D'Arienzo Psychology Blog

Role of Psychological Testing for Armed Personal Protection Officers

Psychological testing security expert

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

In a world marked by increasing security concerns and ever-evolving threats, and a reduction of a profession police force, the role of armed personal protection officers (PPOs) and other armed security professionals has gained unprecedented significance. These professionals are entrusted with the safety and security of individuals, often in high-risk situations. To ensure the effectiveness and reliability of PPOs, psychological testing has emerged as an essential tool. The Complex Demands of Armed Personal Protection: Armed personal protection officers are tasked with safeguarding the lives of their clients, often under intense pressure. Their roles encompass not only physical prowess but also intricate decision-making, conflict resolution, and emotional stability. The consequences of their actions, both in terms of safety and legal implications, are far-reaching. To fulfill these responsibilities, candidates must possess not only the necessary physical skills but also strong psychological traits.

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Performance and Sports Psychology for Tennis

sport psychologist tennis

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

Performance and Sports Psychology for Tennis In September 2023, I had the pleasure of working with the Eagle Harbor Tennis Club to discuss psychological factors that improve peformance. We learned to live and play in the “eye of the storm”. Areas addressed were relaxation and arousal control, proper self-talk, effective visualization, goal setting, concentration and […]

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Preventing School Shootings

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

Psychological testing security expert

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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