Don’t Let Social Media Dim Your Light. The Dangers of Social Comparison.

on March 9, 2023 at 11:20 AM /

Blog

As social media sites such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook continue to evolve and provide us with positive ways to connect and interact with one another, they are also impacting our lives and mental health in very negative ways. One of those negatives is social comparison. The very often false life on social media portrayed by many for the sake of likes, followers and good content can make others feel as if their own life is not good enough. Social comparison through social media is a real issue for consumers of all ages. Depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem and a negative...

Yes, You Can Survive This Valentine’s Day

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 10, 2023 at 11:42 AM /

Therapist

If you have recently walked through a grocery store, you have already seen it. There are hearts, candies, and romantic gifts everywhere. While this time of year is a celebration of love of every kind – romantic, platonic, self-love, etc., this holiday has placed a silent but immense pressure on many people. Everywhere you look, you’re being encouraged to spend hundreds of dollars on elaborate gifts and perform over-the-top gestures to prove your love. (Thanks, social media!) If you’re single, you may have been made to feel as if you should have a significant other this day. Rice Psychology Group wants you...

4 Recommendations for Managing Your Child’s Gift Expectations

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 15, 2022 at 1:48 PM /

Anxiety Disorder

Regardless of your reason for celebrating the season, we're willing to bet your child is extremely excited about what gifts they will receive. As a parent, have you been stressing about ensuring your children have the best holiday experience and that they receive some fantastic gifts? Our psychologists in Tampa understand that you want to give your child everything they desire, and while there is nothing wrong with that, that pressure can be an added stressor to you. Doing so can also lead your children to develop the unrealistic belief or expectation that they will receive whatever they desire. Having children...

Solo Holidays: What You Can Do to Feel Less Alone During This Time of Year

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 13, 2022 at 9:00 AM /

As the popular song goes, the holiday season is “the most wonderful time of the year”. Yet, it’s wonderful only if you have people to spend it with. For those who don’t, the holidays can be lonely, sad, and depressing. If you’ve been in this position before, then you know how hard it is. This is why our team of licensed psychologists and mental health counselors want to provide some information to help you survive and, hopefully, feel less lonely during the holidays. Steps to Take If you find yourself alone during the holidays because of distance, your plans falling through, or a...

Holiday Mayhem: Dealing with Stress During the Holiday Season

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 2, 2022 at 5:19 PM /

For most of us, the holidays are a time of celebration, reunions, making memories and joy. For a others, however, it can mean stressful situations. Holiday planning is something than many families deal with, and the stress resulting from it can really put a damper on a period of the year reserved for happiness. If you feel that this holiday season will be a stressful one, then read on to see what you can do to help make it easier. What Are the Difficulties? All families are unique, and as such, the problems each face are unique as well. These problems can,...

Thanksgiving Stress: How to Avoid Tension with Your Family

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 14, 2022 at 11:30 AM /

Soon countless families across America will be joining for the Thanksgiving holiday, and many of those get-togethers will end with flared tempers, angry words, and maybe even some regret. Unfortunately, that’s the normal cycle for many during the holiday season. Luckily for you, our team of licensed therapists and psychologists in Tampa have some tips to make your get-togethers stress-free. Conflict Approaching Where exactly does all the stress and tension come from around the holidays? It might be a result of the following: Strained relationships Nosy relatives Opinionated relatives Past grievances Financial issues Controlling (helicopter) parents Lifestyle disagreements Politics The reality is that...

My Child Is a Bully: What Should I Do?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 10, 2022 at 9:09 AM /

Is your child a bully? Could they be physically or emotionally harming another child without you knowing? There’s nothing worse than getting a call from their school or having another parent approach you and claim that your kid’s been hurting others. And, as unfathomable as it sounds that the sweet baby you love and adore could be causing someone else pain, the reality is that it happens to many parents. Rice Psychology Group wants to stress that this doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent. In many of these cases, there’s an underlying issue that causes children to bully. In honor of...

A Guide to a Positive Relationship When Your Loved One Has OCD in Tampa

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 27, 2022 at 12:28 PM /

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Has someone in your life, a friend or family member, ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition? How did that make you feel? At Rice Psychology Group, we know whether you want to admit it or not, having someone you love diagnosed with a mental health condition, can be overwhelming. It can take a lot of time for everyone involved to adjust to a new diagnosis and learn the best ways to support your loved one. However, a new diagnosis doesn’t mean your relationship has to suffer or deteriorate. There are ways to live and thrive with your loved ones...

The Sweet Side of Halloween: How To Go Through Your Child’s Candy and What To Look For

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 26, 2022 at 6:40 PM /

Halloween is considered one of the most fun and creative times of the year. Allowing your little ones to dress up as their favorite monster or video game character is only half of it, though. The other exciting part is going out and trick-or-treating! Parents, while going house to house and grabbing as much candy as possible is a fun and exciting time for your kids, it’s important you are aware of the candy they are receiving and how much of it they are actually eating. Before your kids head out on Halloween night, Rice Psychology Group wants to share...

Halloween Jitters: 5 Tips for Parents to Take the Fright Out of this Fun Holiday

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 18, 2022 at 4:32 PM /

If you’re the parent of a young child and are dreading Halloween, then you’re not alone. Many parents fear exposing their young ones to scary things like costumes, masks, movies and such. But breathe a sigh of relief because our licensed mental health counselors and psychologists in Tampa want to offer five tips to make Halloween fun and not scary! Select the Right Costume Get creative with your child’s costume. This is the perfect time to sit down with your child and brainstorm together. If your little one frightens easily, try something fun and more traditional like a: Bedsheet-style ghost Friendly vampire...