7x122 - Love and Lies

January 5, 2009

Why do some women return to violent relationships, and why can’t some men refrain from striking the woman they say they love? Dr. Phil issues a strong warning to abusers: “If you're going to try to sell to me that it's OK to hit a woman, you need to circle the wagons, because I’m coming!” Vicki and Ernie called their marriage quits after he admitted to an emotional affair. Vicki says her ex-husband was loving and charming when they first met, but he went from “Mr. Perfect to Mr. Psycho” and got physical with her twice. Ernie went to jail for beating his wife, but he says he’s rehabilitated and wants a second chance. Should Vicki take him back or kick him to the curb for good? Then, a high-profile celebrity couple made headlines for alleged domestic violence. The bruised photos of pop diva Rihanna shocked and outraged fans all over the world. Reportedly, she has taken back R&B singer Chris Brown, the man accused of assaulting her. Is Chris Brown getting the celebrity treatment? Hear Dr. Phil's experience of the teen idol. And, find out why a criminal defense lawyer says Brown should not do jail time.

7x123 - Keeping Up with the Kardashians

January 6, 2009

Do you have someone in your family who drives you absolutely insane? Maybe you’re at war with a sibling, or maybe you battle with your spouse over one big issue. Every family has a little drama, but imagine having cameras follow you around when chaos ensues! Every week, millions of viewers tune in to see the hit reality show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians on E! Olympic Gold Medalist Bruce Jenner and his wife, Kris, live a chaotic blended-family life in Hollywood under the watchful eyes of the public. Bruce, Kris and three of their daughters, Kourtney, Khloe and Kim, join Dr. Phil to dish about their biggest family issues, including sibling rivalry, media scrutiny and a DUI arrest. Then, they open up about their first reactions to Bruce Jenner coming into their lives, their father’s death, and their feelings about being caught in the middle of the OJ Simpson murder trial. Plus, they weigh in on viewers’ problems that they can relate to.

7x124 - Octuplets' Mom Answers Viewer Questions

March 16, 2009

After Nadya Suleman’s two-part special with Dr. Phil, the cameras continue rolling. Dr. Phil leads a question and answer session between the mother everyone is talking about and the studio audience. See Nadya openly answer viewers’ questions: How will she take care of herself while caring for 14 kids? Where will the children be while she pursues her education? How will she find transportation for all her kids? Where will the organization that’s agreed to help her, Angels in Waiting, get the funds to assist with 14 children? How will the donations coming in be handled? Is the sperm donor aware that he has fathered 14 kids? Then, Nadya leaves the stage but the discussion continues without her. The audience doesn’t hold back with their heated comments. Plus, as Nadya prepares to move into her new home and make it suitable for the influx of babies, how will her new neighborhood react to the mom of 14 and the media frenzy that follows?

7x125 - Young Wives Club

March 17, 2009

How young is too young to tie the knot? Dr. Phil meets three couples in their early 20s with relationships rocked by betrayals, domestic violence and infidelity. Tara, 22, says her common-law marriage is full of hatred. She says her partner, Matt, calls her terrible names, doesn’t help her with housework or their three children, and has even threatened to kill her. Matt, 26, says Tara likes to fight and goes into attack mode over little things like an empty toilet paper roll. Then, Monica, 20, says she can’t take another day in her marriage and has filed for divorce for the second time. She says her husband, Cadum, is lazy, has cheated on her and acts like a teenager rather than a husband and father. Cadum, 22, says his wife is controlling, and their fights have become physical. And, Jenna, 21, says every day with her fiancé, Ed, is hell. She’s called off the wedding at least eight times because of their constant out-of-control fighting. Ed, 21, says Jenna beats him and has broken his collarbone with a table leg, yet he’s the one who gets arrested. Dr. Phil offers to put these couples up in The Dr. Phil House for an intensive three-day relationship overhaul. Can these young couples get their relationships back on track for the sake of their children?

