May is the Month for Mental Health Awareness

on May 7, 2015 at 6:02 PM /

In the past, mental health issues appeared to have a less-than-helpful stigma surrounding them. Now, the support and acceptance of mental health topics have grown exponentially. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and serves to raise consciousness for mental illnesses and other associated issues. While it was in 2013 that President Obama officially named May as National Mental Health Awareness Month, the support for this issue has existed for decades. The support you need is just a phone call away. Contact the Rice Therapy Group today. A Long History of Support Millions of Americans face the reality of mental health issues each...

How to Deal with Parenting Role Reversals

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on May 7, 2015 at 12:41 PM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Can you pinpoint when things changed? Can you remember the exact moment you began worrying more about your parents’ well-being than they did about yours? When did the advice-giving go from being a one-way street of your parents advising you on what to do, to both ways, and then more from you to them? Did it happen overnight? I’m betting it was more of a gradual change (albeit one that at some point slapped you right in the face without warning), much like it was for me. Life is full of changes that can surface when you least expect them. Let...

The Power of Eye-to-Eye Contact

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on April 29, 2015 at 5:17 PM /

Handshakes are often one of the most important and meaningful first impressions. A firm grip, a good squeeze and a confident look in the eye is generally regarded as a good handshake. Unfortunately, in recent times, young people tend to struggle with confident eye contact. While we might say children tend to be shy and awkward in certain situations, one of the biggest factors behind this quirk might be the time they spend in front of screens. Contact the Rice Psychology Group to schedule your child’s assessment. Waning Social Skills According to research conducted by Dr. Clifford Nass, a creative communication professor at...

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...

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...

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...

Loosening the Ties: Letting Your Kids "Go" When It’s Time for College

By Rice Psychology Group

on November 19, 2014 at 2:09 PM /

By Megan Sutsko, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist There are significant moments in a child’s development that elicit both joy and anxiety for parents. These moments remind us of the unstoppable truth that, from the instant a child is brought into the world, they are moving away from their parents and towards independence; first steps, first day of school, graduations, learning to drive, moving out for college, and of course, getting married and one day having children of their own. In my work with teens, young adults, and families, it has become apparent that navigating the college departure with wisdom and bravery is crucial...