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.

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“Be well, and stay psyched"

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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.

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“Be well, and stay psyched"

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Too often continuing education is expensive, rigid, or disconnected from real clinical work, until now. Our Bright Minds Subscription is officially live, and it’s built for how clinicians actually live and practice. This all-access membership gives you unlimited entry to a growing library of high-quality CE courses, live webinars, and expert-led trainings, all in one place. No waiting for scheduled dates. No pressure to finish a course in one sitting. No wasting your CE budget on one or two workshops a year. Every course is designed to be practical, relevant, and easy to fit into your day—whether that’s between sessions, after the kids go to bed, or on the treadmill. You’ll learn from clinicians who live the work you do, across topics that matter in real practice, with assessments and downloadable CE certificates included. Bright Minds is about making continuing education accessible, flexible, and genuinely useful again. If you’re ready for a smarter, more supportive way to meet your CE requirements, this is it. Head over to www.psychedtopractice.com to get started today. 

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“Be well, and stay psyched"

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In this episode, Paul and Ray sit down with psychologist Marie Hooper to break open one of the most misunderstood autism profiles: PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), or the pervasive drive for autonomy. Marie explains why these kids look oppositional on the surface but are actually responding to a nervous-system threat, why typical behavior plans often backfire, and how masking—especially among girls—keeps PDA hidden for years. She walks through the six core features clinicians should recognize, what burnout looks like in kids who stop attending school entirely, and how to shift from compliance-based approaches to safety-based, trauma-assumed care. Whether you’re a therapist, educator, or parent, this conversation reframes what “can’t, not won’t” truly means.

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“Be well, and stay psyched"

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In this episode, Paul and Ray take on gratitude in a way that cuts deeper than the usual holiday routine. Instead of listing three things you’re thankful for or posting something online that sounds good, they explore what it looks like to experience gratitude from the inside out. They break down the difference between goals and intentions, why slowing down matters, and how savoring small moments can turn gratitude into a steady part of daily life—not just something you try to do when things are going well. They also share personal stories from clinical work and their own lives that reveal how gratitude shows up during stress, growth, grief, and connection. This conversation is real, grounding, and something clinicians can use in practice right away.

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“Be well, and stay psyched"

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This episode explores how naming and checking intention — the deeper “why” behind a goal — helps clients (especially those with ADHD and executive-function challenges) keep going when motivation fades. Paul explains how intention works with common tools (SMART goals, time blocking, task chunking) and gives concrete examples clinicians can use in-session to build lasting buy-in, turn shame into course-correcting fuel, and decide the right frequency to revisit a client’s why. Listeners will leave with simple, session-ready questions and examples (like reframing a vague “eat healthier” goal into a measurable nutrition target tied to the intention of having energy to play with kids) that make follow-through more likely.

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“Be well, and stay psyched"

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Every therapist can talk for days about difficult cases. But what about the cases that work? In this episode, Paul and Ray break down how success leaves clues — from therapist strengths to client readiness to the role of meaning and expert identity in change. You’ll learn how to reflect on what actually makes you effective, reshape your marketing to match your true impact, and confidently choose the right clinical fits instead of taking every referral that comes your way. Whether you’re building a caseload or rebuilding one, this conversation helps you practice with energy, alignment, and purpose.

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“Be well, and stay psyched"

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‼️Continuing Education Series‼️

This week on the Psyched to Practice podcast, Ray and Paul dive into a REMIXED three-part Practice in Action series: Beliefs, Blindspots, and Biases. Across these episodes, they explore the fascinating world of cognitive biases—how they shape our thoughts, influence behavior, and show up in the therapy room. From uncovering hidden blind spots to recognizing the role of bias in both our clients and ourselves, Ray and Paul examine how awareness of these mental shortcuts can lead to better thinking and more effective clinical practice. Tune in for this insightful series designed to challenge your perceptions and strengthen your therapeutic awareness.

Earn CEUs for this episode at: Coming Soon

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Stop dreading your next CEU scramble—this episode of Psyched to Practice flips the script on continuing education for mental health professionals. Hosts Ray Christner and Paul Wagner dig deep into what it really means to grow as a clinician, sharing personal strategies to move from last-minute credit-chasing to a purposeful, energizing professional development plan. From the ethical imperative behind ongoing learning, to the link between specialized knowledge and reduced burnout, to practical ways to make CEUs genuinely work for you (while staying on budget), this episode is packed with candid insights and actionable tips. Tune in and learn how to design a career-long learning journey that fuels your passion, enhances your client care, and makes required credits feel rewarding—not just required.

Website: www.psychedtopractice.com 

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“Be well, and stay psyched"

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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 

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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:

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“Be well, and stay psyched"

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