This episode covers the essentials of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). I break down everything you need to know, from ECT's history and indications to its side effects, risks, and the critical nursing interventions before, during, and after treatment. Perfect for psychiatric technician students and mental health professionals looking to build confidence in supporting ECT procedures.

In this episode, the foundations of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), are broken down; they are one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches inmental health. This episode explores how thoughts impact emotions and behavior, why CBT is used for depression, anxiety, and more, and the core tools every psych tech should recognize. You'll learn about automatic thoughts, cognitive distortions, schemas, and key CBT techniques like Socratic questioning, thought records, and decatastrophizing. This episode will help you understand how to supportpatients in reshaping negative thinking and regaining control of their lives.

In this episode, I dive into the critical psych tech responsibilities related to anger and aggression management. Learn the difference between anger and aggression, the predisposing factors that lead to violent behavior, and how to spot prodromal signs before a crisis occurs. I cover practical strategies for de-escalation, violence prevention, and the safe use of restraints and PRN medications, all within the scope of a psychiatric technician. You’ll also review the Brøset Violence Checklist, nursing diagnoses, and evidence-based interventions that might appear on the BVNPT exam. Whether you work in a hospital, jail, or behavioral health setting, this episode prepares you to recognize danger and respond with skill and confidence.

In this episode, I break down trauma- and stressor-related disorders every psychiatric technician must understand including PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), Adjustment Disorders, and Prolonged Grief Disorder. Learn how trauma impacts the brain and behavior, how to recognize red flags in patient assessments, and how to apply trauma-informed care in real clinical settings. Whether you're prepping for the BVNPT psych tech exam or deepening your clinical skills, this is your go-to guide for safe, compassionate, and effective care.

In this episode, we break down the most influential theories of personality development that every psychiatric technician and mental health professional should understand. We explore Freud’s psychosexual stages, Erikson’s psychosocial crises, Sullivan’s interpersonal dynamics, Mahler’s object relations theory, Piaget’s stages of cognitive development, Kohlberg’s moral reasoning model, and Peplau’s therapeutic nursing roles. Learn how each theory explains behavior across the lifespan and how to apply these frameworks directly in clinical settings. Whether you’re preparing for board exams or working on the frontlines of mental health care, this episode connects theory to practice in a powerful, practical way.

#PsychTech #PsychiatricTechnician #MentalHealthNursing #FreudTheory #EriksonStages #SullivanTheory #MahlerTheory #PiagetDevelopment #KohlbergMoralDevelopment #PeplauNursingTheory #PsychTechEducation #MentalHealthCare #PersonalityDevelopment #NursingTheories #BehavioralHealthTraining #ClinicalPsychologyBasics

In this episode, we explore Interventions with families, a crucial topic in psychiatric nursing and mental health care. You'll learn how to assess family dynamics using key concepts like systems theory, boundaries, and communication styles. We’ll cover the stages of family development, signs of dysfunction, and compare major family therapy models including Bowen’s, Structural, and Strategic approaches. This episode gives you the tools to better understand families in crisis—and the confidence to know when to support, when to refer, and how to stay grounded in your role.

#PsychTechStudyGuide #MentalHealthEducation #FamilySystemsTheory #PsychiatricNursing #TherapeuticCommunication #FamilyIntervention #PsychTechPodcast #MentalHealthTraining #BowenTheory #StructuralFamilyTherapy #StrategicFamilyTherapy #PsychTechLife #MentalHealthSupport #NursingStudentLife #PsychTechExamPrep #ClinicalSkills #BoundariesInTherapy #MentalHealthMatters #GenogramSkills #psychiatrictechnology

#TherapyModelsExplained

In this episode, I walk you through the essentials of therapeutic groups—what they are, how they function, and why they matter in psychiatric settings. You’ll learn about different group types, leadership styles, group phases, and common member roles. I also review key therapeutic factors like group cohesiveness, interpersonal learning, and how past family dynamics can resurface in group work. If you're a psych tech student or someone working in mental health, this is a practical breakdown to help you understand the group process from a clinical lens.

#PsychTech #TherapeuticGroups #MentalHealthNursing #PsychTechStudent #GroupDynamics #NursingEducation #PsychiatricTechnician #NursingConcepts #BoardPrep #GroupTherapyUnderstanding #ClinicalSkills #MentalHealthSupport