How to Have Uncomfortable Conversations with Kids on School Violence

on April 24, 2023 at 11:12 AM /

A few weeks ago, another school in our country experienced yet another senseless shooting. Unfortunately violence, specifically gun violence, has become all too common and while it is terribly upsetting for adults, it can be especially difficult and overwhelming for children. It’s heartbreaking that in today’s world, kids are more worried about school shootings than homework, are practicing active shooter drills instead of fire drills and are forced to have conversations with educators and their parents about situations that most are far too young to comprehend. However, as unfair as the drills and uncomfortable conversations are, they are very necessary....

Solo Holidays: What You Can Do to Feel Less Alone During This Time of Year

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 13, 2022 at 9:00 AM /

As the popular song goes, the holiday season is “the most wonderful time of the year”. Yet, it’s wonderful only if you have people to spend it with. For those who don’t, the holidays can be lonely, sad, and depressing. If you’ve been in this position before, then you know how hard it is. This is why our team of licensed psychologists and mental health counselors want to provide some information to help you survive and, hopefully, feel less lonely during the holidays. Steps to Take If you find yourself alone during the holidays because of distance, your plans falling through, or a...

Buyer Beware! The Downfall of Online Therapy!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on July 21, 2022 at 9:41 AM /

We've all heard the saying, "if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is." And if you've been paying attention to the news recently, you've likely heard that this seems to be the case for many online therapy companies. You might say the cracks in the online therapy community are showing. Cerebral recently laid off hundreds of staff members and lost insurance contracts after an FDA investigation discovered several cases of overprescribing stimulants. The senate is also reviewing agencies such as Talkspace and BetterHelp for violating privacy rights and mining client data for third-party companies. It’s coming to light,...

Transitioning Together: Talking with Your Children and Teens About Gender Identity

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on July 8, 2022 at 4:48 PM /

Mental Health Awareness

It's a popular topic right now, and rightfully so. Gender identity, specifically in kids and teens, has been at the forefront thanks to the increasing conversation on what it means to be transgender or gender fluid in today's world. At Rice Psychology Group, we've seen an increasing number of children and teens who believe that the gender they were assigned at birth is not the correct one. Many are questioning what gender really means, if they must choose one or the other, and some are certain their “assigned at birth” gender does not match their identity. For most teens, the hardest part...

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...

What Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is and How it Works

By Dr. Jordan Barnada

on September 6, 2021 at 9:01 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. Mary gets the fifth call this week from her child’s preschool about her son hitting other kids, not listening to instructions, and generally being disruptive. She picks him up, tries to talk to him about what happened, and all he does is scream “No!” at her until she gives up. At the grocery store, her son continues to scream as he sits in the cart. Mary gets judgmental looks from other shoppers and does her best to ignore them but feels completely embarrassed. Finally, she hands her son her phone...

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...

The Illusion of Control in the Year of COVID-19

By Dr. Anna Schrack

on June 7, 2021 at 10:27 AM /

June 2021 looks vastly different from June 2020, in the United States at least. We went from the uncertainty of what COVID-19 would bring, the difficulty of facing social distancing, and scrambling to find or make masks to having hope that we are finally getting a handle on this whole “COVID thing.” Many states are lifting restrictions on masks and social distancing, and more and more people are getting vaccinated every day. So, why are some people struggling with more intense fear and uncertainty? There is hope and our nation is recovering, yet here we struggle. Giving Up What Made Us Feel...

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....

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...