7x126 - The Dr. Phil House: Young Wives Club, Part 2

March 18, 2009

Dr. Phil continues his work with three young couples who struggle to stay together. Because they all have children stuck in the middle of their battles, Dr. Phil wants to give them a complete relationship overhaul, so he sends them to The Dr. Phil House for three days. The women in these unions are all under the age of 23, and they all blame the men for their relationship troubles. The men say every story has two sides. With issues such as lying, addiction, domestic violence and infidelity, can these couples in crisis stop pointing fingers and learn healthy ways to communicate and heal their relationships? Because the pairs are so used to fighting each other, Dr. Phil mixes up the couples and has them sit down with a new partner to gain a new perspective. You won’t believe the outcome of this simple exercise! Will they listen to Dr. Phil’s reality check? If you feel that divorce is your only option, follow along with this series and pick up the tools to fix your own relationship.

7x127 - The Millionaire Matchmaker

March 19, 2009

Are you still searching for your dream mate, or do you wonder if the person you’re dating is The One? Along with Patti Stanger, founder of the Millionaire’s Club and star of Bravo TV’s The Millionaire Matchmaker, Dr. Phil serves up advice for finding the love of your life. First up is Heidi, a millionairess from Season 2 of The Millionaire Matchmaker, who says she’s sick of being single. She says it’s hard to meet quality men in Los Angeles and feels like she only chooses men who are commitment-phobes. Could Heidi be sabotaging her chances for romance? Then, Damien, a former pro-football player, says the woman of his dreams must have perfect feet, and Tamarrah says she won’t go out with a man who doesn’t make six figures. Find out what happens when Dr. Phil sends these picky people on a date … with each other! Next, Danielle says she hasn’t gotten to a second date in four years. One suitor even left her high and dry in the middle of dinner. Learn what Patti says Danielle must do to land her man. Plus, another leading matchmaker, April Beyer, says she disagrees with Patti’s dating beliefs. Don’t miss their heated debate!

7x128 - Abusive Love

March 20, 2009

With the help of best-selling author Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Phil offers up some straight talk about domestic violence. Learn what to look for and how to stop it.

7x129 - Weddings Gone Bad

March 23, 2009

The bridal party may look beautiful, the guests may arrive on time, and the best man may remember the rings, but sometimes the best-planned ceremonies can go horribly wrong. Dr. Phil’s first guest, Gi’Zelle, is well acquainted with wedding disasters. When she woke up on her special day, she had no idea she’d end the evening eating pizza at home with her bridesmaids. Gi’Zelle says the man of her dreams left her at the altar, and she hasn’t seen or spoken to him since. In the four years since the young woman was jilted on her big day, she says she hasn’t been on a single date. Don’t miss Dr. Phil’s surprise for her! And, Brandi says a series of mishaps marred the day she wed Robert. But nothing could prepare her for the biggest calamity of them all, one that caused her to be rushed to the hospital in her wedding gown! Robert says he thinks his wife feels their relationship is doomed because of that incident. How can Brandi let go of the painful memories and move on? And, Carrie got hitched at a chapel in Las Vegas and says everything that could go wrong did. She says her wedding gifts were stolen, the reception food was undercooked and the rabbi who officiated the service later revealed he was not Jewish and was actually a reverend. Her husband, Mitch, says the ceremony was fine, and he wants his wife to get over it. How can Carrie move past the guilt? Plus, was your wedding or honeymoon a catastrophe? Log on to DrPhil.com and find out how you could win a seven-night trip to Fiji!

7x130 - Young Wives at a Turning Point, Part 3

March 24, 2009

Three young couples struggle to deal with issues such as trust, domestic violence and infidelity. Dr. Phil moves them all into The Dr. Phil House for a three-day relationship overhaul, but their fighting and finger-pointing make him wonder if they’re serious about wanting to fix their relationships. With Dr. Phil’s help, one wife-to-be learns that a traumatic event in her childhood may influence her to this day, one fiancé faces reality and accepts that he’s an alcoholic, and another couple looks inside their relationship and finds a simmering pool of resentments toward each other. What these couples learn about holding themselves to a higher standard is a powerful lesson for any marriage. But can they quash their marital battles for the sake of their children? Then one couple’s argument divides the whole house. See where the battle lines are drawn. Plus, a powerful exercise forces the pairs to communicate in a healthy and productive manner --could the same exercise work for you?

