
About this season
Using the power of television. European-American, Dr. Phil McGraw presents compelling stories about real people with a variety of emotional and behavioral problems, stripping away the shame and embarrassment that too often keep people from seeking help. It’s a show that is suppose to help people with their problems and to find a solution on live TV .
Episodes (252)
1. Brat Ban
Aired 12 September 2011 • 60 min
2. Cindy and George Anthony: The Interview
Aired 13 September 2011 • 60 min
3. The Anthonys: The Revelations
Aired 14 September 2011 • 60 min
4. Ted Williams: The Apology
Aired 15 September 2011 • 60 min
5. Sugar Baby Students
Aired 16 September 2011 • 60 min
6. The Trial: The Truth
Aired 19 September 2011 • 60 min
7. Levi Johnston: Thrust Into the Spotlight
Aired 20 September 2011 • 60 min
8. The Cost of Beauty
Aired 21 September 2011 • 60 min
9. Taylor Armstrong One on One
Aired 22 September 2011 • 60 min
10. Overweight or Underfed
Aired 23 September 2011 • 60 min
11. Love Times Three
Aired 26 September 2011 • 60 min
12. Prophet or Pedophile?
Aired 27 September 2011 • 60 min
13. Inside the FLDS
Aired 28 September 2011 • 60 min
14. Baby after Breakup
Aired 29 September 2011 • 60 min
15. Who's to Blame?
Aired 30 September 2011 • 60 min
16. Radical Parenting
Aired 3 October 2011 • 60 min
17. Is My Teen Blinded by Love?
Aired 4 October 2011 • 60 min
18. Life in the Fast Lane
Aired 5 October 2011 • 60 min
20. Going to Extremes
Aired 7 October 2011 • 60 min
21. What Really Happened?
Aired 10 October 2011 • 60 min
22. Missing for a Decade: A Girl Held Captive
Aired 11 October 2011 • 60 min
23. Missing for a Decade: The Girl Escapes
Aired 12 October 2011 • 60 min
24. Guns N' Roses & Second Chances
Aired 13 October 2011 • 60 min
25. Lisa Ling Investigates: The Secret World of Amateur Adult Video
Aired 14 October 2011 • 60 min
26. Dr. Phil and Robin: Dancing with the Stars
Aired 17 October 2011 • 60 min
27. Bullying: The Power to Protect Your Child
Aired 18 October 2011 • 60 min
28. Our Teen is Tearing the Family Apart
Aired 19 October 2011 • 60 min
29. Grandmas Feud over Becca's Baby
Aired 20 October 2011 • 60 min
30. Twins Search for Twins
Aired 21 October 2011 • 60 min
31. Majoring in Failure?
Aired 24 October 2011 • 60 min
32. Won't Do "I Do" Until ...
Aired 25 October 2011 • 60 min
33. Shaming the Family Name
Aired 26 October 2011 • 60 min
34. Exes Behaving Badly
Aired 27 October 2011 • 60 min
35. Pageant Mom and Daughter Compete
Aired 28 October 2011 • 60 min
36. House of Horrors and Other Shocking Headlines
Aired 31 October 2011 • 60 min
37. Monster In-Laws
Aired 1 November 2011 • 60 min
38. A Family Secret: A Brother's Apology
Aired 2 November 2011 • 60 min
39. Affairs, Lies and Audiotape
Aired 3 November 2011 • 60 min
40. Parents Caught Crossing the Line?
Aired 4 November 2011 • 60 min
41. Dr. Phil Family: Alexandra's Admissions
Aired 7 November 2011 • 60 min
42. Love Triangle
Aired 8 November 2011 • 60 min
43. Discipline Video: A Daughter's New Accusations against the Judge
Aired 9 November 2011 • 60 min
44. A Father Accused: Who's Telling the Truth?
Aired 10 November 2011 • 60 min
45. Dr. Phil's Twin-Tacular with Adam Sandler
Aired 11 November 2011 • 60 min
46. The Mysterious Death of Rebecca Zahau
Aired 14 November 2011 • 60 min
47. Rebecca Zahau: The New Autopsy Results Revealed
Aired 15 November 2011 • 60 min
48. Imperfect Justice?
Aired 16 November 2011 • 60 min
49. A New Dr Phil Series: Marriage Meltdown
Aired 17 November 2011 • 60 min
50. Penn State Scandal: Parents Beware
Aired 18 November 2011 • 60 min
51. Marriage Meltdown, Part 2
Aired 21 November 2011 • 60 min
52. Most Outrageous Monster In-Law Returns
Aired 22 November 2011 • 60 min
53. Heaviest Woman on Record
Aired 23 November 2011 • 60 min
54. Twins Search for Twins
Aired 24 November 2011 • 60 min
55. Have a Little Faith
Aired 25 November 2011 • 60 min
56. Happy, Healthy and Hot for the Holidays
Aired 28 November 2011 • 60 min
57. Marriage Meltdown, Part 3
Aired 29 November 2011 • 60 min
58. Desperately Seeking Attention
Aired 30 November 2011 • 60 min
59. Anger Intervention
Aired 1 December 2011 • 60 min
60. Chore Wars
Aired 2 December 2011 • 60 min
61. Sibling Rivalry and Abuse
Aired 5 December 2011 • 60 min
62. Get Divorced or Get Even
Aired 6 December 2011 • 60 min
63. Generation Lazy?
Aired 7 December 2011 • 60 min
64. Plastic Disaster
Aired 8 December 2011 • 60 min
65. Murder of a Preacher's Wife
Aired 9 December 2011 • 60 min
66. Innocence Robbed: A Horrific Story of Abuse
Aired 12 December 2011 • 60 min
A woman tells of learning that her husband had been sexually abusing their three daughters for years; warning signs
67. Cost of Living
Aired 13 December 2011 • 60 min
Imagine a life where every day you have to ask yourself, where is my family’s next meal going to come from, and how am I going to keep a roof over our heads? For one in six Americans, that is a reality. They are your neighbors, your friends, your children’s classmates; more people than you think are struggling to put food on the table.
