D'Arienzo Psychology Blog

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

What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

adverse childhood experiences

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

I (Dr. D’Arienzo) was recently involved as a defense expert (Forensic Psychologist) in a U.S. Military case regarding mitigation for a court-martial sentencing hearing. I assisted the defense by testifying about how the accussed had been impacted by a series of ACEs that created a chronic stress condition which impacted his decision making as a young adult. At the same time, I also explored how some of these experiences, with the right future environment, also led to resilient character traits that improved his rehabilitative potential. Generally, we know from the literature that having four or more ACEs is associated with deleterious mental and physical problems, criminalistic behaviors, as well as a shortend lifespan; while at the same time, for some people, these experiences lead to a toughing that is not always negative. The most commonnly researched Adverse Childhood Experiences are:

Read More

Signs Someone is Cheating

Infidelity and Online Couples Therapy Program

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

What is parenting coordination?

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

  What is Parenting Coordination? Parenting Coordination is a child-focused alternative dispute resolution process that helps parents resolve conflicts related to parenting plans, custody, and visitation arrangements. It involves a trained professional, usually a licensed mental health professional or attorney, who acts as a neutral third-party to assist parents in making decisions regarding their children. […]

Read More

What Is Divorce Coaching?

Posted by: erica

  You have tried everything you can, but your marriage has reached a level of toxicity that can no longer be handled. The questions going into the process of divorce are numerous and never ending as you start to consider it as an effective option. Divorce has the potential to be a difficult and lonely […]

Read More

Models and Stages of Divorce

Psychological consent for children

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

Divorce shares very similar patters of grief when losing a loved one to death. With the help of Kubler Ross, Paul Bohannan, and Stanley Hagemeyer, a collection of divorce phases has been created to move you through the emotional processes of divorce. Though every divorce is unique, these models lead to a divorcing persons transformation from their married to new independent self. Dr. D’Arienzo, after working with thousands of divorcing and divorced individuals, is able to get you to the point of being adaptable to the single life, independent, and self-supportive. Take one of our divorce courses or high conflict courses to improve your coparenting relationship.

Read More

Alcohol Induced Blackouts and Confabulated Memory

Forensic Psychology and Legal Services, Jacksonville, Florida

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

Alcohol-induced blackouts are a common occurrence in the criminal justice system. The inability of a defendant to remember their actions while under the influence of alcohol poses a problem for the court.

Read More

Establishing Limits on Kids Technology Use

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

Establishing Limits on Kids Technology Use March 9, 2022 Why is establishing limits on kids technology use so important?! Well, kids little brains are more susceptible to social influence than adults. Starting around the age of 10 to 12, children’s brains undergo a major shift that causes them to seek social rewards – which means […]

Read More

The Eye of the Storm

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

The Eye of the Storm January 26, 2022 A few weeks ago, I was in the kitchen and my daughter Julia – who is in the eleventh grade – entered and she was on the verge of tears. She said “Dad, I’m so overwhelmed about exams. I have so much to study and I think […]

Read More

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 […]

Read More