D'Arienzo Psychology Blog

Armed Security Psychological Evaluations: MMPI Testing, Suitability & Lessons From GSX 2026

GSX 2026 Atlanta, Georgia, Invited Speaker Dr. Justin D'Arienzo Setting a Standard for Armed Security Psychological Evaluations

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

GSX 2026 speaker Dr. Justin D’Arienzo examines how armed security psychological evaluations can move beyond minimum compliance by integrating MMPI testing, psychological interviews, job demands, stability, and occupational suitability.

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How do I co-parent with a high-conflict ex?

High conflict parenting course that is court certified

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

Co-parenting with a high-conflict ex can feel exhausting and unpredictable. Clear schedules, structured communication, defined boundaries, and keeping children out of adult disputes can reduce conflict and create a more stable environment for your family. The parenting-plan guidance you provided emphasizes exact schedules, limited direct contact when needed, clear decision-making, and avoiding using children as messengers.

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From Alumni to Invited Speaker: Bringing Evidence Based Psychology Back to the Jim Moran Institute. Burnout to Bandwidth.

Dr. D'Arienzo the entrepreneur's psychologist

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

After being an Executive Vistage member for three years, in 2022, I participated in and graduated from FSU’s Jim Moran Institute’s Global Entrepreneurship program (Jacksonville, Florida), an experience that meaningfully influenced how I operate and continued to grow my psychological firm. In January 2026, I returned to JMI not as a student, but as a presenter to deliver “Burnout to Bandwidth: Evidence-Based Psychology for Entrepreneurs and Executives.” Mental performance is not a luxury for leaders. It is vital for us to both survive and prosper. Entrepreneurs and executives operate under sustained cognitive load, high uncertainty, and constant decision pressure. Research consistently shows that business owners experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, burnout, and role overload than the general population, and unmanaged stress directly impairs judgment, innovation, leadership presence, and employee retention.

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Government & Public Safety Psychological Evaluations

Navy Psychologist Dr. Justin D'Arienzo

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

D’Arienzo Psychology and PsychFit Systems provide scalable psychological evaluations for law enforcement, armed security, government agencies and other high-risk public-safety positions nationwide.

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Why ‘How Not To F*ck Up Your Life’ Should Be Your Next Relationship Manual

How Not to F*uck Up Your Life

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

  Why ‘How Not To F*ck Up Your Life’ Should Be Your Next Relationship Manual “How Not To F*ck Up Your Life: The Art and Science of Finding the Right Partner—and Being the Right Partner—to Create a Lasting Happy Relationship” by Dr. Justin A. D’Arienzo is a comprehensive guide on forming and sustaining successful relationships. […]

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Texas Level 3 CSO MMPI Testing and Psychological Evaluations

Navy Psychologist Dr. Justin D'Arienzo

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

Texas MMPI testing for Level III Commissioned Security Officers and Level IV Personal Protection Officers. Learn about the DPS requirement, PSP-13 form, virtual testing and psychological evaluations with Dr. Justin D’Arienzo.

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Best Practices in Psychological Testing for Armed Security Personnel

Psychological testing security expert

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

Insights from a Leader in Security Psychological Testing
Dr. Justin D’Arienzo presented best practices in psychological testing for armed security at Blue Cross/Blue Shield and GuideWell’s Corporate Security Leadership Conference. Alongside Rob O’Neill, Dr. D’Arienzo emphasized the importance of evidence-based evaluations for selecting top security personnel, sharing experiences with high-stakes clients like the Florida Highway Patrol and VA Police Officers.

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5 Tips for Effective Communication

High Conflict rules

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….

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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.

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Overcoming Traumatic Memories

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

Overcoming Traumatic Memories January 12, 2021 Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have received increasing attention in recent years. Trauma occurs when one is exposed to a distressing event. Individuals who have experienced a traumatic event can often have troubling and distressing symptoms – resulting in the diagnosis of PTSD. These symptoms can include […]

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