68. Saving Daniella
Aired 14 December 2011 • 60 min
Terri and Bob are desperate to save their 17-year-old daughter, Daniella, from her self-destructive behavior. Daniella says she’s struggling with her sexual identity and fears her parents won’t accept her choices. Can Dr. Phil help this teen find the reception she’s seeking?
69. Comics Tell All
Aired 15 December 2011 • 60 min
Is laughter really the best medicine? Dr. Phil sits down with legendary comedians Darrell Hammond and Chris Titus to talk about how humor has helped them heal and move beyond their painful pasts. Learn how to laugh, live and love your life again!
70. Grudges, Gripes and Grievances
Aired 16 December 2011 • 60 min
Nikki says she is happily married to her husband, Rob, but her mother, Pat, won't accept him. And, 40 years of resentment reached a boiling point between two football greats one month ago, and fists — and canes — were thrown! Plus, Linda says her husband, Paul, spends ten hours a day on Facebook chatting with scantily-clad women! Can Dr. Phil mend these relationships in time for the holidays?
71. Second Chances
Aired 19 December 2011 • 60 min
Have you ever dreamt of getting a second chance in life? Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter was just 12 years old when he shot to worldwide fame, but behind the bright lights, he says he was rapidly spiraling out of control. Nick opens up to Dr. Phil about the life-threatening medical diagnosis that finally forced him to transform his life. And, learn of a chance encounter between two unlikely friends that changed both of their lives forever.
72. Happy, Healthy and Hot for the Holidays
Aired 20 December 2011 • 60 min
Trying to beat the bulge this holiday season? Cortney says she and her boyfriend, Travis, are in relationship “pork-a-tory” because she gained 50 pounds and refuses to get married until she loses the weight. She says she's failed at every diet she's tried, but Travis says she makes a lot of excuses. He says he tries to encourage her, but Cortney says his 20 calls a day to remind her to go to the gym are not helping. How can she finally slim down for good and walk down the aisle with confidence? And, Rhenotha weighs 330 pounds and says she's ready to feel healthy. Will she accept the help that's offered? Plus, learn the four stages of readiness a person must confront before they are ready to make a major life change. Whether you’re looking to lose 10 pounds -- or 100 pounds -- this is a show you can’t afford to miss!
73. Life in the Fast Lane
Aired 21 December 2011 • 60 min
From the outside, Mark and Karen seem to have the perfect all-American family, including a gorgeous home and three beautiful children. But on the inside, they say their world is crumbling as their 26-year-old daughter, Lane, a stunning former cheerleader, sinks further into the world of drug addiction, and her family struggles to save her and the child they say she's neglecting. Feeling hopeless and desperate, Lane’s sister, 28-year-old Malissa, wrote Dr. Phil for help. Her brother, Chase, says Lane will disappear for days at a time and is worried she's done the unthinkable to support her habit. And, just days before Lane was to appear on the show, she was arrested and incarcerated for allegedly harboring a fugitive. Now out on bail, Lane's cruise down life in the fast lane comes to an abrupt halt when recovering addict and former Dr. Phil guest, Brandon, and his mother, Debbie, stage an intervention alongside the family that says they fear for Lane's future and are resentful of the past. With her freedom and custody of her 3-year-old son at stake, Lane is now faced with a choice: get help or go back to jail. What will she decide? Will she be able to break the cycle of addiction? Don’t miss this emotional episode about addiction and the power of one family’s love to save one of its own.
74. Radical Parenting
Aired 22 December 2011 • 60 min
From rigorous exercise as a form of discipline to lavish rewards for good grades, Dr. Phil's guests say they've unlocked the secret to raising happy children. But are their methods too extreme? Lana buys her teens expensive gifts -- $1,000 cooking classes in Italy, million-dollar parties and even penthouse mansions -- as bonuses for doing well in school. She says the ritzy rewards motivate her kids to excel in the classroom, but her sister, Natalya, thinks she’s spoiling them. Find out what Dr. Phil thinks about this heated family debate. Then, Sarge and Joy raise their kids under a military-style regimen that bans most television shows, contact with friends, Harry Potter books and even requires the children to do push-ups if they lose a board game. Joy’s half-sister, Shana, worries the children will become sheltered from such a strict upbringing. Are they too radical, or is there a rationale to their extremes? Weigh in! And, Cheryl made national headlines when she allowed her 5-year-old son, Dyson, to wear princess dresses to school. Dr. Phil sits down with the mom to talk about her recently published children’s book, My Princess Boy, and talks about her decision to accept Dyson, no matter what he wears.
75. Love Times Three
Aired 23 December 2011 • 60 min
Could you share your husband with two additional wives? Meet the Dargers: A happy family made up of one husband, three wives and 24 kids. Joe Darger and his wives, twin sisters Vicki and Valerie, and their cousin, Alina, join Dr. Phil for a candid discussion about their polygamous lifestyle. From their daily routine to their unusual honeymoon, and the possibility of adding a fourth wife, get a rare look into plural marriage. By authoring the book, Love Times Three, the Dargers are coming out of hiding and are ready to tackle the toughest questions about their choices — but could they also be facing criminal charges? The family insists their union is a love story; the same as everyone else's — only multiplied by three. What do you think? Watch and weigh in!
76. Imperfect Justice?
Aired 26 December 2011 • 60 min
77. Pageant Mom and Daughters Compete
Aired 27 December 2011 • 60 min
A woman competes in beauty pageants alongside her 18-year-old daughter.
78. Baby after Breakup
Aired 28 December 2011 • 60 min
Teen parents face off; an update from another teen mom.
79. Who's to Blame?
Aired 29 December 2011 • 60 min
A father defends an online video that sparked outrage; a woman and her teen daughter need help with their volatile relationship.
80. Guns N' Roses & Second Chances
Aired 30 December 2011 • 60 min
Former Guns N' Roses member Duff McKagan tells of turning his life around; a 25-year-old admits that she robbed her family to feed her addiction.
81. Shaming the Family Name
Aired 2 January 2012 • 60 min
A young drug-addict makes dramatic confessions and tells who she blames for her downward spiral; how to cope when a loved one is addicted.
