Dr. Ron Rice
Licensed Psychologist
Over 25 years of experience
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Dr. Ron Rice Real Problems |
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On November 16, 2006, the following article written by Linda Ann Chomin was printed in the Observer & Eccentric Newspaper regarding my dog, Bella, a Labrador Retriever and the wonderful role she has played as a co-therapist in my office. Enjoy! -- Dr. Ron Rice, & Bella. Compassionate Counseling
Dr. Ron Rice fondly strokes Bella, the furry co-therapist in his practice. The psychologist jokes that some day their roles could reverse if clients ever begin to value the Labrador Retriever's compassion over his gentle but confrontational style of counseling. Bella's big cold nose nudges a response from everyone entering Dr. Rice's office in Farmington Hills. The yellow lab immediately establishes a comfort zone for those seeking help during a difficult time in their life. Before long the client's apprehension completely subsides as they find psychological safety in Bella's big gold eyes. "When people go see a therapist they imagine you're going to look like Sigmund Freud and there's going to be a couch," said Dr. Ron Rice, a West Bloomfield resident. "I dress in a pair of slacks and sports shirt. Bella goes and greets them." Client, psychologist and co-therapist then settle down to their respective chairs. Bella seems to know when comforting is needed and moves about the room. Her mature nature is surprising for a dog so young. In some circles Bella is still considered a puppy even though she turned one year old on November 3, 2006. Dr. Ron Rice has been a dog lover all of his life. Twenty-five years ago, he spent over $5000 curing his first co-therapist, Deogi, of cancer. Deogi, a Golden Retriever, developed Cushing's disease at age eight. The costly treatment enabled her to live to 14 years old. Dr. Rice respected Deogi's contributions to client care so much, he continued to use Golden Retrievers in his practice to break the ice and provide comfort. Keesa and Amber preceded Bella, his first yellow Lab. "There's something really magical about Bella. She's so sensitive," said Dr. Rice. "I had a client who was severely depressed and we talked for five weeks, but he was very controlled. Then during one session he burst into tears. Bella left her chair and went and rested her head in his lap. He stroked her fur and he stopped crying. She continued to leave her head on his lap. Without a word she was saying it will be OK. I'm here. "One young fellow was very shy. It was difficult to get him to talk. Bella would sit next to him. He started petting her then talking to her. Then he began talking to me. She was an intermediary." Carol was a 30 year old woman going through emotional stress and relationship problems when she sought counseling from Dr. Rice. Bella was not present for her first four visits as Dr. Rice had not yet purchased the four month old dog. "From day one it was good having someone outside my family that could relate to me", said Carol. "When he brought in his dog she was very soothing. When I was tearful, she knew to come up to me and with those eyes say pet me. I've had a Rottweiler for eight years so I related. When he did get the dog, I was always looking forward to going in to see Bella. She's always been calm. Her being so calm makes me feel at ease." Only twice in Dr. Rice's 25 years of using his dogs in therapy has a client objected to their presence. One was afraid of dogs, the other suffered from allergies. Dr. Rice insisted on the animal staying but offered clients the names of three other therapists because he views his dog as a "respected co-therapist." The client who was allergic chose to leave; the other stayed and overcame her fear of dogs. Dr, Rice has been working with clients with anxiety and panic disorders, depression and marital problems since earning a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Oakland University in Rochester and a doctorate degree in clinical and humanistic psychology from Saybrook Institute in San Francisco, California. As a "parenting time coordinator" he sees divorced couples ordered into counseling by the Oakland County Friend of the Court. Dr. Rice's three children – Carrie, 34, Erik, 32, and Julie, 29 grew up to be animal lovers like their father. "Married couples come in to do an interview and I ask them the question what is the problem? Each always says the other. They start ranting during the process," said Dr. Rice. "Bella goes from one to the other soothing them." Dr. Rice says he's learned a lot from watching his dogs. They have enriched his practice and helped him to be a better therapist. The four footed co-therapists have provided comfort to him as well. Nine years ago when he was going through a divorce his Golden Retriever's companionship was therapeutic and helped him move on to a new life with his present wife Linda. Today at age 66, he's surrounded by females. Bella, a six-month old Pekinese mix named Bunny and Linda's Maltese dog, Becka, all live happily together with the Rice family. "The best night of the week is Sunday because I know I'm going to see my patients," said Dr. Rice. "I believe all human beings engage in only one activity – making choices." Dr. Rice chose co-therapists who happen to be dogs so he looks forward to going to work. "Life is the culmination of your choices," said Dr. Rice. "I work a lot with that concept in therapy. I'm very goal oriented. I help people confront their problems. How we think about stress is important. Be proactive and the depression dissipates." |
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Real Problems Call or email Dr. Ron Rice to make an appointment, to ask Ron Rice, PHD • Licensed Psychologist • (248) 626-2056 |
Psychologist partners with furry co-therapist. "I had a client who was severely depressed and we talked for five weeks but he was very controlled. Then during one session he burst into tears. Bella left her chair and went and rested her head in his lap. He stroked her and he stopped crying. She continued to leave her head on his lap. Without a word she was saying it will be OK. I'm here."