Dr. Brian L. Ragsdale
Psychologist - Educator - Writer - Artist
Teaching and Learning
Teaching has been one of the most meaningful parts of my professional life. For more than two decades, I have taught and mentored undergraduate and graduate students, psychologists in training, healthcare professionals, and future leaders across higher education, clinical practice, and professional organizations.
​
My approach to teaching is grounded in curiosity, critical thinking, and the belief that learning is most meaningful when it connects theory with real-world practice.
Whether we are exploring psychological assessment, ethics, artificial intelligence, multicultural psychology, or clinical decision-making, I encourage learners to ask thoughtful questions, evaluate evidence, and develop the confidence to think independently.
​
This page highlights the courses I have taught, my philosophy of teaching and supervision, selected educational resources, and opportunities to learn together. I enjoy teaching across the professional lifespan, from introducing students to psychology for the first time to mentoring experienced clinicians, researchers, and educators as they continue to grow.
As my work continues to evolve, this space will also serve as a home for current students, supervisees, and continuing education participants seeking practical, evidence-informed resources for lifelong learning.
Areas of Expertise
Research Methods & Statistics
​My primary teaching expertise has centered on research design, statistics, and scholarly inquiry. I enjoy helping students move beyond simply completing analyses to understanding how evidence is generated, interpreted, and applied in psychology.
​
Courses include:
-
Research Methods
-
Statistics
-
Intermediate Statistics
-
Dissertation Research
-
Scholarly Writing & Research Skills
​
Assessment has been one of the cornerstones of my teaching and professional practice. I have taught graduate students how to administer, score, interpret, and communicate psychological assessment findings while emphasizing ethical and culturally responsive practice.
​
Courses include:
-
Cognitive Assessment
-
Tests and Measurements
-
Psychological Assessment
-
Internship & Practicum Preparation
My clinical teaching integrates evidence-based practice with real-world decision making. I encourage students to think critically about diagnosis, intervention, ethics, and the therapeutic relationship.
Courses include:
-
Introduction to Clinical Psychology
-
Introduction to Counseling Psychology
-
Psychotherapy Interventions
-
Ethics
-
Child Psychopathology
-
Crisis Intervention
These courses examine how individuals develop across the lifespan and how families, communities, and social systems influence psychological well-being.
Courses include:
-
Child Psychology
-
Child and Adolescent Development
-
Family Development
-
Social Psychology
-
Death and Dying
-
Drug Abuse
​
Throughout my career I have integrated multicultural psychology, identity development, health disparities, and systems of power into my teaching. These topics have shaped both my scholarship and my philosophy as an educator.
Teaching themes include:
-
Culture and Psychology
-
Race, Identity, and Belonging
-
Health Disparities
-
Equity and Inclusion
-
Ethics and Cultural Humility
Teaching Philosophy
​
I believe that education is most meaningful when it encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and the courage to examine our assumptions. My goal is not simply to teach psychological concepts, but to help students become thoughtful professionals who can integrate research, clinical judgment, cultural awareness, and ethical decision-making into their work.
​
I strive to create a learning environment where students feel both supported and challenged. Drawing on my experience as a psychologist, educator, researcher, and consultant, I use real-world examples, case discussions, and reflective dialogue to bridge theory and practice. I encourage students to ask difficult questions, consider multiple perspectives, and develop the confidence to think independently.
​
As artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape education and healthcare, I believe psychologists must also develop digital literacy alongside clinical competence. Learning to evaluate new technologies critically, ethically, and thoughtfully is becoming an essential professional skill. My hope is that students leave my courses with not only a stronger understanding of psychology, but also the curiosity and lifelong learning mindset needed to adapt to an ever-changing world.