82. Smart People, Bad Choices
Aired 3 January 2012 • 60 min
Children are caught on the battlefield of their divorced parents' five-year war; the five keys to breaking a bad habit.
83. CBS This Morning
Aired 4 January 2012 • 60 min
``CBS This Morning'' hosts Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill; Dr. Phil in the hot seat.
84. B-Wars
Aired 5 January 2012 • 60 min
Mean women attract drama and say they do not need any female friends; reality stars Drita D'avanzo and Renee Graziano.
85. Weight Wars
Aired 6 January 2012 • 60 min
Women say their sisters make hurtful comments about their weight.
86. Partying to Death
Aired 9 January 2012 • 60 min
87. Psychic Investigations
Aired 10 January 2012 • 60 min
88. "Why Am I Still Single?"
Aired 11 January 2012 • 60 min
89. Held Captive?
Aired 12 January 2012 • 60 min
90. Tarnished Tiaras: Beauty Queens Gone Bad
Aired 13 January 2012 • 60 min
91. Shot, Tortured and Left to Die
Aired 16 January 2012 • 60 min
92. Teen Trends: Killer Numbers
Aired 17 January 2012 • 60 min
93. Unusual Syndromes and Fears
Aired 18 January 2012 • 60 min
Brett, 24, is an adult baby who admits to wearing diapers. And, 55-year-old Robin says she’s terrified of riding in cars.
94. Teen Girls in the News
Aired 19 January 2012 • 60 min
95. Cruise Ship Disaster
Aired 20 January 2012 • 60 min
On Friday, January 13, the Costa Concordia cruise ship ran aground off the coast of Tuscany, killing 11 and injuring at least 42, with 21 passengers still among the missing.
96. Under the Influence
Aired 23 January 2012 • 60 min
97. Fix It or End It Today
Aired 24 January 2012 • 60 min
98. 17 and Out of Control
Aired 25 January 2012 • 60 min
Dr. Phil attempts to set a rebellious teen straight. 17-year-old Courtney is out of control.
99. Starving to Death
Aired 26 January 2012 • 60 min
This episode highlights the eating disorders anorexia and bulimia. Dr. Phil interviews a young woman struggling to recover from her disease.
100. Coming Clean
Aired 27 January 2012 • 60 min
A 58-year-old certified medical assistant is addicted to Hydrocodone. She lies and steals to fill her need for the drug.
101. Unforgivable Acts?
Aired 30 January 2012 • 60 min
A feud between neighbors escalates to the point that the seven-year-old child of one family is bullied by the other. The child, Kathleen, has since died from Huntington’s disease. Can apologies be enough to end the feud?
102. What Were You Thinking?
Aired 31 January 2012 • 60 min
Three and five-year-old beauty pageant contestants and their mothers are highlighted in this episode. Both mothers are questioned about their inappropriate behavior.
103. Double Trouble: Violent Twins
Aired 1 February 2012 • 60 min
Sixteen-year-old identical twins have extreme tempers and often get into physical altercations with one another. Can Dr. Phil set them straight?
104. The Dr. Phil Family Returns: Alexandra Goes to Rehab
Aired 2 February 2012 • 60 min
It's been six months since Dr. Phil talked with Alexandra about entering a rehab facility. She finally agrees to "check it out". Motives are questioned on all sides.
105. Missing in a Moment: Baby Lisa
Aired 3 February 2012 • 60 min
Ten-month-old baby Lisa disappeared from her home in early October. The mother, Deborah, admits to being drunk that night. And her and the father, Jeremy, have been accused of being uncooperative.
106. The Girl in the Closet
Aired 6 February 2012 • 60 min
107. Teen Mama Drama
Aired 7 February 2012 • 60 min
108. Donny Osmond
Aired 8 February 2012 • 60 min
109. Beauty Queen Hits Rock Bottom
Aired 9 February 2012 • 60 min
110. Inside the Powell Family Tragedy
Aired 10 February 2012 • 60 min
111. Dr. Phil Family Returns: Alexandra Inside Rehab
Aired 13 February 2012 • 60 min
112. Cut the Cord
Aired 14 February 2012 • 60 min
113. "Will My Mother-in-Law Destroy My Marriage?"
Aired 15 February 2012 • 60 min
114. Shocking School Sex Abuse Accusations
Aired 16 February 2012 • 60 min
115. P.I. Moms: The Truth Behind the Scandal
Aired 17 February 2012 • 60 min
116. Deadbeat Dad?
Aired 20 February 2012 • 60 min
117. "My Lover, My Abuser"
Aired 21 February 2012 • 60 min
118. A Most Unusual Love Triangle
Aired 22 February 2012 • 60 min
119. Open Marriage
Aired 23 February 2012 • 60 min
120. Out-of-Control Jealousy
Aired 24 February 2012 • 60 min
121. Mother-in-Law Mayhem
Aired 27 February 2012 • 60 min
122. "Held Hostage By My Father"
Aired 28 February 2012 • 60 min
123. Parental Abuse?
Aired 29 February 2012 • 60 min
124. "Braxton Family Values"
Aired 1 March 2012 • 60 min
125. Model Mom Calls Her Religion a Cult
Aired 2 March 2012 • 60 min
126. Overly-Competitve Parents
Aired 5 March 2012 • 60 min
127. Complicated Love
Aired 6 March 2012 • 60 min
128. "Stabbed in the Heart by My Teen"
Aired 7 March 2012 • 60 min
129. "Jeff Who Lives at Home"
