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!”
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Masters In Practice: Teen Depression Gone Viral w/ Dr. Meredith Gansner
1:04:27
1:04:27
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1:04:27Is 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, …
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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 prac…
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Masters in Practice: Storytellers, Using Pop-Culture Stories to Foster Real Narratives of Resilience
58:14
58:14
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58:14Pop 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 ta…
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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 imp…
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Masters in Practice: Becoming an Educational Detective, Executive Functioning Stratgies that Work
1:02:39
1:02:39
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1:02:39In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Justin Rubenstein discusses his journey into school psychology and his specialization in executive functions. In this conversation, Paul and Ray engage with Justin to explore the intricate relationship between executive functioning, emotional regulation, and motivation in children and adolescents.…
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Bonus Episode: Reflecting on The Problem with Men
11:17
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11:17In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, host Paul Wagner reflects on the recent episode, The Problem with Men, and shares how it has helped in addressing emotional intelligence, particularly focusing on alexithymia. He shares practical insights and strategies for therapists to help clients articulate their emotions and cope with anxiety…
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Masters in Practice: The Problem with Men w/ Ron Levant
51:42
51:42
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51:42In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Dr. Ron Levant shares his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a leading figure in the psychology of men and masculinity. He discusses his personal experiences with trauma, the impact of the pandemic on mental health, and the themes explored in his memoir, 'The Problem with Men.' Dr. Leva…
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Practice in Action: A Deep Dive into 'Hi Ren'
24:56
24:56
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24:56Most of us have a voice in our head that isn’t always kind. But what if you could hear that voice argue with your better self—set to music? In this episode, we break down Ren’s powerful song Hi Ren, a raw and intense depiction of the struggle between self-doubt and self-empowerment. From the way he personifies intrusive thoughts to the way he finds…
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Masters in Practice: Implementing AI in Practice and Research w/ Dr. Dan Florell
57:44
57:44
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57:44Artificial intelligence is moving at breakneck speed, and mental health professionals are scrambling to keep up. In this episode of Psyched to Practice, Paul and Ray welcome Dr. Dan Florell—professor, psychologist, and AI expert—to break down how AI is reshaping clinical work, research, and education. Is AI a game-changing tool or a legal and ethic…
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Bonus Episode: Love It or Hate It—Why Everyone’s Talking About This Halftime Show
17:27
17:27
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17:27This Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t just a performance—it was a conversation starter. Kendrick Lamar’s bold artistic choices, layered symbolism, and powerful message had everyone talking. But was the deeper meaning lost in the debate? In this special bonus episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Ray Christner and Paul Wagner break down the vis…
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Practice in Action: Venturing Beyond the Therapy Room, Diversifying Your Career and Passion
35:07
35:07
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35:07If 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 purs…
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Podcast Update: PodFest, Social Media, and More...
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6:05In 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 le…
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Practice in Action: Cybersecurity needs to be a Priority
47:31
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47:31In 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…
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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 offe…
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Practice in Action: The Power of Mentorship
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44:21In 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, a…
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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 v…
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Masters in Practice: Ween from the Screen w/ Dr. Jess Stewart
1:09:11
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1:09:11In 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 …
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Practice in Action: Ethical Self-Care
1:10:31
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1:10:31In 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-…
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Masters in Practice: Mindfulness for Life w/ Dr. Willem Kuyken
1:11:54
1:11:54
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1:11:54In 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. T…
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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 de…
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Masters in Practice episode: Mindful Self Compassion for Burnout w/ Dr. Chris Germer
1:08:52
1:08:52
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1:08:52Join 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-comp…
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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 pol…
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Practice in Action: Temperament-al Tendencies
1:00:55
1:00:55
