Dr. Joti Samra, R. Psych. Organizational & Media Consultant

The question: Can you explain male psychology to me? This always happens: I date a guy for a month or so, we sleep together, and things change. I feel powerless, and it soon falls apart. Do I need to get him to commit before we sleep together? What’s the deal?   The answer: Yikes – [...]

The question: I love being single, every day of the year except Valentine’s Day. For 24 hours I feel like I need another person in my life. It’s an awful feeling. What do you recommend I do to avoid this? I can’t do another ‘single’s party’ or first date. It all seems so fake.   [...]

The question:   My father-in-law suffers from depression. He admits this but he hates what he calls the “medical model”, including psychologists, and refuses to see a professional. Is there any way to help him with his depression?   The answer: Although as a society we are gradually improving in our awareness and understanding of [...]

The question: I had a service for my miscarried baby. My family members think that is unacceptable. What’s your take?   The answer: I am sorry to hear that individuals who at this time should be supportive to you are either implicitly or explicitly conveying disapproval with the way you have chosen to cope with [...]

The question: The woman I love is a hoarder. She refuses to even talk about it – we always spend time together at my house and go out, but just bringing up the subject is too much for her. Do I have to leave this relationship?   If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing [...]

The question: I just had a baby and despite support from my husband and family, I feel completely overwhelmed. My doctor says these “baby blues” are normal. Are they?   The answer: Having a baby falls at the top of the list when it comes to major life stressors, and feeling completely overwhelmed after the [...]

The question: I’ve already failed at my New Year’s resolution (to lose weight – I’ve caved to my dessert addiction and gained a pound since January 1). I can’t stop kicking myself and feel like I will never be able to stop gaining. What can I do psychologically to help my willpower?   The answer: [...]

The question: I’ve been a very casual smoker for about 10 years – but I only do it around my friends who smoke. This ends up being about 3 cigarettes a week. There’s something about my friends smoking that triggers a mental response for me to join them. What mental strategies can I use to [...]

The question: I hate giving and receiving gifts. It seems so materialistic to me – but everyone around me seems to just love it at this time of year. Is there something wrong with me? How can I mentally get behind the idea of gift giving?   The answer: Christmas has become an increasingly commercialized [...]

The question: My 12-year-old still believes in Santa. It’s embarrassing, but he’s still so hopeful and it’s endearing. I feel responsible. How do I tell him without crushing his spirit?   The answer: The short answer? Tell him the truth. The longer answer is that, for me, one of the most amazing things about children [...]