Personal Life Issues

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?

Jane Is Suspicious Of Others

Dr. Dale Archer — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Jane's past is riddled with pain, sorrow and backstabbing. Still, she considers herself positive, friendly and loyal -- on the surface.

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.

Linell Lost It All In A Ponzi Scheme

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Linell was married to a successful physician. He died and left her with enough money for a secure future for their daughter and herself. Their financial adviser of 7 years, however, persuaded her to invest in what she now knows was a ponzi scheme, and she lost it all. Everything.

Angie Is Consumed By Her Life

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Angie is retired, and lived a life of neglect and abuse from her mother, but love from her father. They're both deceased now, but to this day she still nurses that anger toward mom. She's in ill health with no insurance, and her antidepressants aren't helping.

Vaish's Mother Is Angry, Angry, Angry!

Dr. Dale Archer — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Vaish's father is an abused husband who lives in another country, far away from his wife's wrath. Her husband is away for a month, and wanted her to stay with her mom. It's only been two days, and she's already been subjected to screaming outbursts and has even gotten scratched.

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.

Edward Sees Images In His Range Of Vision And Cannot Stop Crying

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 06:00:00 GMT

Edward has been seeing slivers of other images within his field of vision. This is really starting to bother him, especially when he is driving. Also, he cries over anything.

Jan Gives An Important Lesson Regarding Forgiveness

Dr. Dale Archer — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Jan wrote to me a year ago regarding unresolved trust issues due to a childhood incident. During the past year, she has learned a priceless lesson on the value and importance of forgiveness -- not for the perpetrator, but for herself.

Barbara's Mother-In-Law Is Spreading Lies

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Barbara's mother-in-law is making her life miserable. She spreads rumors about her to others via Facebook, refuses to acknowledge her new baby -- saying she will NEVER love him -- because she doesn't approve of his name, and when she takes their older boy for a few days, he is returned with a bad sunburn, cuts and bruises. She and her husband have now moved away due to this, but the in-law continues to relentlessly spread lies about her and the family on Facebook.

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.

Jerome's Father Accuses His Mother Of Pursuing Other Men

Dr. Dale Archer — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Jerome is 18 and very concerned about his mom and his family. His dad keeps accusing his mother of looking at and talking to other men. He is relentless, even when the children can prove him wrong. He is wearing her down, and now the children are afraid their parents will split up. He wants to know how to fix his parents relationship.

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.

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?

Cathy Can't Get Over The Death Of Her Husband

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Cathy's 47 year old husband died shortly after their horrific car accident. It's been a year and a half, but she is still feeling the survivor's guilt. When she does manage to have a fun day, she feels guilty that he's not there to share it with her. She is seeing a psychiatrist and social worker, but doesn't feel like she's making any progress. Do you have thoughts to share with her?

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?

Joshua Has No Confidence

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Joshua isn't as confident as he'd like to be. He can't speak in front of large groups without feeling nervous. He met a woman online, but she wants her space. He wonders if he should play sports again and wonders if he should transfer to another school. He just isn't sure of anything. Thoughts?

Taz Can't Stop Talking

Dr. Dale Archer — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Taz talks too much, but can't seem to stop. Not wanting to lose his friends, he asks how he can stop himself from talking too much. Do you know someone who talks incessantly? What would you tell them?

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?

Andrea Is Tired Of Sacrificing With No End In Sight

Dr. Dale Archer — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Andrea is a 36 year old educated professional Italian man who has hit hard times. He cannot find work in his country or Germany and is terrified as to what tomorrow may bring. He has a girlfriend and wants to start a family, but how can he as things are in these troubled times? He asks how to find happiness in life when things are so difficult and uncertain. I think many of us feel this way, how about you?