How to Choose the Right Tampa Therapist for Your Child’s Emotional Needs

on May 21, 2025 at 2:20 PM /

Behavior

As a parent, you want to give your child every opportunity to thrive—emotionally, socially, and academically. But when your child struggles with anxiety, mood swings, behavioral changes, or social challenges, finding the right Tampa therapist can make all the difference. Therapy offers a safe and supportive environment where children can express their feelings, learn effective coping strategies, and develop emotional resilience. Know What to Look for in a Qualified Tampa Therapist Not all therapists are equipped to work with children or teens. That’s why it’s essential to find a licensed Tampa therapist who has experience with young clients and understands the nuances of...

Understanding Introvert Child Behavior: What Parents Should Know and How to Support Them

By Rice Psychology Group

on May 21, 2025 at 2:16 PM /

Behavior

Not every child is naturally outgoing, and that’s perfectly okay. Introverted children tend to be reflective, observant, and deeply thoughtful. Understanding introvert child behavior means recognizing that quiet doesn’t equal unhappy, and solitude doesn’t mean something is wrong. These children often thrive in calm environments, enjoy independent activities, and build strong one-on-one relationships rather than large social circles. Learn the Difference Between Introversion and Social Anxiety Parents need to distinguish between healthy introversion and social anxiety. While both may involve avoidance of large social situations, their root causes and outcomes are very different. Introverted children may need downtime to recharge, while anxious children...

When to See a Child Psychologist in Tampa: Emotional and Behavioral Red Flags for Parents

By Rice Psychology Group

on May 21, 2025 at 2:11 PM /

Behavior

Parenting comes with many challenges, and it can be difficult to tell when a child’s behavior is part of normal development or a sign that professional help is needed. If you’ve noticed concerning changes in your child’s emotions, behavior, or social interactions, it might be time to consider working with a trusted child psychologist in Tampa. Early support from a mental health professional can provide clarity, coping tools, and a safe space for children to work through their challenges. Understand the Common Emotional and Behavioral Red Flags Children often express emotional distress differently than adults, which can make it harder to recognize when...

Gifted Testing in Tampa: How Early Identification Can Shape Your Child’s Success

By Rice Psychology Group

on May 21, 2025 at 10:16 AM /

Testing and Assessment

Every child has a unique learning journey, but some show signs of advanced cognitive abilities at a young age. When giftedness goes unrecognized, children may face boredom, frustration, or even behavioral challenges in traditional classrooms. That’s why early gifted testing Tampa children is so important—it helps identify these exceptional learners and creates a foundation for proper educational planning. Early identification isn’t just about academic acceleration. It’s about understanding how your child thinks, processes, and thrives. Explore What Gifted Testing Involves Parents often wonder what to expect during gifted testing. The process is designed to be both comprehensive and child-friendly, helping uncover intellectual strengths...

Finding the Best Therapists in Tampa for Your Family’s Mental Wellness

By Rice Psychology Group

on May 21, 2025 at 10:08 AM /

Behavior

Mental health challenges can affect every member of the family, from children facing academic stress to adults managing work-life balance or emotional struggles. Working with qualified therapists in Tampa provides families with the tools to communicate better, cope with life transitions, and build long-term emotional resilience. Therapy isn’t just for crises; it’s a decisive step toward overall well-being and stronger relationships. Understand the Types of Therapy Available Choosing a therapist begins with understanding the various therapy styles available. Different modalities are better suited to other concerns, age groups, and personalities. The right match can make all the difference in achieving positive results. Common Therapy...

Supporting a Teen with Depression: Practical Steps for Parents

By Rice Psychology Group

on May 19, 2025 at 2:09 PM /

Behavior

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My daughter has always been outgoing and generally a happy kid. But lately, my husband and I have noticed a shift in her mood—she's become more withdrawn, pulling away from friends, family, and activities she used to enjoy. When we try to talk to her about what’s going on, she insists everything is fine, then shuts down completely. The conversations usually end in frustration, raised voices, and no real resolution. We’re stuck wondering how much of this is “normal” teenage behavior and how much could be something more serious,...

Screen Time and Mental Health: How Much Is Too Much?

By Rice Psychology Group

on May 13, 2025 at 10:50 AM /

Behavior

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon when his parents asked him to join them for a few errands, encouraging him to get out of the house for a bit. Their only rule: all electronics had to stay at home. The moment he heard this, the teenager began to panic. How will my friends reach me? I won’t be able to respond until much later! Despite his rising anxiety, his parents calmly reassured him that everything would be fine—that some time away from screens might actually help him reconnect. But...

What They Really Want: The Teen Cry for Connection

By Rice Psychology Group

on May 1, 2025 at 2:30 PM /

Behavior

Consider the following story as it relate to this week’s topic. Sitting across from her therapist, the young woman spoke softly, almost like she was confessing something. “I know my dad cared. He gave me everything—lessons, clothes, even a car. But… what I really wanted was to just spend time with him. To feel like I mattered to him—not just what I achieved or what I looked like. I just wanted him to see me.” She paused and added, “I think that’s why I started acting out. I didn’t know how to say what I needed and didn’t know what I was missing,...

When Your Child Is in Therapy: How to Support Healing Without Shutting It Down

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 21, 2025 at 3:16 PM /

Behavior

Ella sat quietly for most of her therapy session, legs tucked under her and eyes flicking between the floor and the couch cushions. But near the end, she lifted her gaze and said softly, “I feel like my mom is easier on my little brother than on me. Like… he gets away with stuff I never could.” It wasn’t an accusation—it was a feeling. One she had finally gathered the courage to express. Her therapist gently acknowledged the bravery it took to say that out loud. Later that afternoon, as they got into the car, Ella’s mom turned to her with an...

Sextortion, AI, and the Vulnerability of Teens and Children

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 17, 2025 at 3:19 PM /

Blog

I (Dr. Anna Schrack) recently got a message from my sister who lives in Kentucky. She messaged my three sisters and me, telling us that there was a kid in her school district who had completed suicide because of artificial intelligence and bullies online. She wanted us to be aware and talk to the kids that we know about these new dangers. I never could have predicted the prevalence of AI sextortion. Since that message from my sister, I have seen stories about four children who have altered their lives and the lives of those around them because of similar situations: James...