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.

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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"

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.

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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"

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"