Aired 8 March 2012 • 60 min
130. Unusual Syndromes and Fears
Aired 9 March 2012 • 60 min
131. Questionable Cigarette Burns and Calls to CPS!
Aired 12 March 2012 • 60 min
132. Ripped from the Headlines: Teacher Leaves Family for Student
Aired 13 March 2012 • 60 min
133. Beyond Control and Chaos
Aired 14 March 2012 • 60 min
135. Love Triangle
Aired 16 March 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: November 11, 2011)
136. Desperately Seeking Attention
Aired 19 March 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: November 30, 2011)
137. Shot, Tortured and Left to Die
Aired 20 March 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: January 16, 2012)
138. Anger Intervention
Aired 21 March 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: December 1, 2011)
139. Partying to Death
Aired 22 March 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: January 9, 2012)
140. Affairs, Lies and Audiotape
Aired 23 March 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: November 3, 2011)
141. The Surprising Reason He Hates Paying Child Support
Aired 26 March 2012 • 60 min
142. From Wall Street Trader to Bank Robber
Aired 27 March 2012 • 60 min
143. Young Girls: Extreme Sexual Exploitation
Aired 28 March 2012 • 60 min
144. A Star Comes Clean: Can He Make a Comeback?
Aired 29 March 2012 • 60 min
145. Extreme Etiquette
Aired 30 March 2012 • 60 min
146. Shocking Love Stories
Aired 2 April 2012 • 60 min
147. The Six Quickest Ways to Ruin a Marriage
Aired 3 April 2012 • 60 min
148. On Top of the World and Self-Destructive
Aired 4 April 2012 • 60 min
150. Meet Baby London and Dr. Phil’s Most-Talented Kids
Aired 6 April 2012 • 60 min
151. Over-the-Top Moms?
Aired 9 April 2012 • 60 min
152. Female Teacher's Affair with Student: The Aftermath
Aired 10 April 2012 • 60 min
153. Mad Men
Aired 11 April 2012 • 60 min
154. Outrageous Parenting Dilemmas
Aired 12 April 2012 • 60 min
155. Deadly Consequences
Aired 13 April 2012 • 60 min
156. Police Say I Married a Rapist
Aired 16 April 2012 • 60 min
157. 17 and Out of Control: Follow-Up
Aired 17 April 2012 • 60 min

158. Dates for Sale: Life of an Escort
Aired 18 April 2012 • 60 min
159. Heroes in Pain
Aired 19 April 2012 • 60 min
160. Cuba Gooding Jr.
Aired 20 April 2012 • 60 min
161. Intense Family Drama: Mom Likes Brother Best?
Aired 23 April 2012 • 60 min
162. Daddy's Little Girl
Aired 24 April 2012 • 60 min
163. Missing in a Moment
Aired 25 April 2012 • 60 min
164. The Dr. Phil Family: Alexandra's Progress ... and Setbacks
Aired 26 April 2012 • 60 min
165. The Dr. Phil Family: The Ultimate Conclusion
Aired 27 April 2012 • 60 min
166. Grand Canyon Child Abuse
Aired 30 April 2012 • 60 min
167. Khalood is Back, and You Won't Believe It!
Aired 1 May 2012 • 60 min
168. "Spoiled Rotten: My Son Needs a Reality Check"
Aired 2 May 2012 • 60 min
169. Murder of a Las Vegas Showgirl
Aired 3 May 2012 • 60 min
170. Mom under Suspicion
Aired 4 May 2012 • 60 min
171. Rhode Island Girl Fight
Aired 7 May 2012 • 60 min
172. A Football Star's Daddy Drama
Aired 8 May 2012 • 60 min
173. Did He or Didn't He? Inside a Murder Confession
Aired 9 May 2012 • 60 min
174. "My Husband, My Kids and My Multiple Personalities"
Aired 10 May 2012 • 60 min
175. Last Chance for Amanda
Aired 11 May 2012 • 60 min
176. Caught on Tape: A Mom's Out-of-Control Rage
Aired 14 May 2012 • 60 min
177. A Sister's Accusation: An Onstage Confrontation
Aired 15 May 2012 • 60 min
178. From Teenage Star to Addicted and Homeless
Aired 16 May 2012 • 60 min
179. Too Much of a Good Thing
Aired 17 May 2012 • 60 min
180. Robert: The Nearly 800-Pound Man
Aired 18 May 2012 • 60 min
Twenty-three-year-old Robert, who tips the scales at nearly 800 pounds, earned national attention when he made a desperate plea for Dr. Phil's help in a YouTube video that tallied more than a million views. With his call answered, see Robert make the arduous journey to Dr. Phil's stage with the assistance of two medical vans and five EMTs. Dr. Phil and Robert take a closer look at how he put on the weight, and what he needs to do to take it off. Is he really ready to make a change? Will Robert grab onto the lifeline Dr. Phil throws his way? And, Robert's mother, Nanette, shares her insight into her son's weight struggles. Has she unintentionally been enabling her son's condition? What role will she play in his recovery? Plus, log on to Dr. Phil.com after the show for a live video chat with Dr. Phil and Robert -- Friday, May 18 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT! Then, you may remember self-admitted adult baby, Brett, who stirred controversy after he and his girlfriend, Cat, first appeared on Dr. Phil. Are they still a couple? Then, meet Bill, who says he'd like to adopt Brett and be his new “daddy.” Will Brett accept his offer?
181. High Society Whodunit: Murder in the Hamptons
Aired 21 May 2012 • 60 min
The shocking 2001 murder of investment banker and multimillionaire Ted Ammon was the stuff of TV crime dramas. Ammon was found bludgeoned to death in his East Hampton mansion that he once shared with his estranged wife, Generosa, and their twins. At the time, Generosa was having an affair with electrician Daniel Pelosi, whom she married three months after the murder. In 2004, Pelosi was found guilty of second-degree murder for the death of Ammon and is currently serving 25 years to life, but now claims he is ready to explain what really happened the night of the murder. In a daytime exclusive, Dr. Phil visits the convicted murderer behind bars. Hear why Pelosi says he's innocent and who he claims was behind the slaying. And, what happened to the home surveillance footage, which may have caught the deadly attack? Plus, don't miss a bombshell from Generosa's closest friend, and a man who says he heard a confession -- and not from Pelosi. Dr. Phil goes behind the headlines in this high-society whodunit!
