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 of oversimplified science, and the importance of trusted sources in shaping how we understand autism. With clinical insights, historical context, and stories from real-world practice, this episode challenges listeners to think critically about research, rhetoric, and what truly supports autistic individuals and their families.

Artile Referenced: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817406

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

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“Be well, and stay psyched”

#mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

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 strategies for supporting trauma survivors beyond symptom reduction. Walser and Westrup address differentiating trauma from general distress, navigating the sequencing of safety, exposure, and reconnection, and deploying practical defusion techniques. The presenters emphasize actionable, compassion-driven skills for fostering client autonomy, meaning-making, and long-term healing. The content equips clinicians with concrete tools to deepen client engagement, tailor interventions for complex trauma, and reinforce lifelong practices of resilience within and beyond the therapy setting.

Darrah and Robyn's new book: https://a.co/d/21XUIox

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

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“Be well, and stay psyched”

#mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

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 conversation challenges us all to pause, reflect, and choose respect in how we respond to one another.

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

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“Be well, and stay psyched”

#mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

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 motivation, connection, and aspirations creates powerful pathways to recovery. Whether you’re a clinician looking for practical tools, a family member supporting a loved one, or simply curious about mental health treatment, this conversation challenges myths, sparks new ways of thinking, and highlights the power of hope in the face of psychosis.

Aaron’s New Book: https://a.co/d/2fHGJqY

Aaron’s recommendation: https://www.youtube.com/@SchizandGiggles

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

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“Be well, and stay psyched”

#mentalhealth #podcast #psychology #psychedtopractice #counseling #socialwork #MentalHealthAwareness #ClinicalPractice #mentalhealth #podcast

‼️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 Treatment Framework for Clients Struggling with Racial and Cultural Stress."

Dr. DeLapp, creator of the acclaimed REACH program and co-Director of Community Education at The Ross Center, will share his evidence-based framework for addressing three critical stress areas:

● Emotional Stress: Intense responses to culturally stressful events

● Identity Stress: Impacts on self-love, confidence, and cultural pride

● Agency Stress: Undermined sense of control and personal power

You'll walk away with:

● Practical strategies for sensitively broaching cultural conversations

● Tools for creating culturally responsive treatment plans

● Assessment techniques for identifying stress indicators

● Flexible interventions that respect client intersectionality

This interactive workshop draws from Dr. DeLapp's 20+ publications and 100+ presentations on cultural stress treatment. CE credits available.

[REGISTER FOR FREE WITH THE LINK BELOW - Don't Miss This Exclusive Preview]

https://www.psychedtopractice.com/course/racial-cultural-stress-webinar

This complimentary workshop offers you a firsthand look at the expert-led training that will be the cornerstone of our upcoming membership platform. Soon, you'll have unlimited access to workshops like this, ongoing clinical resources, and cutting-edge training from the field's top practitioners. This is just the beginning!

We look forward to seeing you there and as always,

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

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 story of living with tics and parenting children with Tourette’s. Together, they explore common misconceptions, what CBIT looks like in practice, and how it empowers kids to face challenges with confidence.

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, 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 in-the-moment phrases, they share real examples and practical takeaways for mental health professionals who want their communication to land with purpose, authenticity, and impact.

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

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. Lovett breaks down what actually helps (and what can make it worse), how common strategies like extended time can backfire, and which evidence-based, actionable tools empower clients to build true confidence and resilience. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, this episode delivers practical strategies, critical nuance, and fresh perspectives you’ll want to use tomorrow with your most anxious test-takers. With this we hope you enjoy this Masters in Practice episode: Overcoming Test Anxiety with/ Ben Lovett

His new book: https://a.co/d/17yj4hZ

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