7x131 - Octuplets: On the Record

March 25, 2009

You’ve followed the story of Nadya Suleman and her newborn octuplets. Now, Dr. Phil updates the octuplets’ situation, including the homecoming of the first four babies, and the recent developments in the partnership between Nadya and the organization Angels in Waiting USA. Find out what’s really been going on inside the nursery, and why Nadya says she terminated the offer of 24/7 care with qualified nurses paid for by public donations. Solely concerned for the babies’ welfare, Dr. Phil mediates a discussion about what’s going to happen next for the octuplets and where Nadya plans to turn for assistance. And, the founders of Angels in Waiting USA speak candidly about their concerns.

7x132 - Octuplets: On the Record, Part 2

March 26, 2009

After bringing all the parties together to announce the dissolution of the agreement between the octuplets’ mother, Nadya Suleman, and the organization Angels in Waiting USA, who offered care for all 14 of Nadya’s children, Dr. Phil continues the discussion. Attorney Gloria Allred and Nadya’s attorney, Jeff Czech, present two differing views about what happened inside Nadya’s house and why Angels in Waiting USA were dismissed. Dr. Phil continues to advocate for the welfare of the Suleman children above all.

7x133 - How to Talk to Your Kids About Money

March 27, 2009

The current economic crisis has everyone on edge. It’s more important than ever to talk to your kids about money, and Dr. Phil gives you the tools you need to have that conversation.

7x134 - The Dark Side of the Internet

March 30, 2009

Parents, you may not know it, but a threat is looming in your home. It’s a frightening and dangerous trend that affects the good girls -- cheerleaders, honor students and college graduates -- and law enforcement agencies across the country are up in arms. No longer needing to walk the streets to offer sex for money, young women are turning to the reputable Web site craigslist.com in order to sell their bodies. Next to the area on the site where you can buy a jungle gym for your child, you can access erotic ads, where young women post sexy photos and advertise sex for money. When Ashley was in college pursuing a bachelor’s degree, she never predicted that she would one day meet strangers for sex in order to pay off her student loans. She says she wants to quit the dangerous profession before something horrible happens but thinks she’s addicted to the “easy money.” Crystal says she was also addicted to the money until she was nearly killed. Hear her horrific story and how her life is now that she has escaped the industry. Could Crystal’s tale be the wake-up call Ashley needs? Then, meet a mother who fears her daughter may be using craigslist to exchange sex for money. What can she do to protect her daughter? Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois Tom Dart and Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal weigh in. Lawmakers have formed a coalition to rid craigslist of its erotic service section, but find out why they’ve been fighting an uphill battle.

7x135 - Young Wives at a Turning Point, Part 4

March 31, 2009

Three young couples who struggle to deal with issues such as domestic violence, infidelity and addiction check into The Dr. Phil House to overhaul their relationships. As the last day in the House approaches, a couple’s conversation becomes an angry confrontation. Dr. Phil intervenes with all of the couples and stresses the importance of starting over. One wife realizes the need for fun in a relationship, and how it can strengthen their union. Can she overcome her fear of leaving their kids with a babysitter? Will the men learn to embrace the role of the man in the family? And, an emergency visit from a police officer gives all the couples a reality check. Could you be at risk of losing your children and not even know it? Don’t miss the poignant moment with Dr. Phil that leaves all three couples tearfully vowing to change. Get inspired to fix your own problem relationship before it’s too late!

7x136 - Angry Moms

April 1, 2009

America is teeming with people who are frustrated over rising unemployment, lack of affordable health care and mounting foreclosures. Dr. Phil talks to children who say they are silently shouldering their parents’ rage. He meets with two sets of siblings -- sisters Kelsey, 12, and Courtney, 13; and sister and brother Skyler, 17, and Shane, 15 – who say their mother's anger has them walking on eggshells. What do the kids say are their biggest fears? Next, Dr. Phil sits down with Kelsey and Courtney’s mom, Lisa, alone. Lisa says her Jekyll-and-Hyde personality causes her to verbally attack her daughters. Find out what incident caused her to fly into a rage and kick one of her kids out! What’s behind the mom’s fury? Dr. Jim Sears, renowned pediatrician and co-host of the hit show The Doctors weighs in. Then, Skyler and Shane’s mother, Shawnda, says she’s on edge every day and fears that rage is slowly killing her. She says she cusses like a sailor in the home and calls her children “bitch” and “retard.” Can Shawnda learn to get her temper under control? Plus, don’t miss Dr. Phil’s eight coping steps for verbally abusive parents.

