Jump to content

Phil McGraw

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Jerry Avenaim (talk | contribs) at 22:12, 15 January 2008. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
This article is about the person. For his television show, see Dr. Phil (TV series).
Phil McGraw
Dr. Phil photographed by Jerry Avenaim
Born (1950-09-01) September 1, 1950 (age 75)
Vinita, Oklahoma, U.S.
Occupation(s)Psychologist, Television host
Spouse(s)Debbie Higgins (1970-73)
Robin Jameson (1976-present)
ChildrenJay, Jordan
Websitewww.drphil.com

Phillip Calvin McGraw (born September 1, 1950), best known as Dr. Phil, is an American television personality, psychologist and author who is the host of the psychology themed television show Dr. Phil. He gained celebrity status following appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show.[1]

Early life

McGraw was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, the son of Jerry (née Stevens) and Joe McGraw.[2] He grew up with two older sisters, Deana and Donna, and younger sister, Brenda[3], in the oilfields of North Texas, where his father was an equipment supplier. During McGraw's childhood, his family moved so his father could pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a psychologist. McGraw attended Shawnee Mission North High School in Mission, Kansas. In 1968, he was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Tulsa, where he played middle linebacker under Coach Glenn Dobbs (father of Gary Dobbs, who later went into business with McGraw). On November 23rd of that year McGraw's team lost to the University of Houston 100-6, which is still one of the most lopsided games in college football history.[4][5] Coach Dobbs retired after that season, and McGraw transferred to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. He went on to earn a Master's degree in experimental psychology in 1976, and a Ph.D in clinical psychology in 1979 at the University of North Texas[6], where his dissertation was titled "Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Psychological Intervention." He also participated in the swimming programs at the two schools.[7]

Career

McGraw owned a construction business with his brother-in-law while completing his internship for his Ph.D.

After graduation, Phillip McGraw joined his father, Dr. Joe McGraw, in Wichita Falls, Texas, where the elder McGraw had established his private psychology practice.[8]

In 1983, McGraw and his father joined Thelma Box, a successful Texas business woman, in presenting "Pathways" (later called "Choices"), a seminar to "assist people in living their lives with clarity and passion."[9] Critics claim that many of the "phrases and the terminology and the quaint sayings" used by McGraw on the Oprah and Dr. Phil shows were originated by Box and presented by McGraw in this seminar. McGraw admits that the material from Life Strategies, his first best seller, is taken directly from the Pathways seminar. However, he has never mentioned Thelma Box or her contributions to his success in any of his books or TV shows.[10]

In 1989, McGraw was sanctioned by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists for an ethical violation involving a 19-year-old patient and employee. Due to the sanctions, McGraw was unable to practice psychology independently.[11] Friction between Phillip and his father increased to the point that McGraw seldom spoke with his father, and his contempt for him became obvious.[10]

In 1990, McGraw joined lawyer Gary Dobbs, the son of McGraw's college football coach, in co-founding Courtroom Sciences, Inc. (CSI), a trial consulting firm through which McGraw later came into contact with Oprah Winfrey.[12] Their first couple of years in business were not financially successful. On October 15, 1991, McGraw signed an agreement for the sale of his Pathways seminar stock for $325,000 without notifying either his father or Thelma Box of the impending sale. "There was a feeling of betrayal because Phil had compromised the integrity of the program. In effect, he helped rip off Thelma [Box] and her asset value in the corporation by selling behind her back."[10] Eventually, CSI became a profitable enterprise, advising Fortune 500 companies and injured plaintiffs alike in achieving settlements. McGraw is no longer an officer or director of the company.[12]

In 1995, Oprah Winfrey hired CSI to prepare her for the Amarillo Texas beef trial. Winfrey was so impressed with McGraw that she thanked him for her victory in that case, which ended in 1998. Soon after, she invited him to appear on her show. His appearance proved so successful that he began appearing weekly as a "Relationship and Life Strategy Expert" on Tuesdays starting in April 1998. In 2002, he launched his own syndicated daily television show, Dr. Phil, produced by Winfrey's Harpo Studios. The format is an advice show, where he tackles a different topic on each show, offering advice for his guests' troubles. McGraw has authored a number of self-help books on topics such as relationships and weight loss.

