Behavior Archives | Rice Psychology

When Your Child Might Benefit from a Tampa Psychologist

Children experience stress, confusion, and emotional overwhelm just like adults—but they often don’t have the words or skills to express what they’re feeling. At Rice Psychology Group, our Tampa psychologists work closely with children and families to identify emotional or behavioral changes that may signal deeper struggles. Early support can help children build resilience, strengthen communication skills, and develop healthy coping strategies that will serve them for life. Recognizing Emotional Changes With Help From Tampa Psychologists Emotional shifts are standard as children grow, but significant or persistent changes can signal the need for extra support. Tampa psychologists encourage parents to pay attention...

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Top 5 Coping Strategies Recommended by Tampa Psychologists

Stress, uncertainty, and emotional overwhelm show up in everyone’s life, but knowing how to manage them can make all the difference. At Rice Psychology Group, our team of Tampa psychologists helps clients build practical coping strategies they can use in everyday moments—not just during crises. Below are five evidence-based approaches our clinicians frequently recommend, along with why they matter. 1. Practice Mindful Awareness Mindfulness encourages you to stay anchored in the present rather than getting swept up in worries about the past or future. Tampa psychologists often teach mindfulness because it strengthens emotional regulation and increases clarity during stressful situations. Even just...

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Catching Kids Being Good: Why Focusing on What’s Right Builds Stronger, Happier Children

By Dr. Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Twelve-year-old Emma bursts through the front door, backpack sliding off one shoulder. “Mom! I got my grades!” she calls out, waving a crumpled printout before it lands on the kitchen counter. Her grades read: A in Language Arts, A in History, A- in Science, B+ in Spanish, and… C in Math. Emma’s proud grin falters as she glances up at her mom, waiting to see which way this moment will go. Version one: Mom scans the page. Her brow furrows. “Emma, what happened in math? You were doing fine last quarter. Were you not paying attention? Did you forget to study for tests...

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Therapy in Tampa for Children with Big Emotions: Turning Meltdowns into Moments of Growth

Children who experience big emotions aren’t “bad” or “difficult”—they’re often sensitive, perceptive, and emotionally rich individuals. However, without the right tools, these children may feel overwhelmed by their feelings, leading to meltdowns, outbursts, or shutdowns. Therapy Tampa services are designed to help these children understand their emotions and learn how to manage them effectively. Rather than trying to suppress their feelings, therapy helps children explore the why behind their reactions and how to respond instead of react. Support Emotional Regulation Through Evidence-Based Tools Tampa therapists use a range of age-appropriate techniques to help children gain control over their emotional responses. Emotional regulation doesn’t...

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How a Psychologist in Tampa Can Support Children Struggling with Life Transitions

Big life transitions—such as divorce, moving to a new city, or starting a new school—can be especially challenging for children. These changes often trigger confusion, anxiety, or emotional outbursts that aren’t always easy to explain. A trusted psychologist in Tampa can help children process these experiences and develop healthy ways to manage their feelings. While change is a natural part of life, children need guidance and support to navigate it successfully and with resilience. Understand the Emotional Signs That Suggest Your Child Needs Help Not all children express emotional stress in obvious ways. Some may withdraw, while others act out or become unusually...

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Tampa Counselors for Children: How Counseling Builds Emotional Intelligence and Self-Esteem

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—both your own and those of others. For children, developing this skill early can shape how they handle relationships, school stress, and life challenges. Tampa counselors focus on emotional growth as a key component of therapy, helping children feel more in control of their inner world. When children learn how to name and navigate their emotions, they gain the foundation needed for lifelong mental wellness. Discover How Therapy Builds Self-Esteem from the Inside Out Low self-esteem can show up in many ways—withdrawal, self-criticism, people-pleasing, or anger. Through counseling, children begin to see themselves...

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Confidence vs. Cockiness: Understanding the Difference and Its Impact on Mental Health

Consider the following as it relates to this week’s blog: Do you ever wonder how much confidence is just right—and how much is too much? When I head into the show ring, no matter what horse I’m on, I want to feel not just that I believe in us, but that I know we’re prepared and capable of tackling the job ahead. That feels like the sweet spot. But then there’s this other layer: is there a difference between knowing you can win and believing you should win? Have you ever caught yourself thinking that if you’re jumping lower than...

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ADD Therapy in Tampa: Supporting Academic Success Without Medication Alone

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) affects many school-age children, impacting their ability to focus, stay organized, and manage time. While medication can be helpful, it isn’t the only tool available. Families can explore non-medication strategies that improve attention, behavior, and academic performance holistically through add therapy in Tampa. Therapy allows children to learn how their brain works and develop practical skills for success at home and in school. Understand the Components of Effective ADD Therapy A comprehensive approach to treating ADD goes beyond symptom management. ADD therapy includes multiple techniques tailored to the child's specific needs, learning style, and environment. These techniques often work...

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How a Psychologist in Tampa Can Help Kids Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Everyday Stress

Today’s children and teens are under more pressure than ever. From academic demands and social expectations to family changes, many kids face daily stress that can impact their mental and emotional well-being. A trusted psychologist in Tampa can help children navigate these challenges by teaching them healthy, age-appropriate coping strategies that lead to long-term resilience. Therapy doesn’t just address major issues—it empowers kids with the emotional tools they need to manage everyday stress confidently. Learn How Psychologists Build Emotional Resilience When kids struggle to regulate their emotions, they may act out, withdraw, or internalize their stress. Therapy provides a safe environment where they...

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Nurturing the Introverted Child: How to Respect Quiet Strength in a Loud World

In a society that often rewards loud voices and fast-paced social interaction, the quiet nature of an introverted child can be misunderstood. Introversion isn’t shyness or social anxiety—it’s a personality trait that reflects how a child gains energy, processes experiences, and interacts with the world. Introverted children thrive in calm, supportive environments. They often have deep thinking, rich imaginations, emotional depth, and sometimes gifted backgrounds. Recognizing and respecting these strengths is the first step in helping them grow. *We provide strategies for children with every background, including ADD, with our ADD Equestrian therapy. Know the Unique Needs of Introverted Children An introverted child may...

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