7x137 - Out of the Cult Follow Up

January 28, 2009

7x138 - Reunion Realities

April 3, 2009

Imagine answering your phone and hearing, "You don't know me, but I am your sibling." How would you react? Troy Dunn, a professional people finder and host of WE tv's The Locator joins Dr. Phil to share heartwarming and heart-wrenching reunion stories. If you're longing to get back in touch with someone, learn the realities of reunions.

7x139 - Scary Trends

April 16, 2009

Parents, this show is appointment television! Sexting, a scary new trend where teens send nude or semi-nude photos via cell phone, is popping up throughout the country. But what kids don't realize is that this seemingly innocent act could change their lives forever. Julia recently learned that her 13-year-old daughter texted a provocative photo of herself to a boy, and he forwarded it to his friends. The situation spiraled out of control and nearly ended in tragedy. Find out why Julia says she overreacted, and learn how to approach this situation if it strikes your family. Then, Dr. Phil talks one on one with the teen. Will his words give her a new outlook on the situation? Next, Ben, 14, was threatened with charges after sending a naked photo on his cell phone. Should teens be arrested for sexting? Attorney Lisa Bloom, In Session anchor and special correspondent for www.BettyConfidential.com, shares her thoughts. You may be surprised to hear what she says. If you're a parent who wants to monitor your kid's cell phone and computer activity, don’t miss the newest ways to stay one step ahead of the trends.

7x140 - Amazing Weight Loss Reveals

April 17, 2009

Last September, Dr. Phil kicked off his Ultimate Weight Loss Solution challenge, with six teams of two committing to his program and competing against each other to lose pounds and inches. After conquering Dr. Phil’s 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom, siblings Joe and Lauren, and college roommates Annette and Emilie return to Dr. Phil’s stage to give an update on their remarkable progress. Don’t miss their amazing transformations! See who’s proud to fit back into a sexy black dress, and who is in good enough shape to be on a track and field team. Plus, another brother/sister duo says they sympathize with Joe and Lauren. Scott and Misty say their arguments often escalate to personal attacks about each other’s weight, and they want help to stop the name-calling and start being partners toward a healthier lifestyle. Are they up for Dr. Phil’s challenge? See the surprise he has in store for them! Plus, learn how you can ask Lauren, Joe, Annette and Emilie your questions about their weight loss.

7x141 - Child with a Child

April 20, 2009

Every parent can tell you that raising a child is often demanding, thankless, hard work. But when a teenager gets pregnant and has a child of her own, the result can be stress and chaos for both mother and baby -- along with every other member of the family. Little Gabriel is just 13 months old, and he’s caught in the middle of a troubling situation. His mom, Meghann, is only 18, is living at home and is constantly fighting with the rest of the family. Her parents and sister say she doesn’t pay enough attention to her child, she’s irresponsible and that she’s put little Gabriel in danger. But the teenage mom says her relatives just won’t give her a chance, and she needs to get out -- but how? Find out why the police paid a late night visit to the family home, and what Meghann’s mom found in Meghann’s purse that stoked her fears about Gabriel’s safety. Plus, this isn’t the only household with several generations living under one roof. If the economic downturn has driven your family into close quarters, you won’t want to miss this show!

7x143 - What's Hormones Got to Do with It?

April 21, 2009

Six thousand women enter menopause every day, and studies have shown that the fairer sex can experience menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms as early as their 20s and 30s. Dr. Phil’s wife, Robin, author of What’s Age Got to Do with It? is on a mission to show the ladies how to embrace life changes with dignity and grace! First up, Robin recounts her own emotional and physical struggles with the change of life. Learn how she was able to get a handle on her mood swings and hot flashes. Then, Becky says she hasn’t gotten a good night's sleep in 12 years, and when she looks in the mirror, she sees a woman who has aged 10 years in 12 months. Find out what happens after Robin takes Becky under her wing! Next, meet a 33-year-old who says she’s chronically exhausted and lacks libido. What’s at the root of her condition? And, can men experience menopause? Learn the surprising facts! Plus, meet a physician who says she learned important hormone tips from Robin’s appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and hear from a woman who ignored her health symptoms and nearly lost her life in the process.