182. World's Biggest Bride: Confessions of a Morbidly Obese Woman
Aired 22 May 2012 • 60 min
We all want our loved ones to reach for their goals -- but would you be supportive if that dream could prove deadly? Thirty-three-year-old single mother Susanne says that she's not trying to lose weight by her June 2013 wedding -- she's in a race to gain more -- and reach 800 pounds by her big day. Just how much does Susanne weigh now? See what the scale reveals. Plus, what does Susanne's family think about her big dream? The bride-to-be says she takes pride in having been fitted for the largest wedding dress in history and last year, shocked the world by announcing that she aims to reach a target weight of 1,600 pounds. Susanne says she is consuming up to 30,000 calories per day with the help of her 38-year-old fiancé, Parker, a chef, who prepares many of her meals. Is he feeding his future wife to death? Susanne admits that the added weight is taking its toll, and she often lacks the energy to walk without assistance. Still, she says she's not ashamed of her shape and wishes more women would embrace their curves. Can Dr. Phil help Susanne see the seriousness of her condition before it's too late? You'll be shocked by what happens.
183. Behind the Lens: Child Pornography
Aired 23 May 2012 • 60 min
Every day, innocent children are being preyed upon and exploited by adults. Dr. Phil examines the shocking but growing world of child pornography. Unthinkable to most people, sexually-explicit images of children are being created and distributed by thousands of criminals across the country, causing long-lasting trauma and damage to innocent victims. Richelle and Travis say they know firsthand what happens when a child suffers from such horrific abuse. They adopted 5-year-old Michael, who was a victim of a child pornographer, and although they felt prepared to help him recover, they had no idea what to expect once he hit puberty. Now 13, are there signs Michael may be continuing the cycle of abuse? And, Alicia says she was a typical 13-year-old honor roll student when she befriended an older man online who made her feel special and important. Now 24, she shares how their encounter turned her world turned upside down when he abducted, raped and tortured her, as well as filmed and distributed her abuse. Hear about her work as a victim's advocate and what she's doing to stop Internet predators. Plus, Justin, 25, says when he was 13, he was coerced by online predators into producing his own sexually-explicit images and videos. Learn how he says he was lured into the seedy underbelly of the Web and how he got out. Plus, don't miss the alarming statistics about child predators and what you can do to protect your children. Parents, this is a show you can't afford to miss! Warning: This episode contains strong sexual content. Viewer discretion is advised.
184. Demise of Guys
Aired 24 May 2012 • 60 min
Experts say there's a growing trend of young men flunking out of school, avoiding responsibility and struggling socially. Just how many of today's boys are becoming unproductive adults, and is there a way to stop this cycle? Dr. Phil is joined by Dr. Phillip Zimbardo, an internationally-recognized psychologist, educator, scholar and researcher who co-authored the book, The Demise of Guys, which explores the reasons why many young men are struggling academically and socially in today's society. According to Dr. Zimbardo, one key factor is the role that a father plays in a young man's life. Lori says that may be the case with her 16-year-old son, Levi, whose bad behavior she blames on her ex-husband, Don. She says Don verbally and physically abuses Levi, and is especially hard on him compared to his siblings. Levi says his dad makes him feel unwanted and unloved, and that if his father died tomorrow, no one would cry at his funeral. Just how much is Levi's relationship with his dad affecting his failing grades and substance abuse? Don says he is not abusive and thinks Levi "just doesn't get it," but what do Levi's brothers and sister think? Can Dr. Phil help repair this fractured father-son relationship? Plus, get the top factors that may be contributing to your son's unproductive lifestyle!
185. Inside the Other Side
Aired 25 May 2012 • 60 min
Psychics, mediums, numerologists ... Do you believe people can see auras and receive messages from the other side? Dr. Phil's panel of well-known experts -- psychic and cosmic coach Dougall Fraiser, spiritual medium Rebecca Rosen, numerologist Glynis McCants and intuitive counselor Colette Baron-Reed -- say they have paranormal instincts and can prove it. Watch as they perform readings with Dr. Phil's guests and the studio audience -- are their insights accurate? Then, Jim Undertown, "professional skeptic" and founder of Independent Investigations Group, which scientifically tests paranormal claims, says he can disprove psychic ability and that he believes mediums take advantage of people's grief in an effort to make money. Will a staged social experiment support or challenge his claims? And, do we all possess the ability to read others? Find out! Plus, hear from a neuroscientist who says she can prove supernatural abilities are real. Are you a believer? Watch and weigh in!
186. Behind the Headlines
Aired 28 May 2012 • 60 min
Dr. Phil goes behind the headlines with a former madam who tells all, a bank customer-turned-hero and a hotel guest who says she was sexually assaulted, and that the front desk handed her room key to her assailant. First, Laurie made national news when the FBI cracked down on her multimillion-dollar female escort business that she ran with her now ex-husband, Greg. After taking a plea deal for coercion of prostitution and money laundering charges, she says she served one day in prison and is now ready to come clean about what she claims really happens in the sex-for-sale industry. Then, Rich says he thought he was doing the right thing when he tackled a man with a gun who was attempting to rob a bank. See the moment when Rich decided to act -- It's all caught on video! Shot in the leg while trying to subdue the suspect, Rich says he was first labeled a hero, but things took a nasty turn when the bank allegedly failed to pay his medical bills. Rich sued the bank -- and then says he watched his reputation go down the drain. Find out why Rich says he can't move on. Plus, New York businesswoman Alison is suing a hotel in Finland on allegations that she was sexually assaulted when the front desk gave her room key to a man claiming to be her husband. Don't miss these jaw-dropping headline stories!
187. "Bring Me Back My Hot, Sexy Spouse"
Aired 29 May 2012 • 60 min
Ladies: Has your husband gone from stud to dud? Men: Has your wife gone from hot to not? Dr. Phil is joined by physicians in the health and beauty industry to bring you tips to get your body back in shape! First, Dr. Drew Ordon, co-host of the Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show, The Doctors, and author of the new book, Better in 7, published by The Doctors executive producer, Jay McGraw, shares some non-surgical treatments that may result in a flatter tummy, less cellulite, fewer wrinkles and more! Then, Amber says since the birth of her son nine months ago, she's tried every over-the-counter product to lose her unsightly stretch marks. She says the blemishes make her feel self-conscious and that as a result, her sex life is suffering. Can Dr. Phil and Dr. Ordon help this new mom improve her self-image? Plus, learn some home remedies from Better in 7 that may help you reduce dark circles, get clearer skin, and get a better night's sleep. And, Dr. Jeffry Life, author of The Life Plan, says that at 73, he's in better shape than he was 40 years ago! Learn how he says he reversed the effects of heart disease and made a remarkable return to health. Plus, two wives say they are desperate for their husbands to lose weight. Can Dr. Life take them from chunk to hunk? And, hear what most men neglect that could be putting their health at risk. Tune in and log on to DrPhil.com for a chance to win one of the books featured on the show!
