An Introduction to Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

on October 17, 2018 at 4:11 PM /

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) can be difficult to understand by family, friends, loved ones, and even those who have it, because symptoms rarely make much sense and “rituals” can be hard to explain. People with OCD struggle to express their obsessions and need for these habits, causing further misunderstanding about the condition. What is OCD? OCD is often stereotyped as extreme cleanliness and orderliness. While fears related to contamination are common, this stereotype drastically reduces the grand scope of obsessional fears as well as the true distress that they can result in. Obsessions can include anything you can think of. For example, you...

Sideline Parenting: The Effects on Your Children and Their Performance in Sports

By Rice Psychology Group

on July 26, 2018 at 9:45 AM /

Parenting

The president of the American Youth Soccer Organization recently spoke about a teenager who had always played soccer, then one year refused to try out. He chose snowboarding instead. He was asked why. “My dad doesn’t know anything about snowboarding,” he said. “And, you know, it’s cold on the slopes, so he doesn’t come and watch me. So, I get to snowboard without someone yelling at me all the time.” Psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison is quoted as saying, “We play because we have an exuberance of spirit and energy, but we are also exuberant because we play.” I imagine that if...

Ladies, It’s Time to Invest in Your Friendship Bank!

By Rice Psychology Group

on June 25, 2018 at 12:47 PM /

Uncategorized

By Nikel Rogers-Wood Ph.D, Licensed Psychologist Think of the top items on your list of priorities – perhaps it’s making progress in your career, maintaining fitness goals or keeping up with the day’s tasks and appointments. I’m guessing that finding and fostering solid friendships isn’t at the top of the list – if it’s on it at all! For years, I’ve heard the idea that women are highly relational. Far from being a rumor, research shows that one of the key factors in women’s health and well-being is the presence of healthy friendships. If friendship is so important, why does it come...

A Smartphone Holiday: What You Should Keep in Mind Before Making a Purchase for Your Child

By Rice Psychology Group

on November 29, 2017 at 5:10 PM /

Written by Matthew Rigberg, LHMC Susan is the mother of a 12-year old boy and 14-year old girl. She finds herself in a difficult spot. Both of her children have given her a list of gifts that they’d like, and a smartphone is at the top of each. Susan understands the utility of a smartphone; it allows her and her children to remain in contact throughout the day, it’s great for emergencies and will allow her kids to communicate and interact with their friends. She and her husband have worked hard to raise responsible, conscientious people, though she wonders if they...

An Introduction to Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

By Rice Psychology Group

on October 17, 2017 at 3:23 PM /

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) are difficult to understand by family, friends and loved ones, as well as by those suffering from one. OCD often does not make much sense, and “rituals” can be confusing for others to understand. As a result, those who suffer from OCD may struggle to express their obsessions and rituals. And this often furthers the misunderstandings of the condition. Understanding OCD is the first step to overcoming it. What is OCD? Obsessive-compulsive disorder is often stereotyped as extreme cleanliness and orderliness, much like Oscar in The Odd Couple. While fears related to contamination are common, this stereotype drastically reduces...

Fear with Kids: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

By Rice Psychology Group

on October 17, 2017 at 11:17 AM /

I’m a bit nervous for this year’s Halloween. I have three kids and my two oldest are more than excited, but my youngest is the one I’m worried about. Last Halloween was Nick’s first outing to a haunted house and trick-or-treating. He was only six years old, so I should’ve known better. I didn’t prepare him at all for the haunted house and he ran out screaming and crying a minute after entering. I felt so horrible seeing him terrified like that. For a few days, he was constantly remembering what had happened that night. He’s fine now but I...

Pregnancy: Getting Through One of the Most Difficult Periods of Your Life

By Rice Psychology Group

on August 30, 2017 at 10:24 AM /

Written by Amanda Schwait Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist There are few phrases in life that change your world quite like the words, “You’re pregnant.” No matter the circumstances surrounding your pregnancy, you can be sure that there are definitely going to be changes in your body, mind, lifestyle and/or family structure. Before getting to the part where you’ll raise a child, you’ll have to make it through the pregnancy. Life is full of challenges. Sometimes, we easily rise to the occasion, but there are also times where we need help understanding what's going on and how to cope. With the help of our...

Where Do You Stand?

By Rice Psychology Group

on August 21, 2017 at 5:49 PM /

Good Afternoon, This is a tough letter to write. I have been struggling for days about what to say and how to say it. As a psychologist, I work hard to be respectful, ethical, moral and not allow my political views into my work with clients. However, in light of the recent events from Charlottesville from this weekend, I have decided to go ahead and share my perspective and my position. As you may know, I am Jewish and grew up in a predominantly Jewish town in New York. I learned about the Holocaust as a child and teen, visited Israel and...

Mindful Eating: Maintaining Your Goals When a Fad Diet Isn’t Working for You

By Rice Psychology Group

on August 9, 2017 at 7:45 PM /

Written by Matthew Rigberg, LHMC Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s piece. Mike’s younger brother’s wedding is in February and he’s decided that now is the best time to start shedding a few pounds to look great at the ceremony. The problem is that Mike has tried multiple diets in the past and none have worked. He thinks it mostly stems from the fact that it’s hard for him to maintain them. Mike finds it easy at first but consistently notices that he slips back to his old eating habits. Mike believes that the problem lies in his...

The Introverted Child: Understanding This Behavior and Teaching Your Kids That it’s Perfectly Fine

By Rice Psychology Group

on July 19, 2017 at 9:07 PM /

By Elaine Spencer, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist “She’s finally starting to come out of her shell.” “It just takes him a little longer to warm up to others.” “She’s more of a listener than a talker.” “He likes to take in what’s going on before joining others.” “She prefers to hang out with one friend at a time.” “He’s just quiet.” If you’re using these statements to describe your child, then he or she may be introverted. Parents, especially extroverted ones, often struggle to understand and figure out how to support their introverted child in an extroverted world. What can you do to be supportive of an introverted...