In 2005, he signed a five-year extension of his syndication deal with his show's distributors, King World Productions, Inc. The deal will pay McGraw a reported US$15 million and keep him on the airwaves through the 2013–2014 television season.

In 2007, McGraw began promoting his upcoming Dr. Phil Show extension, "The Doctors," which is set to launch in Fall, 2008.[13] The show will be hosted by television personality and ER physician Dr. Travis Stork ("The Bachelor"). Other experts include various personalities who have appeared on the Dr. Phil show over the years. They are Dr. Lisa Masterson, an obstetrician/gynecologist; Dr. Andrew Ordon, a plastic surgeon; Dr. Tara Fields, a licensed marriage and family therapist; and Dr. Jim Sears, a pediatrician. These doctors will make appearances on the Dr. Phil show throughout the 2007-08 season so that McGraw can instruct them on "how to give articulate medical advice while being scrutinized by a studio audience in Los Angeles." Jay McGraw (Dr. Phil's older son) will be executive producer of the new show.[14]

Criticisms & controversies

Britney Spears "intervention" (2008)

McGraw attracted criticism for his unannounced visit to celebrity Britney Spear's hospital room in January, 2008. The visit appeared to be part of a misguided attempt at getting Spears and her parents to take part in an "intervention" on the Dr. Phil television show.[15] Immediately after the visit, McGraw issued public statements about Spears' situation that Spears' family spokeswoman Lou Taylor said violated their family trust in McGraw. "This is another example of a trust being betrayed," Taylor told TODAY co-host Meredith Vieira. "Rather than helping the family’s situation, the celebrity psychologist caused additional damage", she said.[16] Several mental health care professionals critized McGraw for his actions; however, fellow TV psychologist Dr. Joyce Brothers defended McGraw.[17]

Kalpoe lawsuit (2006)

McGraw was named a co-defendant, along with CBS Television, in a 2006 lawsuit filed in relation to the disappearance of Natalee Holloway.[18] The lawsuit was filed by Deepak Kalpoe and his brother Satish Kalpoe, who claimed that an interview they did with McGraw, aired in September of 2005, was "manipulated and later broadcast as being accurate, and which portrays Deepak Kalpoe and Satish Kalpoe 'as engaging in criminal activity against Natalee Holloway and constitutes defamation.'"[18] The Kalpoe brothers claimed invasion of privacy, fraud, deceit, defamation, emotional distress, and civil conspiracy in the suit, which was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court.[19][20]

Unauthorized biography (2003)

The Making of Dr. Phil is a biography by Sophia Dembling, a reporter from the Dallas Morning News, and Lisa Gutierrez, a reporter from the Kansas City Star.[2] The book probed McGraw's history, with interviews of his childhood friends and former classmates. The book reported that McGraw used unethical business practices in a gym business early in his career, that he was abusive to his first wife, and was also abusive to his staff, while noting that he overcame adversity through setting goals and was persistent in achieving success. The book received no promotional help from McGraw or his associates.[21]

Weight loss products (2003)

In 2003, McGraw entered the weight-loss business, selling shakes, energy bars, and supplements. These products' labels, which carried the brand name "Shape Up", stated: "These products contain scientifically researched levels of ingredients that can help you change your behavior to take control of your weight." This met with swift criticism from various sources,[1] accusing McGraw (a clinical psychologist, and not a physician) of lacking the expertise to recommend weight-loss products. Facing a Federal Trade Commission investigation into Shape Up's claims, McGraw pulled his supplements off the market in March 2004, and the FTC dropped its probe. In October 2005, several people who used McGraw's products declared an intent to file a class-action lawsuit against him, claiming that although the supplements cost $120 per month they did not stimulate weight loss.[22] McGraw settled the suit in September 2006 for $10.5 million.[23] Most of the settlement ($6 million) will be paid to the plaintiffs in the form of Amway (Quixtar) brand Nutrilite vitamins.[24]

Sanctioned for unethical behavior (1989)

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists imposed disciplinary sanctions on McGraw on January 27, 1989 for an inappropriate "dual relationship" reported in 1988 by a therapy client/employee from 1984. McGraw was ordered by the Board to take an ethics class, pass a jurisprudence exam, complete a physical evaluation, undergo a psychological evaluation and have his practice supervised for one year in order to continue his private practice in Texas. McGraw admits to giving the client a "job" at his office (which is not allowed), but denied carrying on a sexual relationship with the 19 year old, who says their relationship was "sexually inappropriate."[25][2][11] As of 2008, McGraw has not completed the conditions imposed by the Board of Examiners of Psychologists, and he is not licensed to practice psychology.[26]