188. Teen Mama Drama
Aired 30 May 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: February 7, 2012) Parents, pay attention: In the United States, one in six girls will become a teen mom, and oftentimes, the baby's father gets a free pass and is not held to the same responsibilities in raising the child. Eighteen-year-old Taten has no job, no phone, no car and no permanent place to live. What he does have is a 3-month old daughter with one teenage girl and a second child on the way, according to another. Autumn, 16, gave birth to Taten's daughter, Emma, in August and although Taten has cheated on her numerous times, and possibly fathered another child with her former best friend while she was pregnant with his baby, Autumn still wants Taten in her life. Caitlyn, 16, says she is currently five months pregnant with Taten's second child. Taten has his doubts. Taten says he wants to be with Autumn because he doesn't want to "tear their family apart," but admits that if their relationship doesn't work out, he might want to be willing to give it a shot with Caitlyn. What will the results of Taten's paternity test reveal? Is he the father of Caitlyn's baby, and will he man-up and be a better dad to one -- or both -- babies? How will the teens and their mothers deal with the outcome? Dr. Phil reveals the hard facts about teen pregnancy: Find out what the future may have in store for these young moms. And, can he convince them that they're better off as friends than enemies? If you suspect your teen may be sexually active, you can't afford to miss this show!
189. Majoring in Failure?
Aired 31 May 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: October 24, 2011) How old is too old to be living in your parents' house? Twenty-three-year-old Justin is a high school dropout who has lost 12 jobs and calls his family's basement home. Justin's stepfather, Bill, and his mother, Bonnie, say they don't understand why Justin has stopped trying to climb life's ladder of success, and are sick of trying to encourage him to move out and on with his life. Justin and his sister, Brianne, say their stepfather is a bully whose name-calling and tough love has backfired and made the situation worse. Bill says he's only trying to motivate Justin. Can Dr. Phil give these parents the tools they need to help Justin stand on his own two feet? And, Kris makes her living as a college prep advisor but admits she can't motivate her own sons to excel at anything other than mooching. In fact, both of her sons have dropped out of college! Twenty-year-old Charlie says he's racked up so many legal fees from the trouble he's caused that he can't afford to move out, and his 19-year-old brother, Cody, appears to be following in his footsteps. Can these parents help their adult children find their independence? Don't miss Dr. Phil's advice for parents who want to raise motivated and contributing adults!
190. A Father Accused: Who's Telling the Truth?
Aired 1 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: November 11, 2011) Horrific allegations are tearing a family apart -- but who is telling the truth? Todd says he was shocked and appalled when his ex-girlfriend's mother, Diana, accused him of molesting his 4-year-old daughter, Taniya, and turns to Dr. Phil to help clear his name. Diana says that while babysitting Taniya, the toddler detailed ways in which Todd inappropriately touched her, and she's convinced he's done the unthinkable. After learning of the accusations, Taniya's mom, Latia, reported the alleged sexual abuse to a judge who immediately stripped Todd of his parental rights -- but was justice served? Latia says that as much as she wants to believe Todd's innocence, as a mother, she needs to take every precaution to protect her child. A year has passed since he's seen his daughter, and Todd says he will go to any length to prove his innocence, including taking another a lie detector test — even though he's already passed one. He's adamant that Diana is lying and says that she coached Taniya to make the accusations. Dr. Phil calls in an expert polygraph examiner. Don't miss the shocking results!
191. Exes Behaving Badly
Aired 4 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: October 27, 2011) Insults, jealousy and bad behavior -- a couple on the brink of divorce asks Dr. Phil to help save their marriage. Mark made headlines for seeking revenge on his soon-to-be ex-wife, Sabrina, by posting an online advertisement that compares her to the used car he's trying to sell. In it, he pokes fun at her stretch marks, leathery exterior, motormouth and low-performance brain. Find out why, despite Sabrina's hurt feelings, he says he's proud of the ad. After sitting down with Dr. Phil, will he have a change of heart? Sabrina says their marriage has been a train wreck from the beginning when, on their honeymoon, she says Mark went out for drinks one evening and didn't return until morning. Where did he spend the night? Four months later, Mark filed for divorce, but the couple stayed together. Now, four years and two kids later, they say they've finally had enough of slinging insults and blame and are ready to call it quits again. What Dr. Phil recommends for this couple may shock you.
192. Over-the-Top Moms?
Aired 5 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: April 9, 2012) A mom is supposed to love and nurture her children, but what if she's too involved? Reed, 33, says his mother, Margaret, is so meddling, manipulative and controlling that the day she dies will be a cause for celebration, not mourning. He claims she uses bribes to control his every move, including offering him $20,000 to divorce his first wife. Margaret admits that she can be pushy and difficult but says she just wants to see her son succeed in life. Is she really setting him up for failure? Does Reed really want to man-up and break free from his mother's grasp? And, is Margaret willing to let him go? Then, 35-year-old Anthony, star of the TLC reality show Mama's Boys of the Bronx, says he sees nothing wrong with living at home and letting his mom, Patti, wait on him hand and foot. How does Patti feel about their living arrangement? Will she ever kick Anthony out? Plus, hear how Anthony's lifestyle affects his dating life. If you know of a mother-son bond that's a little too close for comfort, don't miss this Dr. Phil.
