D'Arienzo Psychology Blog

Preventing School Shootings

Secret Service

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

School is back in session, and we must talk about an uncomfortable topic but one we all need to be vigilant about, gun violence, and how to improve the safety of our students, teachers, and communities. There is a lot we can do to prevent it. The United States Secret Service has been studying violence in schools for over 20 years and has identified behavioral markers that most attackers have which include: having severe emotional distress for a long period of time, making threats or sharing fantasies about harming others for instance on social media or by drawing pictures, and having an intent or expectation to die. Most often there are people in their network who are aware of the attacker’s troubles and disturbing comments. When people don’t intervene, others lose their lives. Children and parents can save lives when they quickly share this information with the school, another trusted adult, or law enforcement. If you see something, say something. It’s that simple.

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Strategies for Effectively Managing Anger in Your Teenager

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

This article provides insights into managing anger in teenagers by understanding triggers and employing effective methods. It emphasizes open communication, coping mechanisms, and setting boundaries to foster healthier parent-teen relationships. Hormonal changes, brain development, and the quest for independence contribute to heightened emotions during adolescence. Recognizing triggers, like academic stress and conflicts, is vital for tailored strategies.

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Maintaining Friendships Amidst Divorce: A Manual for Avoiding Friend-Picking

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

During a divorce, emotional challenges can make friends feel pressured to choose sides. However, with the right approach and empathy, this stress can be avoided. Open, honest communication is key, as is avoiding negative discussions about your ex in friends’ presence. Seeking professional counseling can be beneficial. Emphasizing empathy, urging mutual friends to continue relationships with both parties, and recognizing one’s role in the divorce can all help ensure friends stay neutral, enabling them to support both parties without feeling divided.

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Charting a Course for a Cordial Divorce: A Comprehensive Manual

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

Amid rising divorce tensions, the concept of a cordial divorce is gaining traction, emphasizing collaboration, negotiation, and mutual respect to reduce emotional and financial strains (Morrison, 2023). Effective communication, including open expression of feelings and setting conversational guidelines, is vital. Engaging a mediator or collaborative divorce advocate aids in resolving conflicts amicably. Prioritizing children by crafting a focused parenting plan ensures their well-being, while personal psychological care through therapy can enhance the entire divorce experience. Adopting a cordial approach leads to better post-divorce relationships and overall well-being.

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Executive Protection and Security Personnel Psychological Testing

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

Dr. D’Arienzo, is a former Active Duty Navy Psychologist licensed in Texas, New Mexico, and Florida and has reciprocity in 40 other states to include Arizona and Pennsylvania. He has conducted nearly a thousand security psychological evaluations as a civilian and in the military. He has developed a seamless process providing virtual and in-person evaluations and psychological testing. Please do not trust your gun carrying related evaluations to just anyone. This is serious business! Cheaper means not a psychologist and cutting corners. Psychologists are the only professionals competently trained in psychological testing. Make sure you are using a psychologist if you are not using us.
We service individuals and companies seeking their credentialing needing psychological testing and psychological evaluations. Dr. D’Arienzo is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist. If he is unavailable for the evaluation in question, he has four other licensed psychologists to assist in the process. We can get you scheduled within the week and once the testing has been completed, there is a 24 hour turnaround to get your results. We work with companies interested in a building a strong relationship with us. We want to work with you in finding the right people. Please contact us at 904-379-8094 or [email protected]. Find out more information about us at www.drdarienzo.com

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Successful Co-Parenting Techniques When Faced with Parental Alienation

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

The article “Successful Co-Parenting Techniques When Faced with Parental Alienation” discusses how co-parenting after separation or divorce can be further complicated by parental alienation – a scenario where one parent manipulates a child to reject the other parent without justifiable cause. The author offers several strategies for navigating this difficult dynamic including understanding parental alienation, encouraging transparent communication, ensuring parenting consistency, refraining from negative remarks about the alienating parent, seeking professional assistance, and prioritizing self care. In conclusion, the article suggests that while co-parenting with a parental alienator is challenging, patience, understanding, and the right strategies can help maintain a loving and meaningful relationship with the child.

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Managing Communication with High-Conflict Parents: A Guide

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

The article “Managing Communication with High-Conflict Parents: A Guide” offers a comprehensive strategy for communicating effectively with high-conflict parents. Key tactics include understanding, empathy, and boundary-setting. To manage one’s emotions, the article recommends mindfulness techniques and self-care practices. It emphasizes using clear language and the BIFF (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm) method for productive discussions. The principle of ‘active neutrality’ is endorsed to avoid escalating disagreements. It further underscores the importance of documenting all communications, especially in custody cases. Professional assistance is advised when conflicts become overwhelming. Ultimately, the welfare of the child should be the main priority in all conversations. The article concludes by offering related courses for additional guidance.

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Charting Parenting Plans Post-Divorce: A New Roadmap

High Conflict Divorce Course

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

This article highlights the importance of crafting a well-structured parenting plan after divorce. It emphasizes the need for strategic planning, effective communication, and a focus on the child’s well-being. The article explains that a parenting plan is a written document that outlines various aspects of parenting, including living arrangements, visitation rights, and decision-making. Research suggests that the primary goal of a parenting plan is to reduce conflict, promote stability, and ensure the emotional well-being of the child. The article emphasizes the significance of maintaining a collaborative and child-centered approach during the planning process. It suggests incorporating the views of children, as studies show that their involvement leads to better adjustment to the changes brought about by divorce. Flexibility is also crucial, as the plan should adapt to the evolving needs of the child. The article highlights the usefulness of digital tools in managing parenting plans, offering examples of applications that facilitate communication and organization. Lastly, the article encourages seeking professional assistance from psychologists, divorce counselors, and mediators to ensure a mutually agreeable co-parenting plan. By prioritizing the child’s needs, promoting open communication, and utilizing available resources, divorced parents can develop a comprehensive parenting plan that serves the best interests of everyone involved.

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Navigating Road Rage

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

This article discusses the increasingly prevalent issue of road rage and suggests a series of effective strategies to manage it, backed by scientific research. First, self-awareness is emphasized as critical in recognizing triggers and symptoms of road rage. Techniques such as deep breathing and stress management practices can mitigate feelings of anger and frustration. The article underlines the importance of communication on the road, including the use of respectful gestures and appropriate signaling to create a considerate driving environment. It advises against retaliation when faced with aggressive drivers and recommends distancing oneself and reporting threatening behavior. The piece mentions the role of technology, highlighting apps like Drivemode and LifeSaver that help manage road rage. It concludes by stressing the importance of empathy, recognizing that understanding others’ experiences can defuse anger and foster patience. These approaches collectively can significantly decrease road rage, contributing to safer roads.

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Fox News and Former Navy Psychologist

Fox News expert psychologist

Posted by: Dr. Justin D'Arienzo, Psy.D., ABPP

I had the priviledge last week begining June 21, 2023 of speaking to several national and international news outlets about the psychology of submariners, the potential psychological state of those in the Titan Submersible and the search and rescuers. Once it was determined that the vessel imploded, I then spoke of how the missing submersible captivated the world. Based on my expertise in psychology and history of working with Navy submariners and search and rescuers while I served as a Navy Psychologist, I was able to offer unique insights about this event. Check out the links to see the interviews.

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