Approach to psychology

His technique, which differs considerably from traditional psychology, has been criticized by those inside and outside the profession. McGraw's critics regard advice given by him to be at best simplistic, and at worst, invective.[27]

McGraw has said he never liked traditional counseling and was awkward in one-on-one situations.[28] In Psychology Today journalist Pamela Paul writes that McGraw "knows what's best and he's not afraid to tell you. Dr. Phil issues counsel as marching orders."[29] McGraw himself admits that "I'm not the Hush-Puppies, pipe and `Let's talk about your mother' kind of psychologist."[28]

Charitable foundation

McGraw announced the formation of the Dr. Phil Foundation, which raises funds to fight childhood obesity, on October 22, 2003. The Foundation also supports charitable organizations that help address the emotional, spiritual and monetary needs of many children and families.[30]

Personal life

McGraw was married to Debbie Higgins McCall, his high school sweetheart, from 1970 to 1973. After divorcing Debbie, he married Robin Jameson, a college sweetheart, in 1976, and they have two sons, Jay (1979) and Jordan (1986). Jay McGraw has partially followed in his father's footsteps, publishing books aimed at teenagers based on McGraw's books and working for his father's production company, Stage 29. Jordan is currently a sophomore at the University of Southern California and is pursuing his interests in music.

In The Suite Life of Zack and Cody episode "Ask Zack," when Darlene takes Shirley's (a.k.a. Zack) advice to date Zack, she tells him that she can open up to him, to which Zack responds, "just think of me as Dr. Phil with hair". Dr. Phyllis, an obvious parody of McGraw, is mocked when Drake and Josh in Drake & Josh go to Dr. Phyllis to patch their relationship after a big fight. The parody was also used in a Brandy and Mr. Whiskers episode. A Muppet character called Dr. Feel appears on Sesame Street.[31]

McGraw appeared in the opening scene of Scary Movie 4, spoofing the horror film Saw. He also starred in an episode of Frasier "The Devil and Dr. Phil" where he was an old friend of Frasier Crane's.

File:Drsfeelandphil.jpg
Dr. Phil with Dr. Feel

The show was spoofed during a scene where R.J. and the forest friends flip channels on the HDTV set in the film Over the Hedge.[32] McGraw is parodied in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories on its soundtrack as the host of a show called "Heartland Values with Nurse Bob."

Bibliography

  • McGraw, Phillip C. (1999). Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters. New York: Hyperion Books. pp. 320 pages. ISBN 0-7868-8459-2. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2000). The Relationship Rescue Workbook. New York: Hyperion. pp. 224 pages. ISBN 0-7868-8604-8. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2000). Relationship Rescue. New York: Hyperion. pp. 272 pages. ISBN 0-7868-8598-X.
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2001). The Life Strategies Self-Discovery Journal: Finding What Matters Most for You. New York: Hyperion. pp. 384 pages. ISBN 0-7868-8743-5. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2001). Self Matters: Creating Your Life from the Inside Out. New York: Simon & Schuster Source. pp. 318 pages. ISBN 0-7432-2423-X.
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2002). Getting Real: Lessons in Life, Marriage, and Family. Hay House Audio Books. pp. Audio CD. ISBN 1-4019-0062-3. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2003). The Self Matters Companion : Helping You Create Your Life from the Inside Out. New York: Free Press. pp. 208 pages. ISBN 0-7432-2424-8. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2003). The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom. New York: Free Press. pp. 320 pages. ISBN 0-7432-3674-2.
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2003). The Ultimate Weight Solution Food Guide. Pocket Books. pp. 736 pages. ISBN 0-7434-9039-8.
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2004). The Ultimate Weight Solution Cookbook: Recipes for Weight Loss Freedom. New York: Free Press. pp. 240 pages. ISBN 0-7432-6475-4. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2005). Family First : Your Step-by-Step Plan for Creating a Phenomenal Family. New York: Free Press. pp. 304 pages. ISBN 0-7432-7377-X. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2005). The Family First Workbook : Specific Tools, Strategies, and Skills for Creating a Phenomenal Family. New York: Free Press. pp. 256 pages. ISBN 0-7432-8073-3.
  • McGraw, Phillip C. (2006). Love Smart: Find the One You Want--Fix the One You Got. New York: Free Press. pp. 304 pages. ISBN 0-7432-9243-X. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |year= (help)CS1 maint: year (link)

