Testing & Assessments – Are You Getting What You Deserve?

on February 27, 2022 at 10:09 PM /

Would you like to know what makes me angry? When I learn that a child was brought to a psychologist for an evaluation because they had a reading problem—and the psychologist gives their favorite tests - and in the end doesn’t make a diagnosis or reach a conclusion that addresses the reading problem. Perhaps they don’t make a diagnosis because they don’t think the child’s scores are low enough, or they don’t have enough training in Dyslexia and other reading disorders, or they believe they have to wait until the child receives more instruction before they can be diagnosed. So,...

This Way to Better Sleep: Tips to Improve Your Sleep Hygiene in 2022

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 21, 2022 at 4:49 PM /

Therapist

Do you have trouble sleeping? If so, do you lay awake staring at your ceiling for hours on end, or do you toss and turn all night long? Know you are not alone. Many people struggle to sleep, but that does not mean you should ignore the issue. Getting quality rest is essential to our physical and mental well-being. Our Tampa psychologists can help! To help you sleep better, the first step we'd like to propose is assessing your sleep hygiene and how your habits may be preventing you from getting a good night's rest. • Do you use technology before bed? •...

With a New Year Comes a New Diet and Mindset!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 7, 2022 at 9:00 AM /

Today’s story is personal since it’s mine. Please consider it as it relates to this week’s topic. I’ve struggled with my weight since high school and have gone up, down, and practically sideways on the scale over the years. Breaking my leg in 2005 was a huge setback, and the effects of the weight gained that year have lingered. I’ve heard many people with poor diets and lack of exercise complain of feeling sluggish, both mentally and physically. Like many, there have been days when I’ve had particular trouble focusing and lacked the motivation to get off the couch. After speaking with...

Does My Child Have Dyslexia: Understanding the Disorder

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 13, 2021 at 3:33 PM /

My child has always been bright and kept up with her schoolwork during her first few years of education. However, I noticed she was becoming frustrated while reading, and now she is having difficulty in her fourth-grade class. I asked her what was wrong, and she told me she did not understand some of her school work. So I sat down to help her and realized she could barely read the material. She struggled to identify simple words, and her notes were incredibly unorganized. As a result, she is distraught, and her confidence has fallen. Does my child have dyslexia?...

A Summer in Review: Catching Up with Rice Psychology Group

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 20, 2021 at 3:32 PM /

Summer break is over, and we at Rice Psychology Group hope you and your loved ones had a fantastic couple of months. We know for many, summertime consists of family trips, fun in the sun, and late nights in the backyard or the beach. But, while summer fun is exciting, it can also pull you away from your daily routine and cause you to miss out on some things you may regularly keep up with – like our newsletter and super helpful blogs! If that’s the case, don’t worry! We’ve put together a summertime review of our most essential blogs and...

Are the Benefits of Commercialized Online Therapy Too Good to be True?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on July 16, 2021 at 12:58 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. When the pandemic hit, it seemed like online therapy companies were popping up left and right. I was already seeing a therapist for some time, and when the world went digital, I was nervous I’d no longer be able to meet with her. Luckily, she offered her services via Telehealth. One day, after being bombarded by Facebook ads for a ton of online therapy companies, I decided to give it a try and see what it was all about. Here’s what I experienced: The therapist I was matched with seemed...

Navigating Through Life as a Recent Graduate

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 28, 2021 at 2:35 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My college graduation day was amazing! Since we’re all vaccinated, I was able to celebrate with my family and friends just like I’d hoped. I worked harder than I ever have in my life to earn this degree and, for the most part, I’m incredibly excited to start my new life. However, with an internship and living with roommates in our first “adult” apartment in a new city, I’m starting to really worry about doing this without help. The internship doesn’t pay much and will only last a few months....

A Guide to Navigating Mother’s Day

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 6, 2021 at 3:50 PM /

We realize that Mother’s Day can be different for everyone. Maybe you’re close with Mom and Sunday is a day of celebration. Or maybe you’ve lost her or the mother figure in your life and it’s a day of pain. Or maybe you treat it like any other day the way I do with Father’s Day (I lost my dad over 30 years ago). Rice Psychology Group has explored different scenarios and relationships over the years and has shared some helpful advice and tips through our weekly blogs. To make these easily accessible so that you don’t end up taking time...

The Importance of Taking Small Steps to Achieve Big Life Changes

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 29, 2021 at 3:34 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Each New Year’s Day, I set the same goals for myself: lose weight, exercise more, and quit smoking. However, by the end of January (if I even make it that far), my diet, lack of exercise, and smoking are worse than before! I continue to try throughout the year to change my behaviors, but things always end up the same, and I feel worse and worse about myself. It’s as though the harder I try, the bigger I mess up. How can I stick to my goals and finally make...

How Physical Activity Can Improve and Sustain Your Mental Health

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 22, 2021 at 12:56 PM /

This week’s blog is personal and one that I hope you can draw inspiration from and use to enhance your quality of living. I previously shared with you that, for a long time, I put my health on the backburner. I’ve struggled with my weight since I was a teenager and typically ate whatever I wanted, even if it was very unhealthy. And exercising? Yes, if it meant riding horses. No, if it meant cardio, strength training, or going to that place we call “the gym!” Over time, these bad habits began to take a toll on my physical health (think...