Ray Christner unpack what “fit” really means in clinical work. They explore how scope of practice, availability, client preferences, professional development, and even our own life circumstances shape whether we’re truly the best provider for someone sitting across from us. They share personal stories of cases that stretched them in healthy ways—and others that should have led to earlier referrals. You’ll hear practical ways to assess fit during intake, how to build a thoughtful “stretch protocol” for growth areas, and how to navigate referrals without shame or abandonment. This conversation challenges the myth that strong clinicians can treat anything. Instead, it offers a more sustainable model: intentional growth, honest boundaries, and clinical decisions grounded in competence—not ego. If you’ve ever wrestled with whether to take a case, keep a case, or refer a case, this episode will give you language, clarity, and a framework you can actually use. Brightminds Ad PAR Ad This episode is brought to you by PAR. Explore the AI Report Writer here: https://www.parinc.com/product/ai-report-writer?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts Learn more about the RIAS-2 NU here: https://www.parinc.com/product/groups/rias-rist-assessments?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts 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  “Be well, and stay psyched"

    58 min

  5. FEB 6

    Practice in Action: Embracing the Imposter Within

    Most mental health professionals have felt it at some point but rarely say it out loud: the fear that they don’t really belong, that they’re one mistake away from being exposed as a fraud. In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Paul Wagner and Ray Christner unpack imposter syndrome as it shows up in clinicians across all stages of their careers. They explore why imposter syndrome is more common in thoughtful, conscientious professionals, how it often shows up during transitions and high-stakes moments, and why it’s not a diagnosis or a sign of incompetence. The conversation focuses on reframing imposter syndrome as a signal of growth rather than a flaw, the role of shame and silence in making it worse, and practical ways clinicians can respond when self-doubt creeps in. This episode offers normalization, perspective, and grounded strategies for clinicians who care deeply about their work and sometimes wonder if they’re doing it right. Brightminds Ad PAR Ad This episode is brought to you by PAR. Explore the AI Report Writer here: https://www.parinc.com/product/ai-report-writer?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts Learn more about the RIAS-2 NU here: https://www.parinc.com/product/groups/rias-rist-assessments?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts 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  “Be well, and stay psyched"

    44 min

  6. JAN 23

    Technical Difficulties

    Hey everyone, quick heads up. For the first time in our recording history, we ran into some technical issues, and the audio from a really solid conversation between Ray and Paul on imposter syndrome didn’t survive. We’re still holding out hope that an uncorrupted version turns up, and if it does, we’ll get it posted immediately. So keep an eye on the feed. Because of that, we’re not able to release a full episode on our usual schedule. We’ll be back in two weeks with a complete episode and more of the conversations you expect from us. Thanks for sticking with us, and we really appreciate your patience. As always, Be Well, and Stay Psyched. Brightminds Ad PAR Ad This episode is brought to you by PAR. Explore the AI Report Writer here: https://www.parinc.com/product/ai-report-writer?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts Learn more about the RIAS-2 NU here: https://www.parinc.com/product/groups/rias-rist-assessments?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts 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  “Be well, and stay psyched"

    3 min

  7. JAN 9

    Masters in Practice: Living Well with Adult ADHD w/ Laura Knouse

    Adult ADHD is often misunderstood as a motivation problem or a lack of effort. In this episode, psychologist and researcher Dr. Laura Knouse joins Psyched to Practice to explain why that framing misses the mark—and how cognitive behavioral therapy can actually work for adults with ADHD when it’s done right. We explore how ADHD shows up as a self-regulation challenge, why behavior change often has to come before thought work, and how everyday environments quietly sabotage or support follow-through. Laura breaks down why traditional CBT models often fall short, how medication and skills can work together, and what clinicians need to know about perfectionism, avoidance, and “overly positive” thinking in this population. This conversation is packed with practical, clinician-ready insights for working with adults and emerging adults with ADHD, including how to structure treatment, build momentum through small wins, and help clients stop blaming themselves for systems that were never designed for their brains. Brightminds Ad PAR Ad This episode is brought to you by PAR. Explore the AI Report Writer here: https://www.parinc.com/product/ai-report-writer?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts Learn more about the RIAS-2 NU here: https://www.parinc.com/product/groups/rias-rist-assessments?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts 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  “Be well, and stay psyched"

    1h 5m

  8. 12/27/2025

    Masters in Practice: Living Well with Social Anxiety w/ Deb Dobson

    Social anxiety isn’t just about nerves in social situations, it slowly shrinks lives through avoidance, self-judgment, and fear of being seen. In this episode, Dr. Deb Dobson joins The Psyched to Practice Podcast to talk about what actually keeps social anxiety going, why reassurance and comfort can backfire, and how exposure really works in the real world. We explore subtle safety behaviors clinicians often miss, how avoidance becomes seductive, and why progress depends more on persistence than perfection. This conversation offers practical insights for clinicians who want to help clients live fuller lives without promising unrealistic cures. Brightminds Ad PAR Ad This episode is brought to you by PAR. Explore the AI Report Writer here: https://www.parinc.com/product/ai-report-writer?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts Learn more about the RIAS-2 NU here: https://www.parinc.com/product/groups/rias-rist-assessments?utm_campaign=38111624-Psyched%20to%20Practice%202026&utm_source=P2P%20Podcast&utm_medium=Related%20Podcasts 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  “Be well, and stay psyched"

    1h 5m
See All (131)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

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!”

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Ray Christner and Paul Wagner
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Psyched to Practice
  • Show Website
    Psyched to Practice

You Might Also Like