What They Really Want: The Teen Cry for Connection

on May 1, 2025 at 2:30 PM /

Behavior

Consider the following story as it relate to this week’s topic. Sitting across from her therapist, the young woman spoke softly, almost like she was confessing something. “I know my dad cared. He gave me everything—lessons, clothes, even a car. But… what I really wanted was to just spend time with him. To feel like I mattered to him—not just what I achieved or what I looked like. I just wanted him to see me.” She paused and added, “I think that’s why I started acting out. I didn’t know how to say what I needed and didn’t know what I was missing,...

When Your Child Is in Therapy: How to Support Healing Without Shutting It Down

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 21, 2025 at 3:16 PM /

Behavior

Ella sat quietly for most of her therapy session, legs tucked under her and eyes flicking between the floor and the couch cushions. But near the end, she lifted her gaze and said softly, “I feel like my mom is easier on my little brother than on me. Like… he gets away with stuff I never could.” It wasn’t an accusation—it was a feeling. One she had finally gathered the courage to express. Her therapist gently acknowledged the bravery it took to say that out loud. Later that afternoon, as they got into the car, Ella’s mom turned to her with an...

Sextortion, AI, and the Vulnerability of Teens and Children

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 17, 2025 at 3:19 PM /

Blog

I (Dr. Anna Schrack) recently got a message from my sister who lives in Kentucky. She messaged my three sisters and me, telling us that there was a kid in her school district who had completed suicide because of artificial intelligence and bullies online. She wanted us to be aware and talk to the kids that we know about these new dangers. I never could have predicted the prevalence of AI sextortion. Since that message from my sister, I have seen stories about four children who have altered their lives and the lives of those around them because of similar situations: James...

Mindfulness: Nervous System Literacy

By Jess Sheerin, M.A.

on April 17, 2025 at 3:11 PM /

Mindfulness isn't about clearing your mind but not getting dragged by it. In a world that never seems to stop, mindfulness offers a pause—a way to regulate your nervous system and avoid being hijacked by all the noise. Most people tend to see mindfulness as another trendy pop psychology trick that sells the idea that it can finally fix everything and deliver the life they want. Common advice sounds like, "Just clear your mind," "Breathe," and "Float above your problems." These oversimplified narratives leave many people disinterested or skeptical, especially when life feels anything but simple. And yet, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs)...

Why Working with a Tampa Psychologist is the First Step Toward Mental Wellness

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 17, 2025 at 3:02 PM /

Behavior

Working with a Tampa psychologist is a powerful and positive first step toward improving mental health. Life often presents challenges that can feel overwhelming, but therapy provides guidance, support, and tools to help you manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles. Whether you’re looking for personal growth or seeking help with a specific issue, working with a licensed psychologist can lead to lasting change and personal wellness. Explore the Benefits of Working with a Tampa Psychologist Mental health therapy is a collaborative process. Psychologists work with individuals to understand their unique experiences and challenges, tailoring strategies that promote growth, healing, and improved...

Processing Disorders: Signs, Types, and How Early Intervention Makes a Difference

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM /

Behavior

Processing disorders affect how the brain interprets information received through the senses. These challenges can impact children and adults' communication, learning, and daily functioning. Early identification of processing disorders can significantly affect a person’s success at school, work, and social situations. While symptoms vary, many individuals experience difficulties understanding spoken words, following instructions, or organizing thoughts. Common Signs of Processing Disorders: Difficulty following conversations Trouble understanding verbal instructions Poor reading or spelling skills Sensitivity to sounds, lights, or visual distractions Frequent frustration during learning tasks We can help identify these signs early and give individuals the best chance for improvement through tailored therapy...

Obsession vs Compulsion: Understanding the Key Differences and How Therapy Can Help

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 17, 2025 at 2:37 PM /

Behavior

Obsessions and compulsions are terms often used together, but they represent two distinct experiences, especially for individuals struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Understanding the difference between obsession vs compulsion is essential in identifying symptoms early and seeking the right kind of help. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intense distress. Compulsions, on the other hand, are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the anxiety caused by these obsessions. Knowing these differences can lead to faster recognition and more effective treatment options. What Are Obsessions? Learn the Common Signs Obsessions can appear in many forms, often disrupting daily life...

The Power of Positive Self-Reinforcement: Building Confidence and Resilience in Everyday Life

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 17, 2025 at 9:35 AM /

Behavior

Positive self reinforcement is a simple yet powerful psychological strategy that can significantly improve how we see ourselves and interact with the world. This approach is effective for both children and adults, whether you're looking to build confidence, boost motivation, or guide behavior constructively. By using rewards, affirmations, and self-recognition, individuals can create long-term habits that lead to personal growth and emotional well-being. Understand the Basics of Positive Self Reinforcement At its core, positive self-reinforcement means rewarding yourself for behaviors you want to repeat. This isn’t about material rewards—it’s about recognizing progress, no matter how small, and allowing that recognition to motivate future...

Navigating Social Media: Helping Your Teen Maintain Healthy Digital Boundaries

By Rice Psychology Group

on April 7, 2025 at 2:19 PM /

Parenting

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of everyday life, especially for teenagers. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat offer exciting ways to connect with friends, explore interests, and even gain popularity. But with all the benefits, social media also presents unique challenges that can affect a teen’s emotional well-being, self-esteem, and sense of balance. As a parent or guardian, one of your most important roles is helping your teen navigate the digital world in a way that promotes healthy boundaries and protects their mental health. Our team of licensed Tampa psychologists and therapists are here...

When They Ruin the Rainbow Sandals—And Other Lessons in Letting Go

By Rice Psychology Group

on March 31, 2025 at 10:19 AM /

Blog

The other day, after a storm in Ocala, I found Milo—freshly groomed (30 minutes earlier), pristine, and fluffy—rolling gleefully in a mud puddle. There was nothing I could do but laugh. He was living his best life, and after all, it’s only mud. That moment brought back a childhood memory. When I was little, my mom bought me a pair of Corky’s sandals with rainbow-colored cork. I was so excited to wear them that I stepped outside… onto wet ground. I don’t know if I permanently ruined them, but I do know my mom was not happy. And that’s stuck...