Blog Archives | Rice Psychology

Working with a Child Psychologist in Tampa: What to Expect from the First Session On

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The decision to meet with a child psychologist in Tampa is often made with hope, care, and concern. Whether you're navigating anxiety, behavioral changes, or school difficulties, therapy can offer meaningful support. Understanding what to expect from the first session through ongoing care can ease any uncertainty and prepare your family for a positive experience. The journey begins with compassion, patience, and a personalized approach to your child’s emotional and developmental needs. Know What Happens During the Initial Session The first session is designed to build trust between your child and the therapist, as well as gather background information. This time is less...

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Is My Child Gifted? How Gifted Testing in Tampa Can Provide the Answers You Need

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Gifted children often display unique thinking patterns, advanced problem-solving skills, or a deep curiosity about the world around them. While each gifted child is different, early recognition can help families support both their intellectual and emotional development. If your child shows signs of giftedness, gifted testing Tampa may provide the clarity and direction you’re looking for. Common Indicators of Giftedness: Quick learning and strong memory retention Intense curiosity and deep questioning Advanced vocabulary and verbal skills for their age Emotional sensitivity or heightened empathy Creative problem-solving and independent thinking Recognizing these traits early is key to meeting your child’s potential both academically...

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Tampa Therapists Share 5 Ways to Support Your Child’s Mental Health at Home

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One of the most effective ways to nurture a child’s mental health is by creating predictable routines. Children thrive on consistency—it helps them feel safe, reduces anxiety, and builds emotional stability. Tampa therapists often emphasize daily structure as the foundation for healthy development. Try implementing routines like: Consistent wake-up and bedtime schedules Daily meals together to check in emotionally Homework and screen-time boundaries Scheduled downtime for rest and play Even simple rituals like reading before bed or talking about the day can create a sense of emotional security and connection. Listen with Presence: Active Listening Builds Trust When children feel truly heard, their confidence...

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Back-to-School Season: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health and Your Own

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Consider the following as it relates to this week’s blog: The alarm buzzed at 6:15 a.m., and our entire family was already dreading the chaos of the morning. Lunches hadn’t been packed, homework still sat unfinished on the kitchen table, and my youngest was tugging at my sleeve, asking what was for breakfast. The first day of school always feels like a marathon that started before the sun even rose and seems to start the year off in a stressful way. The pressure of keeping it all together during the school year leaves us all feeling drained, guilty, and anxious....

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Supporting Your Child’s Mental and Emotional Well-Being Through the Storm

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For families living in Florida and other coastal regions, hurricane season isn’t just about preparing your home—it’s also about preparing your heart and mind, especially when you have children. While adults may understand the science behind storms and feel a sense of control by watching forecasts or creating emergency kits, children experience things very differently. Loud winds, power outages, changing routines, and the unknown can leave them feeling scared, anxious, or confused. At Rice Psychology Group, our therapists in Tampa often work with children and families around this time of year to help them build emotional resilience and feel safe—even when things...

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Helping Your Teen Grow into a Compassionate, Emotionally-Aware Adult

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Raising a teenager can feel like navigating a rollercoaster of emotions—one minute they’re confident and calm, and the next, they’re overwhelmed, frustrated, or withdrawn. As parents, it’s natural to feel unsure about how to support them through these ups and downs. But two of the most valuable skills you can teach your teen—skills that will serve them for life—are empathy and emotional regulation. At Rice Psychology Group, we work with many families who are looking for ways to help their teens become more emotionally aware, compassionate, and resilient. Here’s what we’ve learned—and what we share with parents—about building these vital emotional...

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Obsession Psychology: What Repetitive Thoughts Mean and When to Seek Help

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Everyone experiences unwanted thoughts from time to time, but when those thoughts become frequent, distressing, and difficult to control, they may be signs of something deeper. In obsession psychology, these repetitive thoughts—often irrational or intrusive—are a key focus in understanding conditions like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety-related disorders. Obsessions are not just random worries—they are persistent, uninvited thoughts that can disrupt daily life and emotional well-being. Recognize When Intrusive Thoughts Become Clinical In many cases, obsessive thoughts are linked to anxiety and a need for certainty or control. But how do you know when a thought pattern crosses into clinical territory? Obsession psychology...

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Why I Choose to Be Real: On ADHD, Authenticity, and the Power of Shared Experiences

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By Dr. Wendy Rice Last week, I asked an adult client why she continues to work with me. At that moment, I was feeling particularly aware of my shortcomings and not at my most confident, so this felt like a risky question to ask. I cringed a little waiting for her answer. Her response surprised me in the best way. She said, “Because you’re real. Because you didn’t just go to school and pick a subject you were interested in—you’ve lived it, you’ve suffered, and because of that, I feel like I can tell you anything.” That went a long way. Many years...

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How Doing What You Hate (But Really Need to Do) Builds Discipline, Freedom, and Inner Peace

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Consider the following from Dr. Wendy Rice, as it relates to this week’s topic. Ever catch yourself reaching for your phone instead of tackling something important? Same here. Even with all I know about motivation and mental health, I still get stuck in cycles of procrastination—usually thanks to fear, overwhelm, or self-doubt. I recently read a short, practical book called How to Do Things You Hate by Peter Hollins. It’s full of smart, research-based strategies for getting unstuck. But what really hit home were a few simple reminders: Mindset matters. When I connect with why something matters to me, it’s easier...

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

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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...

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