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

The question: Our son, who was an excellent student and athlete, suddenly dropped out of university and left his summer job in order to pursue a relationship with a woman. He says he is not interested in various possibilities, and that he needs to figure out what to do in life. What should we do? [...]

The question: My dad got laid off from work almost a year ago. He says he’s been looking for a job, but all he seems to do is play on the computer with my mom for upwards of 15 hours a day. I’m more stressed about their retirement than they are. I’m scared they’re relying [...]

The question: My husband has always been short-tempered, but he has become increasingly angry over the past few months. He takes it out on our pre-teen children – he has never gotten physical and does not swear or get otherwise verbally abusive. But he gets easily annoyed and frustrated, and will raise his voice and [...]

The question: I’m afraid of swallowing pills. The size and shape of the pills makes no difference; I either crush pills into food or some other suspension, or avoid taking them altogether. The avoidance strategies I have tended to use are getting harder to manage as I get older. What can I do?   The [...]

The question: My sister–in–law lost her 24 year old daughter to a tragic accident two years ago. She and her husband have had some professional help in coping but she seems unable to resume her life. I know this must be the most unimaginable loss and there is no getting over it. She sent out [...]

The question: I have recently started checking and rechecking certain things, such as making sure that I’ve turned off the stove or locked the door, sometimes four or five times. Is this normal? The answer: Virtually all behaviours – obsessive and compulsive behaviours included – exist on a continuum of severity level, and most people [...]

The question: I manage a team of about 10. One member of the team likes to dominate the conversation during meetings to the point that I can’t hear what others have to say. I suspect this person is insecure in some way.Do you have any tips on how I can get them to quiet down [...]

The question: I’m a successful woman in my early 30s, with a great career, close family and friends. After two very serious long-term relationships, I’ve been single for the last 2 years. After a few dates with any new prospect, I inevitably find flaws and call it quits. Is it okay to be picky? How [...]

The question: I think it’s time for my 80-year-old mother to go into a nursing home in the next year or two. She is still healthy but not as strong as she once was. How can I broach this subject with her and prepare her? The answer: Speaking to a parent about transitioning to a [...]

The question: My mother criticizes my weight every time I see her. I am overweight, but am well aware. Her comments do not help! How can I deal with her? The answer: Our relationship with our mother can be one of the most complex bonds we have. When the relationship is strong, positive and loving [...]