Supporting a Teen with Depression: Practical Steps for Parents

on May 19, 2025 at 2:09 PM /

Behavior

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. My daughter has always been outgoing and generally a happy kid. But lately, my husband and I have noticed a shift in her mood—she's become more withdrawn, pulling away from friends, family, and activities she used to enjoy. When we try to talk to her about what’s going on, she insists everything is fine, then shuts down completely. The conversations usually end in frustration, raised voices, and no real resolution. We’re stuck wondering how much of this is “normal” teenage behavior and how much could be something more serious,...

Screen Time and Mental Health: How Much Is Too Much?

By Rice Psychology Group

on May 13, 2025 at 10:50 AM /

Behavior

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon when his parents asked him to join them for a few errands, encouraging him to get out of the house for a bit. Their only rule: all electronics had to stay at home. The moment he heard this, the teenager began to panic. How will my friends reach me? I won’t be able to respond until much later! Despite his rising anxiety, his parents calmly reassured him that everything would be fine—that some time away from screens might actually help him reconnect. But...

What They Really Want: The Teen Cry for Connection

By Rice Psychology Group

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...