193. Sibling Rivalry and Abuse
Aired 6 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: December 5, 2011) When does sibling rivalry cross the line into abuse? Sheila, 54, says her daughters, Tamara, 37, Daria, 32, and Shirley, 29, take their fighting to the extreme. But the sisters say Sheila is a narcissist and sociopath who has pitted them against one another and failed as a mother. They say Sheila was an absentee mom who served jail time for beating one of them and turned a blind eye to the molestation of another -- and now they're resentful. See what happens when the fractured family faces one another. Can Dr. Phil help them start the healing process?
194. Saving Daniella
Aired 7 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: December 14, 2011) A mother and father desperate to save their daughter from her self-destructive behavior reach out to Dr. Phil for help. Terri and Bob say their 17-year-old daughter, Daniella, went from a sweet and innocent girl to a troubled and rebellious young woman who skips school, uses drugs and lashes out at them repeatedly. Daniella says she's struggling with her sexual identity and is afraid her parents won't accept her choices. Bob, who admits to using homophobic slurs in the past, says he loves his daughter regardless of her sexuality, and he just wants his little girl back. But did a recent argument tell a different story? What hurtful words pushed Daniella to run away from home? Watch as former Dr. Phil guests Debbie and Brandon track down Daniella and stage an intervention. Can they convince her to sit down with Dr. Phil? Will she get the acceptance she's seeking from her family?
195. Sugar Baby Students
Aired 8 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: November 11, 2011) Dr. Phil investigates the latest trend in online dating: sugar babies hooking up with sugar daddies. College girls and recent graduates who are struggling with mounting debt and a weak job market are turning to websites, such as SeekingArrangement.com, that introduce them to wealthy men who, in exchange for companionship -- and maybe sex -- help them pay their bills. Is this the Internet version of the world's oldest profession, or just a niche dating site? Four self-proclaimed sugar babies: Kristen, 21, Jennifer, 28, Janelle, 30, and Tracy, 31, passionately defend why their relationships differ from prostitution. Are their arranged monthly allowances and extravagant gifts the equivalent of being taken to fancy restaurants by a boyfriend or financially supported by a husband? Meet the creator of the website, Brandon, and hear why he says there's nothing wrong with these "mutually beneficial relationships." Former prosecutor and CNN analyst Sunny Hostin has some legal words of warning for Brandon and the ladies. Plus, an outraged father confronts Brandon in defense of his daughter, who he recently learned is on the site, and see why a self-proclaimed proud sugar daddy makes a hasty exit before meeting Dr. Phil! Watch the show and then weigh in: If you could provide companionship in exchange for money, and nobody would ever know, would you?
196. A Family Secret: A Brother's Apology
Aired 11 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: November 2, 2011)
197. Generation Lazy?
Aired 12 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: December 7, 2011)
198. Grandmas Feud over Becca's Baby
Aired 13 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: October 20, 2011)
199. "Is My Teen Blinded by Love?"
Aired 14 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: October 4, 2011)
200. Levi Johnston: Thrust Into the Spotlight
Aired 15 June 2012 • 60 min
201. Under the Influence
Aired 18 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: January 23, 2012) Kelli admits to drinking and driving on a regular basis and says shes tired of being lectured about it. On a typical night out, the 40-year-old mother of two admits shell consume as many as 13 beers before driving home, but says her high tolerance for alcohol allows her to drive safely. Watch what happens when Kelli is put to the test! Then, Sarah, 30, says she didnt think that she had a problem with alcohol, until she took an exit ramp at 72 mph and crash-landed upside down on a guard rail -- while driving under the influence. Initially given a zero-percent chance of survival, Sarah spent 77 days in the hospital and has since endured more than 44 surgeries, including two facial reconstructions. Dont miss Sarah's powerful message for Kelli -- will it make an impact? And, when Ryan Dunn, star of MTV's Jackass, died in an alcohol-related car crash, it rocked the entertainment world and left fans, friends and two families devastated. Often referred to as "the passenger," Dunn's friend, Zac Hartwell, also perished in the wreck. In an exclusive interview, Zac's sister, Carrie, speaks out for the first time about her family's unbearable loss, her feelings about the fatal accident and how her life has changed forever. Can she let go of the anger she's been holding onto? Don't miss this moving and compelling show.
202. Heaviest Woman on Record
Aired 19 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: November 23, 2011) At nearly 700 pounds, the first thing people notice about Pauline, 48, is her size, which has earned her the Guinness World Record title of heaviest living woman. But Pauline is also a mother, daughter and friend with hopes and dreams of a better life for herself and her 18-year-old son and caregiver, Dillon. At her current size, Pauline's mobility is severely challenged. Just a few steps cause her pain, and she needs her sons help to stand up, get dressed and even go to the bathroom. It took an ambulance, a second support vehicle and a five-man crew to help her make the 400-mile trip to the Dr. Phil studio. Pauline says that while it's a daunting task, shes ready to start losing the weight. But what does Dr. Phil think? And what does Dillon have to say? How does his mother's disability impact his life? Is he following in her footsteps? Then, Pauline's ex-husband, Alex, says he loved Pauline despite her weight, but it wasn't enough to save their relationship. Where does he say it went wrong? Plus, Ruby, star of the Style Network show of the same name, knows what Pauline is going through because she was once 700 pounds and has lost 400. She offers her support and encouragement to Pauline. Is she ready to take back control of her life?
203. Cut the Cord
Aired 20 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: February 14, 2012) Rheta says her four-and-a-half-year marriage to Mark is headed down a rocky road, and her mother-in-law, Deb, is in the driver's seat. Rheta says it's time for Mark to cut the cord with the woman she calls deceitful, backstabbing, sneaky and controlling -- or else! Meanwhile, Deb says she hates Rheta, claiming she's violent, trashy and undeserving of her son. The tension between the women has escalated to blows on more than one occasion, leaving Mark literally in the middle. Where do his loyalties lie? Hear the drastic measures Deb has taken to get Rheta out of their lives. And, did Rheta reveal a secret in the hopes of ruining Deb's 31-year marriage? Is this a case of an overprotective mom overstepping her boundaries, or a wife's resentment getting the best of her? Dr. Phil mediates this war of words and helps to draw some lines in the sand. Whose side will Mark be on? Can this marriage and family be saved?