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1:00:55Join Ray Christner and Paul Wagner on the latest episode of the Psych to Practice podcast as they delve into a fascinating blend of developmental psychology, temperament, and parenting. Discover how early temperament can influence neurodiversity, anxiety, and coping skills in children. Tune in for practical tips on nurturing your child's developmen…
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Practice in Action: Case Conceptualization Remix
1:24:13
1:24:13
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1:24:13Today, we’re throwing it back to one of our most popular episodes, “Case Conceptualization: What is it Good For? Absolutely Everything.” This comprehensive episode combines insights from a two-part series, exploring the critical role of case conceptualization in therapy across various orientations like CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and behavior thera…
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Join us on the latest episode of the Psyched to Practice podcast as we dive deep into the importance of being genuine and authentic. Hosted by Paul Wagner and Ray Christner, we explore how authenticity influences not just the therapy room, but all aspects of life. From the insights of Carl Rogers to personal anecdotes, this episode is packed with p…
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Join us for an enlightening discussion on disagreements in the latest episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast! In this episode, hosts Paul and Ray dive into the complexities of why we disagree and how it impacts our daily lives. From the role of personalizing disagreements to the importance of intellectual banter, they explore the dynamics of co…
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Practice in Action: Celebrate the Small Stuff, A Perspective on Appreciation and Progress
33:39
33:39
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33:39Tune in to this week’s episode where we dive into a refreshing perspective in mental health, Appreciation. We often focus on the heavy, challenging aspects, but it's equally important to celebrate the small wins and recognize progress. We explore the importance of appreciating small victories in therapy and daily life. Recognizing these moments not…
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Join us for today’s episode, diving into a critical topic: "It's Okay Not to Be Okay." Inspired by a poignant video from Norwich City Football Club, we explore the importance of checking in on those around us, especially when they appear fine on the surface. We discuss the societal pressures to mask our true feelings and the impact of this on our m…
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Master's in Practice: Banish Bedtime Battles w/ Dr. Ellen Flannery-Schroeder and Dr.Chelsea Tucker
1:01:52
1:01:52
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1:01:52Join Paul and Ray for our latest Master's in Practice episode featuring Guest Ellen Flannery-Schroeder and Chelsea Tucker as they discuss their upcoming book, Banish Bedtime Battles. Ellen and Chelsea share their expertise on promoting healthy sleep habits for school-aged children, drawing from their backgrounds in psychology. Their book offers a s…
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Practice in Action: Little Treats Culture
31:51
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31:51Join Paul and Ray on the latest Living Psyched podcast episode as they explore the fascinating topic of "Little Treat Culture." Inspired by a TikTok trend, they delve into the psychological concept rooted in the Premack Principle, which suggests rewarding less desirable tasks with more desirable ones. They discuss the criticism of instant gratifica…
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Practice in Action: Improving Literacy w/ Dr. Megan Gierka
56:45
56:45
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56:45Join us for our latest Practice in Action episode featuring Megan Gierka as she dives into the critical issue of illiteracy and the challenges faced by school children in acquiring reading skills. Discover the importance of the science of reading and evidence-based instruction as Megan provides insights into assessing reading instruction and suppor…
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Practice in Action: Research, You Mean Don't Only Listen To My Gut.
36:27
36:27
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36:27To 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 #counselin…
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Masters in Practice: Anger w/ Dr. Ray DiGigiuseppe
1:14:45
1:14:45
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1:14:45Join us for our latest Masters in Practice episode featuring Ray DiGiuseppe, PhD, as he delves into his distinguished career and groundbreaking research on anger. Dr. DiGiuseppe shares his personal journey, from working with families of disruptive children, which ultimately led him to focus on understanding and managing anger. He sheds light on the…
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Masters in Practice: Managing Suicidal Risk w/ Dr. David Jobes
1:02:28
1:02:28
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1:02:28Tune in to our latest Masters in Practice episode featuring Dr. David Jobes as he discusses his groundbreaking work on suicide prevention and the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) approach. Explore Dr. Jobes' journey in mental health and his passion for suicide prevention. Discover the core principles of the CAMS model, …
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Join Paul and Ray in their latest Practice in Action episode as they delve into the importance of the Mental Status Examination (MSE) in clinical practice. They address the common lack of training and confusion surrounding the MSE, introducing their innovative ABCSMARTPICKLE Model to simplify its components. Throughout the conversation, they advoca…
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Living Psyched: iPad Kids- Keeping Technology Byte-Sized
37:04
37:04
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37:04This week on the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Ray and Paul explore the phenomenon of iPad kids and the impact of technology on childhood experiences. They discuss the inundation of technology in society and the rise of a generation that is proficient with technology from a young age. They also delve into the controversy and reactions surrounding iP…
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Master in Practice: Getting Unstuck from PTSD with Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman and Dr. Stefanie LoSavio.