7x144 - Why was Little Sandra Murdered?

April 22, 2009

It's the story everyone is talking about: The horrific murder and alleged rape of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu. Dr. Phil has been flooded with e-mails and questions asking what kind of a person would commit such a heinous crime. Is it possible that a mother could do something like this to someone else's child? People are asking, do I need to worry about my neighbor? How do I spot a person who might be a threat to my child? How do I talk to my children about this? Dr. Phil deconstructs the case and tells you what you need to know to protect your kids. Learn details about suspect Melissa Huckaby you have never heard before, including what Dr. Phil says about something from her past that may help explain this twisted murder. Former New York City homicide prosecutor Star Jones is on hand with important legal analysis. Will the Sunday school teacher face different treatment from the judicial system because she's female? Also weighing in is Candice DeLong, a former FBI profiler, who offers insight into the highly unusual circumstances surrounding little Sandra's murder. And, reporter Jennifer Wadsworth spoke directly with Huckaby before her arrest. Learn her impressions. Plus, hear from the parents of the little girl who sat next to Sandra in class and now is afraid to sleep alone. How safe is your son or daughter? Would you know how to spot a child molester? Find out why Dr. Phil says the most helpful person in your life might be the biggest threat to your child.

7x145 - How to Escape a Bad Marriage

April 23, 2009

If you're a woman living in constant fear of an abusive mate, Dr. Phil dedicates this show to you. He documents the tumultuous journey of a mother of four who flees to a shelter to escape what she says is a violent marriage. When Star last appeared on the show, she admitted that she was addicted to prescription drugs and was unfaithful to her husband, Isaac. Now clean and sober for seven months, she says that her problems are just beginning. Star says Isaac is verbally abusive to her and their kids, and he chokes her, slaps her, leaves bruises on her arms and feet and has threatened her life. Dr. Phil cameras follow the fearful mom as she makes the toughest decision of her life. Then, Isaac, who doesn’t know where his wife or children are staying, speaks to Dr. Phil via telephone. Hear his side of the story. Will he reconcile with his wife? Plus, Dr. Phil sits down with Star's 12-year-old daughter. Find out how she says the alleged violence at home affects her. And, if you're in an abusive relationship, Dr. Phil’s steps for escaping could help save your sanity … and your life.

7x146 - How to Get To I Do

April 24, 2009

For many girls, a fairytale wedding day is a sweet fantasy — but getting the proposal can be a real nightmare! Amber and Rich are struggling through commitment issues. They live, work and have children together, and say they're happy but can't seem to take the next step. Rich sold Amber on his plan to marry her after five years, so why hasn't he proposed after nearly seven? Does he have valid reasons for resisting marriage? After Dr. Phil challenges him, will Rich decide to walk down the aisle ... on Dr. Phil's stage? Next, Jill has taken the leap and been divorced seven times. Why does she pick the wrong men, and what can she do to make her next union last? Then, Candy describes her first marriage as lasting 18 miserable years, and she regrets how she poisoned her daughters against men during that time. What will it take to change her daughter, who calls herself the Runaway Bride? Plus, a don't-miss moment happens in Dr. Phil's audience!

7x147 - Craigslist killer

April 27, 2009

7x148 - Need for Control

April 28, 2009

7x149 - How to Make More Money

April 29, 2009

7x150 - Dump Your Dreams?

April 30, 2009

7x152 - Reinvent Yourself

May 4, 2009

In these devastating economic times, companies are closing their doors, and millions of Americans have found themselves out of work. One of the cities hardest hit by the recession is Detroit, Michigan where the unemployment rate has skyrocketed to 24 percent. Dr. Phil goes on location in the Motor City to talk to families in serious financial despair. He sits down with Jennifer and Jake, who were recently laid off. Now the college graduates say they can’t afford a home phone or baby clothes for their 7-month-old son. Jake says he fears that if he doesn’t get a job soon, his family will be out on the street. Don’t miss Dr. Phil’s action plan for this couple in crisis. Next, Shaniece was recently laid off from Chrysler and worries that her husband, Devin, could receive a pink slip any day now. They say the stress takes a toll on their marriage. What can they do to turn their relationship and their financial outlook around? Then, Dr. Phil and best-selling author Mitch Albom tour Detroit’s historic Pilgrim Church and meet with a drug-dealer-turned-pastor who uses the rundown building to help Detroit’s homeless. Don’t miss Dr. Phil’s surprise for the minister. Plus, find out how you can donate to this worthy cause!

