What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session

on November 9, 2026 at 4:01 PM /

Therapist

Starting therapy can bring a mixture of emotions. You might feel hopeful about receiving support while also feeling nervous about speaking with someone you haven't met before. What should you talk about? Will the therapist ask personal questions? Do you need to explain everything that's been bothering you? These concerns are common, particularly for individuals attending their first therapy session. Your initial appointment generally focuses on understanding your concerns, gathering relevant background information, and discussing what you hope to accomplish through therapy. Knowing what to expect in therapy can help reduce uncertainty and make the experience feel more approachable. Prepare for Your First Therapy...

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Start Therapy?

By Rice Psychology Group

on October 23, 2026 at 3:52 PM /

Therapist

Sometimes, the hardest part of seeking mental health support is knowing when to begin. You may feel overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities, notice changes in your emotions, or struggle with challenges that once seemed manageable. Yet, you might hesitate to reach out because you believe your concerns aren't serious enough. If you've been wondering when to start therapy, a helpful place to begin is by considering how your emotional well-being affects your daily life. Therapy isn't only for moments of crisis. It can also provide support when you're navigating stress, adjusting to change, or looking for healthier ways to manage emotions and relationships. Recognize...

Understanding Processing Disorders: How They Affect Learning and Daily Life

By Rice Psychology Group

on February 20, 2025 at 4:13 PM /

A processing disorder is a condition that affects the way the brain receives, interprets, and responds to information. It can impact learning, communication, and daily functioning. Unlike general learning disabilities, processing disorders specifically affect how sensory information—such as sounds, sights, and touch—is understood and processed by the brain. They are not related to intelligence but can cause significant struggles in school, work, and social settings. Recognizing the signs early can help individuals, including gifted children, receive the appropriate support and interventions. Types of Processing Disorders Processing disorders can affect different sensory pathways, leading to various challenges. The most common types include: Auditory Processing...

Developmental Warning Signs Your Child May Need Support

By Rice Psychology Group

on February 20, 2025 at 3:46 PM /

Parents often wonder whether their child’s challenges are part of normal development or a sign that additional support may be helpful. Changes in behavior, emotions, learning, or social interactions can raise important questions, especially when difficulties persist or begin to interfere with daily life. This article outlines common signs that a child may benefit from working with a psychologist and explains when it may be helpful to seek professional guidance. Signs Your Child May Need Support If your child is experiencing persistent emotional or behavioral struggles, therapy may be beneficial. Some common signs include: Intense anxiety or fears that interfere with daily life. ...

Navigating Your Child’s Psychological Evaluation: What Comes Next?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 11, 2025 at 10:36 AM /

By Amanda M. Cosgriff, Ph.D., BCBA & Licensed School Psychologist After an extensive search for a psychologist, providing background information, answering seemingly endless questions, undergoing hours of testing, and waiting weeks for results, you finally receive the call to schedule your feedback meeting. During this meeting, the psychologist explains the evaluation results, outlines your child’s learning profile, and, if applicable, provides a diagnosis. You leave thinking, “We finally have an explanation—now we can move forward.” However, over the next couple of days you may start to feel overwhelmed. Where do you begin? How do you take the next steps? If this sounds...

Psychologists Tampa Diagnosis: Tips to Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Concerns

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on January 15, 2024 at 1:20 PM /

Therapist

I learned a long time ago that diagnosis informs treatment. I can credit Harold Koplowitz, MD, founder of the Child Mind Institute, for that gem. Many people come to me wanting a psychologists Tampa diagnosis, while others specifically do not want a diagnosis. Either way, everyone wants an understanding of what's wrong and how to make it better. That is what I believe we do best at Rice Psychology Group. We Offer Individualized Care I have recently been doing comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations for elementary and middle school kids. While I don't love writing reports I do love the process of coming up with...

Yes, You Can Survive This Valentine’s Day

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on February 10, 2023 at 11:42 AM /

Therapist

If you have recently walked through a grocery store, you have already seen it. There are hearts, candies, and romantic gifts everywhere. While this time of year is a celebration of love of every kind – romantic, platonic, self-love, etc., this holiday has placed a silent but immense pressure on many people. Everywhere you look, you’re being encouraged to spend hundreds of dollars on elaborate gifts and perform over-the-top gestures to prove your love. (Thanks, social media!) If you’re single, you may have been made to feel as if you should have a significant other this day. Rice Psychology Group wants you...

Weathering the Storm: How You Can Ease Your Storm-Related Anxiety

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 30, 2022 at 12:00 PM /

As we recently watched Hurricane Ian make landfall in Florida, these storms not only impact our homes, and our safety, but can negatively impact our mental health. Anxiety and overwhelming fear about what is happening, especially if you have experienced weather-emergencies before, is common. If you struggle with anxiety or depression brought on by past events or can’t seem to calm your nerves every time storm season rolls through, then you aren’t alone. Our licensed Tampa psychologists and therapists are here to help by providing some clarity on how to maintain good mental health during hurricane season. Be Prepared Unlike our friends on...

9/11: Managing Your Emotions

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 9, 2022 at 1:28 PM /

Most of us remember exactly where we were on September 11th, 2001. To many, it seems like yesterday when we were learning about those devastating attacks and now it’s odd to even think that there are adults who weren't even born yet. However, the mental health effects for those who were there and even for those of us who were watching it on the news, continues to linger on. Mentally letting go of the fear, anxiety, and depression caused by such an event isn’t easy. Fortunately, it can be managed, and Rice Psychology Group is here to help. The Emotional Aftermath Thanks to...

Helping Your Kids Unplug and Socialize

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 7, 2022 at 11:15 AM /

Therapist

Last week, on my way to work, I passed a group of middle school kids on a corner all standing around talking with an older woman in a wheelchair. She might have been one of the kids’ grandmothers, but I’m not sure. It just warmed my heart to see the kids all interacting with each other, smiling and not on their phones. This was in contrast to what I saw a few days later in my neighborhood. There was another group of similar aged kids standing about 15 feet apart from each other, all looking kind of forlorn, in their...