Tragedy in Orlando: Dealing with Traumatic Events

on June 13, 2016 at 10:17 PM /

I cannot believe we are faced with yet another mass shooting in this country. My heart absolutely breaks for everybody directly involved with this massacre. Although I am a psychologist and have discussed countless tragedies with my clients over the years, I am still left speechless and devastated by these senseless acts of violence. Coming to terms with a traumatic event, such as this weekend’s shooting, can be a very difficult task, but it is possible. I want to offer you some comfort and tips for dealing with this event for yourself and your children. A traumatic event can make a damaging...

Glued to the Screen: Finding Balance in Today’s Digital Age

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on June 1, 2016 at 9:27 PM /

We hadn’t had dinner together in a long time, so I thought we could have a good father-son night out for a change. You know, just us boys. Well, we get to the diner and I’m trying to have a conversation with him. I start asking questions about his final exams and the end of the basketball season, but nothing. No reply. He was just sitting there on his phone. We finally get our food and I start eating while he’s just texting away. So I try it again: I ask him a few more questions and even offer to...

Relationship Goals: Before Calling It Quits

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 8, 2016 at 6:53 PM /

I wish I could say that I knew exactly why our relationship has been on the rocks lately, but I honestly can’t put my finger on it. All I know is that nothing is the way it used to be. There are arguments at all times of the day and for the stupidest reasons. Sometimes, even when I know he’s not trying to be hurtful, I find offense in his comments and I totally lash out. Then, without fail, we get into a screaming match, which he sees as an opportunity to reveal all the things I’ve done wrong since...

How Perfect is Too Perfect?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 4, 2016 at 6:21 PM /

When I met Tom, I noticed he was a really hard worker and dedicated to everything he set his mind to do. To be honest, it was one of the things that really attracted me to him…but now I’ve realized he tries a little too hard. Everything he does has to be absolutely flawless, which wouldn’t be a problem, except for the fact that he gets extremely worried and stressed if things don’t turn out the way he wants. It’s gotten to the point where he won’t sleep or leave his apartment because he’s either putting all his time into...

Riding Out Your Fears

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 16, 2016 at 7:00 AM /

I’m rounding the corner after my last jump, patting my horse Caspar for a great round when I feel him speed up, lower his head and begin to twist underneath me. Suddenly, he kicks up his hind legs and I know it’s coming…I’m losing my balance. I know I’m falling off. If only I can get my legs underneath me. But no – I’m headed for the dirt head and back first! I know it’s coming and I feel this mixture of fear and frustration. Was I going to get hurt? How seriously? Would 1,500 pounds of horse step on...

Executive Functioning and Why You Can’t Survive Without It

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 2, 2016 at 4:57 PM /

Today was the third time this week I got into trouble at work for missing yet another deadline. The thing is, I’m not missing them on purpose! I’m finding it harder and harder to keep track of my time at work and at home. I would try to organize everything I need to do but even that turns into an uphill battle as soon as I start trying to think of ideas. I really don’t know what to do....

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...

Why Asking for Help is a Sign of Strength

By Rice Psychology Group

on January 14, 2016 at 8:02 PM /

Last week, I met with one of my best friends to do a bit of catching up. She knows I’ve been on the hunt for a job for months now and offered to send my CV to a few of her contacts. At this point, I’m desperate for anything and know I should have accepted…but still I politely declined her help. I’m just afraid to overstep our friendship and I’m even more scared of looking needy or weak. The truth is, I’m overwhelmed and have no idea what to do. Isn’t it ironic that most people refuse to ask for...

On Child Motivation: Establishing Positive Incentives and Mindsets

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 8, 2015 at 8:07 PM /

I’ve started to notice my son’s grades are dropping again. For a second time this school year, his grades are all C’s and I honestly don’t know how to motivate him anymore. After the first few low grades, I told him I’d get him a video game if he improved and it worked! But now he just says, “I’m just not a math guy,” if I so much as question him about it. In a world of fast-paced assignments, high and sometimes seemingly unreasonable expectations and big classrooms, motivation can be one of the most challenging factors for many students....

Trying to Cope: An Inside Look at the Effects of Traumatic Events

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on November 1, 2015 at 6:49 PM /

I honestly thought things would be better after the accident. I mean, I expected to be shocked and frightened when it happened, but now it’s been months and somehow I’ve been feeling even worse. I can’t walk out the door without feeling vulnerable, helpless and angry at the thought that it might happen again, even if my friends tell me it won’t. A traumatic event, such as an illness, accident, assault or natural disaster can produce aggressive and troubling emotions. While some people may overcome these feelings without the need of professional help, others may struggle for lengthy periods of...