Obsession vs. Compulsion: Recognizing the Symptoms of OCD

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...

The Zen Approach to Treating Mental Health

By Rice Psychology Group

on September 28, 2015 at 9:38 PM /

By Megan Sutsko, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist Close your eyes. Focus your attention on your breath. Follow your breath in. Notice the tiny pause between inhale and exhale. Follow your breath out. Try to clear your mind of thoughts and tune in only to the sensation of your breath flowing in and out. Stay in the moment… Meditation, the act of quieting the mind, can be an invaluable tool for mental and physical health. It is taught by yoga instructors, Buddhist zen masters, and even psychologists. This ancient Eastern technique is finding increasing acceptance in the Western world. According to Swami Rama “Meditation is a...

Spotting the Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 26, 2015 at 7:00 AM /

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?...

The Magic of Teams – A Place for Everyone

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on September 16, 2015 at 8:01 PM /

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...

Summer Wrap-Up

By Rice Psychology Group

on September 4, 2015 at 9:41 AM /

Summer is a busy time of year and, if you're like me, you may not have had a chance to stay up to date on all the blogs and newsletters that you subscribe to. So, to make it easy for you, I've compiled some of our blogs from Summer 2015 along with a summary of each below. Enjoy! 9 Resources to Help Overcome Mental Health Struggles At Rice Psychology in Tampa, FL, we work with many young people who struggle with learning and attention issues. In order to provide the best service to those clients, I am always on the look out...

When Should You Take Action Against a Possible Eating Disorder? – Part 2

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 17, 2015 at 10:56 AM /

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...

Should Handcuffs Be Used in Schools?

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 11, 2015 at 7:58 AM /

By Wendy Rice, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist A sheriff's deputy from Kentucky is currently facing federal lawsuit because he handcuffed at least two elementary school students who were acting up. It turns out that both of these children have diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder which makes it difficult for them to control their emotions and behavior. As a psychologist I have worked with children who were labeled “Seriously Emotionally or Behaviorally Disturbed” and I have had children lash out at me both physically and verbally. I have been trained in how to handle these situations by first understanding what is...

When Should You Take Action Against a Possible Eating Disorder? – Part 1

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on August 10, 2015 at 9:03 AM /

According to a survey published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, a staggering 525,000 teenagers in our nation are dealing with an eating disorder. About 300,000 of these are struggling with a binge eating disorder, while 55,000 and 170,000 struggle with anorexia and bulimia, respectively. There’s no doubt these numbers show an alarming link between teenagers and eating disorders. It is often problematic for a parent to recognize the signs. Rice Psychology Group knows that your children mean the world to you, so we want to help you identify the hidden signs of a teenage eating disorder. An eating disorder can often...

Up Close and Personal with Anxiety Disorders – Part 2

By Dr. Wendy Rice

on July 28, 2015 at 9:15 AM /

Part one of our series on anxiety disorders gave you a closer look at the different types that can affect a person’s life. This information can be extremely helpful when finding the treatment you, or your child, need. How can you be sure you or a loved one is inching closer to an anxiety disorder? At the Rice Psychology Group, we prioritize your mental health and want to help you identify common signs of an anxiety disorder. The Rice Psychology Group knows how important it is to address your issues. Let your journey back to normality start today. Reading the Signs It’s important to...