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

on July 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM /

Parenting

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...

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

By Rice Psychology Group

on July 24, 2025 at 9:49 AM /

Parenting

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a rollercoaster of emotions—one minute they’re confident and calm, and the next, they’re overwhelmed, frustrated, or withdrawn.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...

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

By Rice Psychology Group

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...

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

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on June 18, 2025 at 9:44 AM /

ADHD
Blog

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...

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

By Rice Psychology Group

on June 2, 2025 at 9:33 AM /

Blog

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...

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

By Rice Psychology Group

on May 21, 2025 at 10:16 AM /

Testing and Assessment

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...

Sextortion, AI, and the Vulnerability of Teens and Children

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 17, 2025 at 3:19 PM /

Blog

I (Dr. Anna Schrack) recently got a message from my sister who lives in Kentucky. She messaged my three sisters and me, telling us that there was a kid in her school district who had completed suicide because of artificial intelligence and bullies online. She wanted us to be aware and talk to the kids that we know about these new dangers. I never could have predicted the prevalence of AI sextortion. Since that message from my sister, I have seen stories about four children who have altered their lives and the lives of those around them because of similar situations: James...

Mindfulness: Nervous System Literacy

By Jess Sheerin, M.A.

on April 17, 2025 at 3:11 PM /

Mindfulness isn't about clearing your mind but not getting dragged by it. In a world that never seems to stop, mindfulness offers a pause—a way to regulate your nervous system and avoid being hijacked by all the noise. Most people tend to see mindfulness as another trendy pop psychology trick that sells the idea that it can finally fix everything and deliver the life they want. Common advice sounds like, "Just clear your mind," "Breathe," and "Float above your problems." These oversimplified narratives leave many people disinterested or skeptical, especially when life feels anything but simple. And yet, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)...

Navigating Social Media: Helping Your Teen Maintain Healthy Digital Boundaries

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 7, 2025 at 2:19 PM /

Parenting

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of everyday life, especially for teenagers. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat offer exciting ways to connect with friends, explore interests, and even gain popularity. But with all the benefits, social media also presents unique challenges that can affect a teen’s emotional well-being, self-esteem, and sense of balance. As a parent or guardian, one of your most important roles is helping your teen navigate the digital world in a way that promotes healthy boundaries and protects their mental health. Our team of licensed Tampa psychologists and therapists are here...

When They Ruin the Rainbow Sandals—And Other Lessons in Letting Go

By Rice Psychology Group

on March 31, 2025 at 10:19 AM /

Blog

The other day, after a storm in Ocala, I found Milo—freshly groomed (30 minutes earlier), pristine, and fluffy—rolling gleefully in a mud puddle. There was nothing I could do but laugh. He was living his best life, and after all, it’s only mud. That moment brought back a childhood memory. When I was little, my mom bought me a pair of Corky’s sandals with rainbow-colored cork. I was so excited to wear them that I stepped outside… onto wet ground. I don’t know if I permanently ruined them, but I do know my mom was not happy. And that’s stuck...