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

on July 23, 2025 at 2:57 PM /

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

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...

OCD at Home: How Families Can Work Together for Progress

By Rice Psychology Group

on October 10, 2023 at 5:28 PM /

Parenting is tough. Parenting a kid with OCD? Even tougher. Parents often do whatever they can to alleviate their child’s distress related to their OCD. Sometimes, though, what they do ends up reinforcing their child’s OCD, which can make their OCD stronger. Many families accommodate their child’s OCD. How could you not? It is difficult to watch your child struggle. Some family accommodations are appropriate as well. How do you know what is reinforcing their OCD vs. what is helping? At Rice Psychology in Tampa, we recognize how difficult it can be to make this distinction. Here are some examples...

A Guide to a Positive Relationship When Your Loved One Has OCD in Tampa

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 27, 2022 at 12:28 PM /

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Has someone in your life, a friend or family member, ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition? How did that make you feel? At Rice Psychology Group, we know whether you want to admit it or not, having someone you love diagnosed with a mental health condition, can be overwhelming. It can take a lot of time for everyone involved to adjust to a new diagnosis and learn the best ways to support your loved one. However, a new diagnosis doesn’t mean your relationship has to suffer or deteriorate. There are ways to live and thrive with your loved ones...

Are the Benefits of Commercialized Online Therapy Too Good to be True?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on July 16, 2021 at 12:58 PM /

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 nice, but her responses were very short and vague. I...

The Benefits of Breaking Your Daily Routine and Trying Something New

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 20, 2020 at 12:49 PM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My husband and I were talking about our individual daily routines. Every day, we do the same thing: wake up, go to work, come home, watch TV, go to bed. While we both enjoy the structure of our daily routines, we could really use some excitement in our lives! We talked about some things we've always wanted to do but have been too afraid to try, such as taking dancing lessons (me) and learning to rock-climb (him). So, we got online, found some places that offer these activities, and we...

An Introduction to Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

By Rice Psychology Group

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...

Lights, Camera, Selfie: Can You Take it Too Far?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 15, 2018 at 9:23 AM /

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. When Stacey turned 16 a few months ago, my husband and I decided to get her the latest cellphone as a birthday present. I was hesitant at first seeing as how she’d only had no-frills, hand-me-down phones up to that point, but we eventually chose to give her the upgrade. I noticed her taking selfies during the first couple of weeks and thought nothing of it. After all, I remember how excited I was when my parents bought me a new gadget. However, the selfies became almost incessant. She would...

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...

Just Do It – Not Just for Nike!

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 27, 2016 at 10:06 PM /

I’m glad I get to go home now...

Obsession vs. Compulsion: Recognizing the Symptoms of OCD

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 12, 2015 at 2:01 PM /

Chances are you’ve heard some people complain about their obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) if their knickknacks are not arranged in a specific order or if their floors just aren’t clean enough. However, there’s a big difference between being a perfectionist and having OCD. An obsessive-compulsive disorder can affect adults and kids and will generally manifest through irrational thoughts and fears (obsessions) that could give way to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). While some people recognize their obsessions, others may not. This could eventually lead to heightened distress and anxiety along with a need to perform compulsive acts. It’s not uncommon for adults and children...