Dr. Wendy Rice, Author at Rice Psychology

Anxiety and Depression with Teens and Helping Them Become Resilient

on October 15, 2019 at 1:46 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. This is my son’s first year of high school and I’m noticing some changes in his behavior. He appears sullen and distracted much more often than he did last year and is spending an unfathomable amount of time on social media. His first report card arrived last week, and his grades were mostly B’s and C’s, which surprised me since he’s always been an A student. I tried talking to him about it, but he’s been very standoffish and brushes my concerns away. Is there something my husband and I...

At Rice Psychology Group, We Are so Happy to Now Offer Millennial Therapy!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 27, 2019 at 10:38 am /

Millennial Therapy

Millennials are the generation currently pushing us towards incredible progress. You’re out there fighting for diversity, acceptance, and mindfulness like no other generation before. You take to the streets to protest, voice your opinions on social media, aim your personal lives towards success, and do so without stopping to take a break. While millennial life comes with specific benefits, it also comes with very specific mental and emotional obstacles. It’s the reason why our team of licensed psychologists and therapists is now offering Millennial Therapy. The Generational Standard Despite your best efforts to appear well-rounded and happy on social media and in life,...

The Benefits of Rinse and Repeat: How Sticking to a Routine Can Help Your Health and Well-Being

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 18, 2019 at 3:09 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I started working from home a few months ago. It was great at first, but as the weeks went by, I noticed that I was beginning to get disorganized. I forgot about scheduled conference calls, fell behind on a project because I took too long of a lunch break, and so much more! Three weeks ago, my husband gave me a daily planner. It’s the best gift I’ve ever received! I now organize my time and responsibilities into manageable routines that leave me feeling less disorganized, stressed, anxious, and lost. Did...

The Empty Nest: How to Cope When Your Kids Fly the Coop

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 12, 2019 at 3:48 pm /

Parenting

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Last month, our oldest, Brian, left for his first year of college. It was a day I knew would come but was never quite ready to face. Even though we still have two other kids at home, Brian’s absence feels heavy for me. There’s no more, “Hey Mom! I’m home!” or “Hey Mom and Dad, I’m going out with the guys, be back later!” It’s only been three weeks and I miss him like crazy already! My husband seems to be handling it well and tells me that I’ll get...

Social Trouble: The School Year, Social Anxiety, and How to Help Kids Through It

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 28, 2019 at 11:46 am /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week's topic. The school year’s first open house was last night. We met with Emily’s teachers and some other parents and got plenty of information about what the kids will be doing in school. One of her teachers told us that middle school is the perfect place to introduce group projects, presentations, and speeches. I want to say Emily will have no trouble with any of that but, if she’s anything like me, there’s a chance her anxiety will go through the roof! I remember as a young student standing at the...

Your Child’s ADHD: What it Takes to Adapt as a Parent

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 22, 2019 at 11:34 am /

ADHD
Blog

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My husband and I recently found out that our 11-year old son, Ryan, has ADHD. It started with a call from his teacher saying that he wasn’t focusing enough in class despite having good grades on tests. We then had a meeting with the school psychologist who said Ryan was showing some behaviors that were similar to other children with ADHD, which was confirmed with a private child psychologist later on. It’s tough at times for sure, but with our son’s psychologist helping us out, it’s starting to get easier....

Tight-Lipped: Men and Their Unwillingness to Talk About Their Mental Illness

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 14, 2019 at 12:24 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I grew up in an old-fashioned household where everyone had defined roles. The kids focused on school and chores, my mother cared for the house, and my father worked in construction. My father is the type to keep his emotions to himself and was rarely expressive. When I married, he was stoic. On the day my mother died, he was practically emotionless. He’s present physically, but mentally it’s almost as if he’s checked out. I feel that maybe he’s been dealing with a long-undiagnosed mental illness because he’s too embarrassed...

Taking the Best Steps Towards Making Your Stepfamily into a Happy Family

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 9, 2019 at 12:31 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I recently married a man with a wonderful family of his own. I have a 9-year old son from my first marriage, and he has 14-year old twin daughters. The one thing that concerned us both was how our children were going to adapt to living in the same home. Much to our relief, our kids hit it off. My stepdaughters have already warmed up to my son and love him like a biological brother. With me, though, it’s a different story. They’re both still distant and rarely make conversation...

Helping Yourself: How Volunteering Can Make a Huge Difference for Your Mental Health

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 1, 2019 at 12:38 pm /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. A couple of months ago, I began feeling stressed and anxious due to the pressures of work. My husband suggested we take a small trip to take my mind away from the office. My mother, however, said she had a better idea and invited me to join her in volunteering at the local food bank. After a couple of weekends doing so, I began to feel better. I felt a bit more optimistic about my performance at work and my coworkers noticed the change in me as well. I guess...

Knowing the Differences Between Service, Emotional Support, and Therapy Animals

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on July 26, 2019 at 9:44 am /

Therapy Dogs

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Last week at the grocery store, Brad and I saw an adorable dog and I immediately wanted to pet it. Its handler, however, told us that the pup was his “service dog” and could not be distracted. The following day at the park, we saw an “emotional support dog,” according to her owner. And now my sister, Nathalie, who is in the hospital, tells me that a “therapy dog” has been brought by to provide her with some company. How exactly do these types of dogs differ from each other? Have...