D'Arienzo Psychology Blog

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

The Gottman Approach to Couples Therapy

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

The Gottman Approach is a research-based approach to couples therapy that has been shown to be effective in helping couples improve their communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen their relationships. What is the Gottman Approach? The Gottman Approach is based on the idea that all relationships go through ups and downs, and that it is possible to learn how to weather the storms and come out stronger on the other side. The approach focuses on helping couples to: Understand their own and their partner’s emotional needs. Communicate effectively with each other. Resolve conflict in a healthy way. Build trust and intimacy. Maintain a positive outlook on their relationship.

How does the Gottman Approach work? The Gottman Approach is typically conducted over a series of weekly or biweekly sessions. In each session, the therapist or psychologist will work with the couple to: Identify their strengths and weaknesses as a couple. Learn how to communicate effectively with each other. Resolve conflict in a healthy way. Build trust and intimacy. Maintain a positive outlook on their relationship.

Read More

5 Tips for Effective Communication

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

Communication is one of the most important skills in any field. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just trying to get through your day, being able to communicate effectively can make a big difference. In this post, we’ll discuss five tips for effective communication. By following these tips, you can improve your communication skills and make a positive impact on your relationships, your career, and your life. Tip #1: Be clear and concise. When you’re communicating with someone, it’s important to be clear and concise. This means using language that is easy to understand and avoiding jargon or technical terms that the other person may not be familiar with. It also means getting to the point quickly and avoiding rambling.
Tip #2: Use active listening skills. Active listening is just as important as clear communication. When you’re listening to someone, it’s important to make eye contact, nod your head, and ask clarifying questions. This shows the other person that you’re paying attention and that you’re interested in what they have to say. Tip #3: Be respectful of others. Even if you disagree with someone, it’s important to be respectful of their opinion. This means avoiding personal attacks and name-calling. It also means listening to their point of view and trying to understand where they’re coming from. Find out more tips….

Read More

How to Spot a Narcissist

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

How to spot a narcissist? Dr. D’Arienzo, Clinical Psychologist here. I am going to share five signs that indicated you might be dealing with a narcissist. Receiving criticism: Their fragile self-esteem can’t even handle constructive criticism. Feedback seems like a direct attack. Losing Control: When they lose control of situations and people around them, they feel powerless because it contradicts their grandiose image of themselves. Not being admired: They thrive on admiration and attention and when they are ignored and don’t get what they think they deserve they pout, and get frustrated and angry. Being exposed: They create a false persona to maintain their inflated self-image but when someone exposes their true self, vulnerabilities or manipulations, they go on the attack. Losing a competition: They think they are superior to others and when someone beats them, they feel inferior, so they react with rage, make excuses, and “file away” a serious resentment. Losing is personal to a narcissist.  Obviously, we all have some of these traits, but if you’re narcissist, you would have most of these and to the extreme. If that’s you or your in a relationship with one, get professional help.

Read More

Planning a Spring Wedding?

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

Are You Planning a Spring Wedding? The Allure of Spring Weddings: Celebrating Love Among Blossoms and New Beginnings. The transition from winter to spring represents a time of renewal, growth, and beauty. As nature awakens and blooms, it’s no wonder that many couples choose this season to begin their journey together as a married couple. Spring weddings have a certain charm and romance that can’t be replicated in other seasons. From the abundance of flowers to the mild weather, spring provides an enchanting backdrop for a magical wedding. In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons why you should consider getting married in the spring.

See below for information about our Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and South Carolina Premarital Preparation Courses.

Read More

How do you talk to your children about divorce?

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

Talking to your children about divorce can be a difficult and emotionally draining conversation especially as you anticipate having this necessary conversation. However, it is important to approach it in a sensitive and age-appropriate way. Here are some general tips on how to talk to your children about divorce:

Schedule a family meeting: It’s best that both parents schedule a family meeting to talk to the children together. Having a meeting on a Friday evening or Saturday morning is best so the children can emtionally process this difficult situation and understand what the action plan is for the family prior to returning to school on Monday morning. Please note that this meeting should be one meeting of many, and this step should be repeated several times throughout the divorce process.

Read More

Signs Someone is Cheating

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

Okay, guys, he are real signs and examples that someone has been cheating straight from the psychologist’s couch. These examples have been altered slightly to protect those who exercised these behaviors, and know that I’ve (Dr. Justin D’Arienzo) heard all these examples many times from multiple patients. There are definite patterns of behavior related to infidelity that humans typically exercise.

Read More

Cues to Anger

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

There are four cues that occur in response to an anger-provoking event: physical, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. Identifying and coping with these cues are crucial in anger management. These cues are a warning sign that prove you’ve become angry or your anger is escalating. To learn more on effective anger management strategies, take one of Dr. D’Arienzo’s online Anger Management Courses.

Read More

Breaking the Anger Habit

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

In order to break the anger habit, you must become aware of what triggers your anger. These triggers can be events, circumstances, or behaviors that provoke you to become angry. There are two strategies for controlling your anger: immediate and preventative strategies. Dr. D’Arienzo also offers two online Anger Management Courses for more strategies and information. Click here to read more on controlling and breaking your anger!

Read More