Just Do It – Not Just for Nike!
I’m glad I get to go home now...
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On Child Motivation: Establishing Positive Incentives and Mindsets
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....
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Trying to Cope: An Inside Look at the Effects of Traumatic Events
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...
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The Absurdity of the Stigma of Mental Illness
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?...
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Is Your Relationship Heading Into Trouble?
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...
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Obsession vs. Compulsion: Recognizing the Symptoms of OCD
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...
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Mental Illness/Health Awareness Week Encourages Change
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...
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Spotting the Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
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?...
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The Magic of Teams – A Place for Everyone
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...
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When Should You Take Action Against a Possible Eating Disorder? – Part 2
In part 1 of our eating disorder series, Rice Psychology Group offered important statistics about eating disorders in children and teenagers. We additionally helped you identify some eating disorder signs that parents around the nation should be familiar with. Now, our team is ready to present more valuable information that can make the difference when spotting a possible issue.
Vomiting and fasting can be huge red flags. Don’t let a possible eating disorder spiral out of control.
Signs You Should Know
According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), 42% of girls in first, second and third grade want to be thinner while...
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