D'Arienzo Psychology Blog

LoveFest 30 Day Relationship Challenge

Famous Tiktok Psychologist

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

Summer LoveFest 30-Day Relationship Challenge As seen on TikTok @dr.justindarienzo I can help you improve your relationship by taking our Summer Lovefest 30-day Relationship Challenge. It’s free, and all you have to do is be bold and participate every day. I will give you one challenge based on the psychological science to do as a couple for the next 30 days that will absolutely improve your relationship if you stick with the program. There will be a new activity that should be maintained every day as best you can. If you reading this now, it starts today for you. Be bold and comment every day on the corresponding TikTok video once you’ve successfully completed the challenge. If you are feeling extra bold post a picture of you and your partner completing the challenge and tag me for a chance to be reshared on my page. My wife and I are going to be sharing [email protected] Be bold & send this to your partner!!! #fyp #fypシ #psychologist #psychologistoftiktok #psychologistsoftiktok #relationships #relationshipadvice #dating #datingadvice #marriage #marriageadvice #couples #couplestherapy #tipsandtricks #funfacts #evolutionarypsychology #improveyourrelationship #lovefest #30days #bold #confidence ♬ Forever – Labrinth

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Do we need premarital counseling?

Couples Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida at D'Arienzo Psychological Group

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

As our world evolves with technology, more couples are gravitating towards online premarital counseling as an accessible, effective way to prepare for marriage (Stewart et al., 2020). This modern approach to counseling is not only convenient but can also help couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and set realistic expectations for marriage. However, how do you determine if online premarital counseling is right for you? First, it’s crucial to understand that premarital counseling is not a sign of weak relationships or a premonition of future issues. On the contrary, engaging in premarital counseling is an indicator of a healthy relationship. Studies show that couples who participate in premarital counseling are 31% less likely to divorce (Rhoades & Stanley, 2014). One of the telltale signs that you might need premarital counseling is recurring unresolved disputes. According to a study by Johnson et al. (2019), communication problems are among the most common causes of dissatisfaction in marriages. If you find yourselves frequently arguing over the same issues, this could be an indicator that it’s time to seek external help.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Explained

DPG Psychotherapy and Counseling Room 1 View 2

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

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Florida Psychologists Gain PsyPACT

PsyPACT Psychologist

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

Dr. D’Arienzo was intimately involved with PsyPACT legislation this year (2023). In early spring, he was fortunate to meet with Florida Senator Traci Davis, and Florida House Representatives Clay Yarborough, Wyman Duggan, and Sam Garrison to discuss the importance of passing PsyPACT and they did! In fact, it had unanimous support in the Senate and House!!!
Dr. D’Arienzo is already an approved PsyPACT Psychologist through Texas; however, he will be switching his PsyPACT state to Florida on July 1, 2023. PsyPACT: How FPA got it Across the Finish Line An  effort that began in 2018 is now reality. Many of you may be wondering “what took so long?” To help with that understanding, I want to share with you what the process entails: Finding the right House and Senate sponsors- these are legislators who have the desire, ability, and power to get things done- and hopefully aren’t term limited before you get your legislation passed.
Gaining the support of House and Senate leadership- this includes six committee chairs and the leaders of the House and Senate (which all change every 2 years) and the Governor. Assuring the legislation: (1) is drafted identically in the House and Senate: (2) follows the model language required by PsyPACT; and (3) has language that remains consistent in the House and Senate versions. Educating legislators and the Governor’s office on why PsyPACT is important for patient care continuity and how Florida standards are maintained Shepherding the bill through three House Committees and three Senate committees in a 2-month session. This requires constant contact with the Chairs of each of these committees.

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Benefits of Taking an Online Premarital Preparation Course

Florida Marriage Course

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

Getting married is a big decision, and it’s important to be prepared for the challenges and joys that come with it. An online premarital preparation course can help you and your partner build a strong foundation for your marriage. Here are some of the benefits of taking an online premarital preparation course: Flexibility: Online courses can be completed at your own pace, from the comfort of your own home. This can be especially helpful if you have busy schedules or live in a rural area. Cost-effectiveness: Online courses are typically much more affordable than traditional in-person courses.
Convenience: Online courses can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This means you can take the course from home, work, or even on vacation.
Privacy: Online courses offer a safe and confidential space for couples to discuss personal topics.
Quality: Online courses are often taught by experienced professionals like psychologists who are experts in marriage and family counseling.
If you’re thinking about getting married, an online premarital preparation course is a great way to start your journey to a happy and healthy marriage.
Here are some of the topics that are typically covered in an online premarital preparation course: Communication: Effective communication is essential for any successful relationship. In an online premarital preparation course, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively with your partner, both verbally and non-verbally. Conflict resolution: Conflict is a normal part of any relationship. In an online premarital preparation course, you’ll learn how to resolve conflict in a healthy and productive way. Finances: Money is a major source of stress for many couples….

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The Gottman Approach to Couples Therapy

Gottman Method

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.

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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

On May 1, 2023, I had the pleasure of presenting about Best Pratices in Psychological Testing for Armed Security Personnel at Blue Cross/Blue Shield and GuideWell’s Corporate Security Leadership Conference along with several other esteemed professionals. I was fortunate to meet Rob O’Neill, the Navy SEAL who removed Osama Bin Laden. He gave a fantastic Keynote to boot. He was a tough act to follow!
I spent my time meeting corporate security officers from around the country and presented about the importance of using psychological testing and evaluations backed by scientific evidence to properly select security personnel and executive protection officers. I provided information regarding both testing-in and testing-out the right candidates for hire. I also shared my experiences conducting these evaluations with the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Blue’s executive protection staff, Texas PPO’s, New Mexico’s Level III professionals, the Alaska State Capital, Federal and DOD armed contractors, VA Police Officers, and Florida G-License Temp holders. Additionally, I shared about my Navy Operational experiences as well conducting security clearance and psychological fitness and suitability evaluations regarding the protection of information, specialized jobs, and armed personnel.

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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 […]

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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….

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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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