204. "Will My Mother-in-Law Destroy My Marriage?"
Aired 21 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: February 15, 2012) In part two of this series, Rheta says her deceitful, backstabbing, meddling mother-in-law, Deb, is going to destroy her marriage if her husband, Mark, doesn't cut the cord. Rheta says she's so fed up with their mother-and-son bond that she's filed for divorce, shredded her wedding vows and has even come to blows with Deb on several occasions. Mark agrees that his mother is too involved, but can he break ties while Deb holds the purse strings? Does paying the couple's rent and providing them with a car give Deb license to criticize Rheta and try to set Mark up with other women? Rheta says that on some days, she and Mark are best friends, but their arguments get so heated that they've turned physical -- in front of their three children. Will a grand gesture from Mark keep Rheta from walking away? Can Rheta and Deb mend fences?
205. Parental Abuse?
Aired 22 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: February 29, 2012) Dr. Phil's guests say theyre tired of enduring abuse from their grown children. First, Debbie says her 31-year-old daughter, Amy, is verbally and physically abusive toward her, steals from her and has even threatened to burn her house down. Amy, who lives in Debbie's home with her two children, admits she can be cruel to her mom but says Debbie is mean and critical and makes her feel like a failure. When tempers get hot, see who storms offstage! Can Dr. Phil help this mom and daughter broker a peace? Then, JoAnn says her son, Jonathan, a former corrections officer, treats her like an inmate, intimidates her with his size and scares her with his rage. She says he uses her grandson as a pawn to be spiteful toward her and worries the boy may get hurt in the crossfire. Jonathan admits he struggles with his anger, but blames his mother for constantly pushing his buttons. He says she needs to back off and let him parent his own son. Can Dr. Phil help them find common ground? Is your relationship with your adult child growing contentious? Tune in for tips on how to communicate more effectively.
206. "My Lover, My Abuser"
Aired 25 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: February 21, 2012)
207. Won't Do "I Do" Until ...
Aired 26 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: October 25, 2011)
209. Missing for a Decade: A Girl Held Captive
Aired 28 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: October 11, 2011)
210. Missing for a Decade: The Girl Escapes
Aired 29 June 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: October 12, 2011)
211. "Our Teen is Tearing the Family Apart"
Aired 2 July 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: October 19, 2011)
212. Murder of a Preacher's Wife
Aired 3 July 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: December 9, 2011)
213. Brat Ban
Aired 4 July 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: September 12, 2011)
214. Tarnished Tiaras: Beauty Queens Gone Bad
Aired 5 July 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: January 13, 2012)
215. The Cost of Beauty
Aired 6 July 2012 • 60 min
(Original airdate: September 21, 2011)
216. Torn Between Two Bridesmaids
Aired 9 July 2012 • 60 min
217. Is My Child a Star?
Aired 10 July 2012 • 60 min
218. Is My Child a Star? Part 2
Aired 11 July 2012 • 60 min
219. Mad Men
Aired 12 July 2012 • 60 min
220. Parents Caught Crossing the Line?
Aired 13 July 2012 • 60 min
221. The Girl in the Closet
Aired 16 July 2012 • 60 min
222. Monster In-Laws
Aired 17 July 2012 • 60 min
223. Plastic Disaster
Aired 18 July 2012 • 60 min
224. 17 and Out of Control
Aired 19 July 2012 • 60 min
225. The Six Quickest Ways to Ruin a Marriage
Aired 20 July 2012 • 60 min
226. Beauty Queen Hits Rock Bottom
Aired 23 July 2012 • 60 min
227. Held Captive?
Aired 24 July 2012 • 60 min
228. Starving to Death
Aired 25 July 2012 • 60 min
229. Discipline Video: A Daughter's New Accusations against the Judge
Aired 26 July 2010 • 60 min
230. Bring Me Back My Hot, Sexy Spouse"
Aired 27 July 2012 • 60 min
231. Inside the Other Side
Aired 30 July 2012 • 60 min
232. Unforgivable Acts?
Aired 31 July 2012 • 60 min
233. On Top of the World and Self-Destructive
Aired 1 August 2012 • 60 min
234. Questionable Cigarette Burns and Calls to CPS!
Aired 2 August 2012 • 60 min
235. A Sister's Accusation: An Onstage Confrontation
Aired 3 August 2012 • 60 min
236. Rhode Island Girl Fight
Aired 6 August 2012 • 60 min
237. Open Marriage
Aired 7 August 2012 • 60 min
238. Did He or Didn't He? Inside a Murder Confession
Aired 8 August 2012 • 60 min
239. Heroes in Pain
Aired 9 August 2012 • 60 min
240. Daddy's Little Girl
Aired 10 August 2012 • 60 min
241. A Football Star's Daddy Drama
Aired 13 August 2012 • 60 min
242. Mom under Suspicion
Aired 14 August 2012 • 60 min
243. Murder of a Las Vegas Showgirl
Aired 15 August 2012 • 60 min
244. A Most Unusual Love Triangle
Aired 16 August 2012 • 60 min
245. From Wall Street Trader to Bank Robber
Aired 17 August 2012 • 60 min
246. My Husband, My Kids and My Multiple Personalities"
Aired 20 August 2012 • 60 min
247. Double Trouble: Violent Twins
Aired 21 August 2012 • 60 min
248. Model Mom Calls Her Religion a Cult
Aired 22 August 2012 • 60 min
249. Khalood is Back, and You Won't Believe It!
Aired 23 August 2012 • 60 min
250. Too Much of a Good Thing
Aired 24 August 2012 • 60 min
251. Mother-in-Law Mayhem
Aired 27 August 2012 • 60 min
252. Fix It or End It Today
Aired 28 August 2012 • 60 min
253. From Teenage Star to Addicted and Homeless
Aired 29 August 2012 • 60 min
254. Grand Canyon Child Abuse
Aired 30 August 2012 • 60 min
255. Caught on Tape: A Mom's Out-of-Control Rage
Aired 31 August 2012 • 60 min
256. Teen Trends: Killer Numbers
Aired 3 September 2012 • 60 min