Filmography

References

  1. ^ a b Day, Sherri. "Dr. Phil, Medicine Man". The New York Times. Retrieved 2006-10-23.
  2. ^ a b c Dembling, Sophia (2005). The Making of Dr. Phil: The Straight-Talking yet bullshit Story of Everyone's Favorite Therapist. Wiley. ISBN 0471696595.
  3. ^ Peteski Productions, Inc. (2002). "Birth Order: Dr. Phil's Sisters Talk". Peteski Productions, Inc. Retrieved 2008-01-14.
  4. ^ University of Tulsa. "2007 Golden Hurricane Football Media Guide" (PDF). Univ. of Tulsa. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
  5. ^ Internet Movie Database. "Biography for Phil McGraw". IMDB. Retrieved 2008-01-07. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 14 (help)
  6. ^ University of North Texas. "University of North Texas North Texan Online Summer 2006: Honored Alumni". Univ. of North Texas. Retrieved 2008-01-07.
  7. ^ Woopidoo.com. "Dr Phil McGraw Biography". Woopidoo.com. Retrieved 2006-10-19.
  8. ^ Marc Peyser (2002). "Paging Doctor Phil". Newsweek. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ Choices Seminars (2007). "About Thelma Box". Choices Seminars. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b c Mark Donald (2000). "Analyze This". Dallas Observer. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ a b Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (2007). "Disciplinary Sanctions (McGraw, Philip C. detailed on page 25/41)" (PDF). TSBEP. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ a b Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (2008). "Franchise Tax Certification of Account Status". Texas Comptroller. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ John Dempsey (2007). "'Dr. Phil' spinoff sent to market". Variety. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Chris Pursell (2007). "Dr. Phil' Spinoff Clears Half of U.S." TV Week. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ CBS Interactive Inc. (2008). "Britney In Desert, Dr. Phil Show A No-Go". CBS. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Mike Celizic (2008). "Spears' parents say Dr. Phil violated their trust". MSNBC. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ John Rogers (2008). "Dr. Phil Criticized for Britney Brouhaha". AP. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ a b FOX News (2006). "Wrongful death, Defamation lawsuits filed in Natalee Halloway case". FOX News. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Hard Beat News (2006). "Surinamese Brothers Sue Dr. Phil As Halloway Parents Sue Back". Hard Beat News. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Unknown (2007). "Pleading Index: Kalpoe v. McGraw". Apple Inc. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ Sophia Dembling (2004). "Battling Dr. Phil". Media Bistro - Jupitermedia Corporation. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ CTV.ca News Staff (2005). "Class-action status sought in Dr. Phil diet suit". CTV Globe Media. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  23. ^ Associated Press (2006). "Settlement reached on Dr. Phil diet plan". USA Today - Associated Press. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ Metro Times News Hits staff (2006). "Slimming the Amway". Metro Times. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ Heather Havrilesky (2003). "Who's your daddy?". Salon Media Group, Inc. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ David K. Ki (2008). "Betrayal: Brit kin's shrink rap vs. unlicensed Dr. Phil". NY Post. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ Salerno, Steve (2005). SHAM; How the Self-Help Movement Made America Helpless. Crown Publishers. ISBN 1-4000-5409-5.
  28. ^ a b Lavin, Cheryl. "Dr. Tell It Like It Is." South Florida Sun Sentinel, July 3, 2001, Page 1E
  29. ^ Pamela Paul. "Dear Reader, Get A Life". Retrieved 2006-10-19.
  30. ^ Dr. Phil Foundation. "Dr. Phil McGraw announces the formation of the Dr. Phil Foundation" (PDF). Dr. Phil Foundation. Retrieved 2006-10-19.
  31. ^ Larry King (2004). "Interview with Dr. Phil McGraw". CNN. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ The Austin Chronicle (2006). "Over the Hedge". The Austin Chronicle. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
Wikiquote has quotations related to Dr. Phil.

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phil_McGraw&oldid=184581574"