Personal Life Issues

Unemployed, Ladyhawk Feels Like A Failure

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:00:00 GMT

"Ladyhawk" received a master's degree in management, got married, moved to a new city, got pregnant and three years later still cannot find a job. Her husband and in-laws are no longer supportive of her and want her to get a job -- NOW.

Lori Needs A New Career For Her Anxiety And Histrionic Traits

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Lori was a school counselor for ten years, and hated every minute of it. Now she asks my advice for career opportunities for a hyper alert, dramatic person. I gave my answer. Does your career suit your strong traits?

Linda Wants Her Traits To Work For Her And Asks How?

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 31 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Linda is divorced and works part time. She hates her job and is trying to find something else, but so far no luck. She's creative, but thinks people view her as weird and ugly. She wants to put her creativity to work for her, but how? She doesn't like to deal with people because she thinks they don't like the way she looks. I give her my thoughts; what are yours?

Lisa Questions Her Traits And Addiction

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 23 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Lisa grew up in a dysfunctional home where mom and dad hated each other, and they only shared one meal each year, where mom would just about throw the turkey at dad. She has an adventurous spirt, hence her job as an international flight attendant. She wonders if she's an alcoholic, wonders why she's a multitasker, why she prefers younger men and why her life is so disorganized. She wonders if she needs to return to AA, return to basics or just slow her life down. Thoughts?

Naved Has Lost His Confidence

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 12 May 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Naved used to fight boys bigger and stronger than him and never lost a fight. Then he fought a boy weaker than him, and lost. He lost all of his confidence, and years later he still cannot find his confidence. Although this helped curb his aggression, he'd like to be confident again, so asks what he can do. Thoughts?

Bob Is Alienating His Friends And Doesn't Know Why

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Bob is a 79 year old man in good health. Suddenly, he is being asked to resign from many of his social groups that he has belonged to, some for years! Without giving particulars, he asks what could be wrong, what's he doing to alienate all these people. Many people have what I call a blind spot, where they don't see themselves for who they really are. How can he correct this?

Undiagnosed Addison's Disease Almost Killed Elliot

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Elliot is 20 and has been sick for over two years. First he dropped out of school, was diagnosed with depression and prescribed meds and then went to work. He had to quit before he was fired, and his doctor prescribed even more antidepressants.

HS's Husband Is Cheating His Drug Tests

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 06:00:00 GMT

HS and her husband are going through a bitter divorce. He smokes marijuana and she doesn't. He used to blow pot smoke in her face while she slept to get her high.

Marion Shares His Two Books

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Marion has written his life's story in his book. Think lessons can be learned from other's experiences?

Rajendra's Stuttering Is Preventing A Dream Job

Dr. Dale Archer — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Rajendra recently earned a degree in software engineering. He has excellent credentials, and even though he's been interviewed by top software companies, he has been rejected for his stammering problem. He doesn't stammer in his native Hindi tongue -- it's only when he speaks English.

Al Wants To Know The Key To Finding Happiness

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Al struggles with happiness. He's a successful orthodontist, has a lovely family, lives in a beautiful home, tries different hobbies whenever he pleases..... yet happiness eludes him.

John Has Lost It All And Doesn't Know How To Go On

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT

John overcame incredible odds, and was on his own at 12. Ultimately, he owned his own company and had 40 employees. Then the economy crashed and at 61, he finds himself in a precarious situation. He lost his business and is fighting to keep his home.

29 And Laid Off, Gaurav Lives With His Parents And Needs A Job

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Gaurav finds himself in a position he was not expecting. He's 29, and lost his job six months ago, with no new job in sight. He's depressed, as he must live with his parents.

Mark Compares 'Belbin Team Roles' To 'Better Than Normal'

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Mark compares Europe's 'Belbin Team Roles', which uses individual strengths in the workplace, to my 'Better Than Normal', which uses individual personality traits to better individual lives.

Nina Is On Her Way To Becoming A Psych NP

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Nina is a nurse studying to become a Psych NP. She's the married mother of two, but hasn't been happy for the last couple of years. In a nutshell, she's networking to learn more about her passion -- medicine.

