The Power of the Group

on April 23, 2015 at 3:06 AM /

By Elaine Spencer, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist When parents realize that their children or teens are struggling and need support, they often consider individual therapy. It's true that one-on-one therapy is an effective way for many children to work on their individual challenges through a close relationship with their therapist, but sometimes individual therapy is not enough or just isn't the right fit. One-on-one therapy can have a tremendous effect on your child, but what if it just isn't the right fit? Our group therapy may be exactly what your young one is looking for. So, what if your child needs something more or something...

Understanding Social Media – for the Sake of Your Kids

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 9, 2015 at 10:07 AM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Last year, I wrote a blog post about kids and social media that became quite popular. A version of it was even published on Huffington Post. The topic really hit home for many parents, who struggle to understand social media and the part it plays in the lives of their children. In fact, it was such an important issue that I now feature it as a presentation for parents, teachers and administrators here in the Tampa Bay area and recently, I got a copy of a recording so that I could share it here with you. Many parents can...

Remembering Lily

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 26, 2015 at 11:17 AM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Have you heard of the “Rainbow Bridge?” It is the place that our beloved pets supposedly go after they die. Three weeks ago, on a Friday night in the park across from the vet’s office, was my Lily’s turn. It was a chilly evening but Lily was all snuggled in my arms wearing her cozy fleece-lined plaid jacket and was surrounded by loved ones. We drank a toast to Lily and wished her endless romps in green fields with an unlimited supply of toilet paper rolls, tissue boxes and popcorn to eat. She was almost 14 years...

Homework, Testing and Mental Health

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on March 5, 2015 at 9:01 PM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist With testing in full swing here in Hillsborough County and parents questions regarding Common Core and Standardized Tests, I've been keeping an eye out for information regarding current demands on students. What I've found is that everyone has an opinion, including me. I have also found that there is some very in-depth information out there that provides details on how academics affect the emotional and mental wellbeing of our youth. The following article is shared courtesy of the National Association of School Psychologists. It contains some great insight and guidelines for homework and learning. Take a look...

Signs of a 50 Shades of Messed Up Relationship

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 23, 2015 at 3:03 PM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist It is with some trepidation that I must confess that not only have I read all three 50 Shades books, but last week I also bravely took myself to see the movie. And, while many people have scoffed at the acting, the excessively explicit sexual content and lack of literary sophistication, I was drawn to both the books and the movie on several different levels. The line between role-playing and abuse in a relationship can often be hard to spot. Our psychologists are ready to help you or a loved one sort these things out. Things to Consider Let’s just...

Emotionally Connecting With Your Children

By Rice Psychology Group

on February 4, 2015 at 10:38 PM /

By Elaine Spencer, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist As a mother of two young children, I often feel that there are not enough hours in the day to take care of them and accomplish all of the seemingly endless tasks that need to be done. I end up asking myself...

Become Trauma-Informed

By Rice Psychology Group

on January 22, 2015 at 2:45 PM /

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related symptoms are often misunderstood. You may have experienced a traumatic event without having any symptoms or you may be symptomatic but no one has ever asked you about the traumatic event. Trauma-informed therapy does ask, "What happened to you?" not "What is wrong with you?"...

How do you measure "Smart"?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 7, 2015 at 5:35 PM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist I recently read the book “Mindset” by psychologist, Carol Dweck. What a wonderful discovery! Dr. Dweck’s message is that our mindset can help or hinder us to a significant degree; more than we may have even imagined. Her book is based on more than 20 years of research that demonstrates the difference between having a fixed or closed mindset and an open or growth mindset. She explains that a fixed mindset is one where you believe that qualities such as intelligence and personality are set as is and cannot be changed. Whereas, a growth mindset, is one...

New Year’s Words of Wisdom

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 24, 2014 at 6:42 PM /

Blog

This week there will be no usual blog post or newsletter. Instead, I want to say Seasons Greetings, Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! In lieu of a long post this week, I am going to share some holiday words of wisdom: Be grateful for all that you have instead of focusing on what you are missing. Some things will go well and other things simply won't. That's okay and that's life. Once again, try to remember the good parts. Optimists are notoriously happier than pessimists! Enjoy the delicious food and other holiday goodies - tis the season. Try to avoid...

What To Do If “The Season” Is Getting You Down

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on December 3, 2014 at 1:34 PM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Are you just not in the holly jolly spirit this December? If so, or if you know of someone who needs a bit of support, you’ve come to the right blog. We are here to help! If you are down about the season, it can be helpful to write down or at least really think about the things that are bothering you. It is often best to do it in a 2-column type format so that you can “respond” to each negative thought with something more neutral, realistic, or even positive. This is part of what...