Blog Archives | Rice Psychology

Navigating End-of-Year Stress: Protecting Your Mental Health at Work During the Holidays

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As the year winds down, many of us find ourselves juggling an uncomfortable mix of deadlines, holiday expectations, family dynamics, and the pressure to “finish strong.” While the season is often described as joyful, it can also be one of the most mentally draining times of the year, especially in the workplace. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, emotionally exhausted, or just “over it,” you’re far from alone. Rice Psychology Group understands that end-of-year burnout is real, and recognizing it early is one of the best ways to protect your mental well-being. Why This Time of Year Feels So Heavy 1. The Push...

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Understanding Dyslexia: What the New Definition Means and How Targeted Testing Can Help

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If you’ve been online recently, you might have seen that the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) has released a new definition of dyslexia. This update is sparking conversation among educators, parents, and clinicians alike — and for good reason. A clearer, more up-to-date understanding of dyslexia helps us better identify, support, and empower children and adults who learn differently.   While you can find the full definition and plenty of resources by searching online or through the IDA’s website, here’s the heart of what it means: Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects accurate and fluent word recognition, spelling, and decoding.It’s not about...

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ADHD, Interrupting, and Relationships

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Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic: I was doing a podcast a few weeks ago with 2 co-hosts. I asked if we could put our cameras on so we could see each other while we talked. They said they'd never done their interviews with cameras on but were game to try.  Afterward, both hosts commented about how much less interrupting they did because they could see each other's faces. What they didn't know was that having their cameras on was a form of an accommodation for me. I have a tendency to interrupt on the...

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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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