1:04:29
1:04:29
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1:04:29On this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Ray and Paul chat with award winning authors Dr. Shannon Wiltsey Stirman and Dr. Stefanie LoSavio about their new book, "Getting Unstuck from PTSD: Using Cognitive Processing Therapy to Guide Your Recovery." We dive into the world of CPT, a proven treatment method for PTSD, and discover how it can…
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Practice in Action: Thread Through Modalities
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47:42
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47:42From the early days of psychotherapy there have been differing beliefs on what approach offers the best support for clients seeking help. While the Modalities themselves differ from the early days of Psychotherapy, the argument remains. But why do we have to choose? Ray and Paul are tasked with understanding what separates out each of these modalit…
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Ray and Paul discuss the past year of Psyched to Practice and explore what is coming for the next 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/20…
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Living Psyched: Celebrate the Wins, Get out Your Silver Lining Playbook
37:22
37:22
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37:22In our latest episode, we explore a topic that's close to our hearts: Gratitude. Listen in as Paul Wagner and Ray Christner, dive into the often overlooked power of gratitude and how it can transform our lives. They share personal experiences and strategies to shift our perspective from frustration to appreciation, and explore the connection betwee…
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Masters in Practice: Empowering Children with Dr. Charles Barrett
1:05:08
1:05:08
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1:05:08Kids are our future. Whether our role is as a parent, as a helper in their lives, or just a part of their community. So how can we set them up for success? That’s exactly what Paul and Ray hear about from Dr. Charles Barrett as they talk on Empowering Children. From discussions on the importance of being genuine as adults, to how to spark motivatio…
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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 #counselin…
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Practice in Action: Fizzle and Sizzle, Bantering about Burnout
59:59
59:59
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59:59To 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 #counselin…
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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 #counselin…
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Living Psyched: The Weather Outside is Frightful, But We can Make Our Mood Delightful
36:08
36:08
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36:08Join hosts Paul Wagner and Ray Christner as they explore how seasonal changes impact our mood, productivity, and mental health. In this Living Psych episode, they discuss how shifts in daylight, weather, and daily routines can affect everyone and offer practical strategies to help you stay balanced during these transitions. Throughout the episode, …
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Masters in Practice: CBT Treatment Planning and Interventions with Dr. Brian Chu and Dr. Sandra Pimentel
1:20:22
1:20:22
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1:20:22There are a few certainties in the life of a clinician: frustration with insurance, no shows, having to scramble to fit in a bathroom break, and treatment planning. Unfortunately, we can’t change some of these, but effective treatment planning is thankfully one we can. Ray and Paul had the opportunity to listen in to Dr. Brian Chu and, first time r…
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Practice in Action: The Words We Say to Ourselves
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44:15That little voice in our heads has a huge impact on how we see and engage with the world. That’s why on this week’s episode Ray and Paul take on the topic of self talk. We review the importance of being intentional with this voice and recognizing the impact that it can have on how we experience and respond to the world around us. We hope you enjoy …
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Past Practice in Action: Words, Words, Words
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15:58In preparation for our upcoming episode, we want to take a look back at some of our earliest episodes focusing on the words we use. Reminisce with Ray and Paul as they cover some highlights from these episodes, recognizing the importance of being intentional with the words we use and how we communicate them. We hope you enjoy this Past Practice in …
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Practice in Action: Wait You Mean Everyone Doesn’t Have an Adjustment Disorder?
53:47
53:47
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53:47One of the most common experiences for new clinicians is to misuse or overuse Adjustment Disorder. That’s because for many it’s never clearly understood. Ray and Paul set out to change that in this week’s episode. We discuss what makes an adjustment disorder and how clinicians can be intentional and effective in their treatment of this. We hope you…
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Practice in Action: Untangling Neurodivergence
1:09:34
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1:09:34Is it Autism? Is it ADHD? Is it both? How can we tell them apart? This week Ray and Paul take on the task of comparing and contrasting the symptoms of these two neurodivergences. We explore the functions behind the symptoms and attempt to clarify the differences in these two commonly misdiagnosed neurodivergencies. We hope you enjoy this Practice i…
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