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

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...

Keep Calm and Color On

By Rice Psychology Group

on November 1, 2015 at 6:48 PM /

By Elaine Spencer, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist I walked into Michaels Craft store the other day and was pleasantly surprised to see the front display was advertising coloring books for adults and I thought to myself, “Wow! Coloring really is the new craze!” So What is This New Coloring Phenomenon All About? The simple answer is that coloring can actually be therapeutic. If you were like me as a child, you spent hours with your coloring books and your parents probably thought you enjoyed coloring because ‘that’s what kids do’. We now know that children are on to something because not only is coloring...

The Absurdity of the Stigma of Mental Illness

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 23, 2015 at 2:37 PM /

I recently had the pleasure of appearing on television to talk about the stigma surrounding the topic of mental illness. The main issue is that, although mental illnesses are very common and can affect a significant portion of the population, a large segment of society continues to be very hush-hush about getting a diagnosis and/or treatment. The stigma is so overwhelming that the majority of people with mental illnesses are hesitant to even talk about it. So, if many people are experiencing some sort of mental illness, why the stigma? Are we stereotyping huge numbers of people?...

Is Your Relationship Heading Into Trouble?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 17, 2015 at 2:22 PM /

Arguments seem to be a dime a dozen lately. Whether a cabinet door stays open or someone forgets to put away shoes in the right place, I know we’ll have a screaming match in no time. Even when the most innocent comment is made, tensions flare up and the yelling begins. But the worst thing is that neither of us can find the common ground to fix things and, at this point, I don’t even know if I care anymore. Is my relationship in a bad place? Relationships will come with their fair share of arguments, kisses, disagreements and hugs, but...

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...

Mental Illness/Health Awareness Week Encourages Change

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on October 12, 2015 at 1:57 PM /

Silence can be a welcome state of serenity and peace for many people. Yet, for those afflicted with a mental illness, their silence can be deafening and destructive. At Rice Psychology Group, we see it as our duty to break the stigma surrounding mental illnesses by providing the necessary evaluation, education and therapy services for those afraid to speak up. Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), also known as Mental Health Awareness Week, was established to educate and promote awareness about mental illnesses, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. From October 4 – 10, organizations and advocates throughout the...

The Zen Approach to Treating Mental Health

By Rice Psychology Group

on September 28, 2015 at 9:38 PM /

By Megan Sutsko, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Close your eyes. Focus your attention on your breath. Follow your breath in. Notice the tiny pause between inhale and exhale. Follow your breath out. Try to clear your mind of thoughts and tune in only to the sensation of your breath flowing in and out. Stay in the moment… Meditation, the act of quieting the mind, can be an invaluable tool for mental and physical health. It is taught by yoga instructors, Buddhist zen masters, and even psychologists. This ancient Eastern technique is finding increasing acceptance in the Western world. According to Swami Rama “Meditation is a...

Spotting the Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 26, 2015 at 7:00 AM /

Chances are you, like many of us, have looked at a mirror and decided to improve a certain part of your body, whether it’s an uneven smile or the shape of your eyes. While this can be normal, these thoughts don’t interfere with our daily lives. However, some people can obsess intensely over a specific aspect of their image, which can be extremely harmful and problematic. Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental illness characterized by the inability to stop thinking about appearance flaws, whether they’re minor or non-existent. How can you tell if a loved one is experiencing body dysmorphic disorder?...

The Magic of Teams – A Place for Everyone

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 16, 2015 at 8:01 PM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist 'Tis the season for trying out and participating in new or familiar sports and activities. I am a horseback rider and while it is my therapy, my love and my sport – it is also my arena for competition. Riding is an individual sport that allows for competition from the most basic beginner levels (for adults and children) through national, international and Olympic levels. Interestingly though, when I compete, I am also very much part of a team. I cheer on my barn-mates, even when I am competing directly against them; and they do the...

Summer Wrap-Up

By Rice Psychology Group

on September 4, 2015 at 9:41 AM /

Summer is a busy time of year and, if you're like me, you may not have had a chance to stay up to date on all the blogs and newsletters that you subscribe to. So, to make it easy for you, I've compiled some of our blogs from Summer 2015 along with a summary of each below. Enjoy! 9 Resources to Help Overcome Mental Health Struggles At Rice Psychology in Tampa, FL, we work with many young people who struggle with learning and attention issues. In order to provide the best service to those clients, I am always on the look out...