How Perfect is Too Perfect?

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...

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...

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...