D'Arienzo Psychology Blog

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Explained

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

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the way people think and behave. It is one of the most widely used forms of psychotherapy in the world, and it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. What is CBT? CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected. In other words, the way we think about things can have a big impact on how we feel and how we behave. CBT helps people to identify negative or unhelpful thinking patterns, and to learn how to challenge these patterns and replace them with more helpful ones. How does CBT work? CBT is typically conducted over a series of weekly or biweekly sessions. In each session, the therapist will work with the client to identify specific problems that they are facing, and to develop a plan for addressing these problems. The plan may include a variety of techniques, such as: Cognitive restructuring: This involves identifying and challenging negative or unhelpful thoughts. Behavioral experiments: This involves testing out new behaviors in order to see if they lead to more positive outcomes. Exposure therapy: This involves gradually exposing people to situations that they find anxiety-provoking, in order to help them overcome their fear. What are the benefits of CBT?
CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including: Depression, Anxiety disorders, Eating disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Substance abuse, Chronic pain, and Insomnia

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

Effective Methods of Communication for Couples

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

Effective Methods of Communication for Couples Updated 2023–Effective Methods of Communication for Couples was written by future Industrial Organizational Psychologist, Brandon Araujo, for the D’Arienzo Psychology in September 2014. D’Arienzo Psychological Group is a Jacksonville, Florida based Clinical, Forensic, and Industrial Psychology Practice.  One of our specialties is couples counseling and marital therapy, and we […]

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