Patricia Tries To Be Like The Popular Girls

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Patricia wants to be like the popular girls. She imitates the way they talk, dress, fix their hair, and yet feels people still don't like her. She is married, but is not sure if she's really happy. Life is passing her by, and asks how she can make friends and ultimately, be happy....and popular.

Ann Is Breaking Under The Stress Of Med School

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Ann is in her fourth year of medical school. She is stressed out, angry, hates the friends she has and is sure people don't want her to succeed. Nothing concerns her except med school and studying. She hates her sister, who is 22 and also in med school. She states her sister is always putting her down, but that since she has a "disease" everyone takes her side. She's angry at everything, but mostly that all she does is study and work and she wonders if this will be forever.

Kesay Wants To Be In Control Of His Life

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Kesay is 32 and has plenty of ideas going through his head -- he just can't concentrate enough to make them happen. His English isn't as good as he'd like, and he has trouble getting his ideas across to his co-workers and superiors. He knows if he could learn better English his whole life -- personal and professional -- would be better, but when he gets home from work, he is too tired to study.

Lisha Doesn't Trust Herself To Find A Healthy Relationship

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Lisha is 46 and a mother of three. Successful yet confused, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had moments of intense energy and racing thoughts followed by bouts of depression. She's been in unhealthy relationships and now questions her judgment of the men she chooses. What do you think -- is there a way to make better life decisions when one has a mood disorder? Can medication allow a person to think more clearly or does it make that part worse?Everything else is good, she just wants better boyfriends.

Sali Asks Why A Married Guy Constantly Puts Down His Female Coworker

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Sali knows a married man who treats a woman he works with in a way that Sali has a problem with. She thinks this makes the other woman feel inferior and embarrassed. But, she states that he only treats her this way when others are around; when the two are alone he ignores her. She doesn't indicate how she knows either the man or the woman. Her question to me is why is he so inconsistent and hot and cold toward this other woman. What the heck is going on in this interesting scenario? Can you guess?

Is This School Principal Really Possessed By The Devil?

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Frustrated Teacher is convinced her school principal is possessed by the devil. She yells at teachers, children and parents alike. She berates teachers for even the smallest problem in front of others and seems to pride herself in intimidating everyone. She asks if this is caused by a psychiatric illness or is she just an unhappy person or could she really be possessed by a devil? Finally she asks how to deal with someone like this. Thoughts?

Madeleine's Mother Disapproves Of Her Boyfriend

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Madeleine is 26 years old and is dating for the first time. She has always lived with her parents and grandparents and has always been obedient. Her mother disapproves of her boyfriend. Says he's ugly, lazy and cannot provide for her. Her mother, while caring for her father after his stroke, has emotionally blackmailed her, saying if she moves out it will kill her grandpa. She wants to move out, but neither she nor her boyfriend work, as he is supported by his own mother. How does your solution compare to mine?

Lanay's Doctors Cannot Control Her Pain

Dr. Dale Archer — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Lanay has been suffering from back pain for 20 years. She doesn't have health insurance, and the county medical doctors are not helping her find relief. Looking online, she discovered she needs injections, but her doctor says there's no such procedure. She asks me what she should do and where to turn. I give her my thoughts. Do you have something to add?

Meem Wants To Be An Engineer; His Parents Say Doctor

Dr. Dale Archer — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Meem is a 19 year old man who has always dreamed of becoming an engineer. However, on his boards he didn't quite make the grade for engineering school at his university, so he has to wait a year before retesting. His parents, however, insist he give up this "stupid" idea of becoming an engineer and enroll in pre-med to become a doctor. He asks if he should do as his parents say or follow his dream?

At 50, Marie Still Hasn't Found Her Life's Calling

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Marie just finished reading my book, 'Better Than Normal' and shares that after raising her children and turning 50, she still hasn't found the job that she enjoys and makes her feel complete. She asks for help. Thoughts?