7x153 - How to Be a Better Parent

May 5, 2009

Have your children gone from little angels to kids gone wild? Are they whiney, tantrum-throwing, feet-stomping, door-slamming, spoiled and entitled? Well, good news, Mom and Dad! Dr. Phil is launching his parenting boot camp and teaching parents how to take back control and live in peace for the very first time. Meet four families who say they live in chaos and can’t take it anymore. Tammie says her 11-year-old daughter is stubborn, uncooperative and annoying, and she finds herself with no desire to even hug her. How can she rediscover that mother/daughter bond? And, Janice says her 11-year-old son is a spoiled little baby whose tantrums are so obnoxious, she’s ready to throw in the towel. Next, Tiffiny and Ron say their two oldest daughters make them regret becoming parents. They say living with their 14-year-old is like living with Hannibal Lecter, and the 10-year-old won’t stop lying. What are they doing wrong? And, Laureen is a single mom who says her 16-year-old daughter is so out of control, she could be headed for jail. How can these families regain control and find peace? Plus, see exciting updates on two mother/son pairs who left their madhouse for The Dr. Phil House last year. Remember the child who slapped his mother in the face? How are they doing one year later?

7x154 - How to Be a Better Parent, Part 2

May 6, 2009

Four families tired of the fighting, yelling, chaos and conflict in their home move into The Dr. Phil House. Dr. Phil puts them to work right away with exercises and assignments that encourage the children to open up and the parents to confront their own mistakes. After hearing each other’s frustrations, will the parents wake up to what they’re doing wrong? One mom turns the camera on her daughter to show her bad behavior, but Dr. Phil sees something even more troubling. Are you making this common discipline mistake? If you knew you could be scarring your child for life, would you want to know? Tune in and learn how to parent your tween or teen in a way that will make him or her happy, secure and successful!

7x155 - How to Stay Sober

May 7, 2009

Dr. Phil delves into the topic of addiction with two families on the verge of losing it all. Rigo was a police sergeant in charge of keeping crime off the streets, but at home he was taking up to 2,000 pain pills a month. He says his addiction caused him to lose everything he loved including his job and his family. Now he fears he’ll lose his beautiful home and his marriage too. Rigo says he’s been sober for seven weeks, but his wife of seven years, Robin, is doubtful. She says she’s seen him get sober and relapse so many times, if his current sobriety doesn’t stick, she will divorce him. Is Rigo doing everything he can to stay clean? Then, Chuck is an unemployed therapist due to his alcohol addiction. He says he’s had so many DUIs and spent so much time in jail, he can’t keep track anymore. He says he quit the bottle 90 days ago, but his wife of two years, Janet, calls him a habitual relapser. Is divorce in their future? If you think a loved one may be struggling with an addiction, or if you suspect your child is experimenting with drugs or alcohol, don’t miss this show! Learn the no-holds-barred truth about addiction, rehabilitation and sobriety, what to look for, and the cutting-edge medication and treatment that helps addicts get sober and stay sober.

7x156 - Does Mother Know Best?

May 8, 2009

They changed your diapers, cooked your meals, did your laundry and put up with your bratty attitude, but does Mom always know what's best for you? Dr. Phil's guests say their mothers go overboard, and it's time to back off. Bobby, 24, lives with his mom, Rhonda. She irons his boxers, tells him when to go to bed and pay his bills and buys him anything he wants. Bobby says he's had enough and wants his mom to let him grow up. So why doesn’t he move out? Bobby's girlfriend, Kristi, says mother and son have an unhealthy, co-dependent relationship. Who will decide to cut the cord first: Bobby or Rhonda? Next, Angie says her 13-year-old daughter, Savanna's, behavior is out of control. She says the teen is failing school, is extremely hateful and has a horrible attitude. Savanna says she'd rather be in jail than live at home. Why does she say her mother is to blame for their feuds? How can this mother and daughter come together and learn to get along? Then, a husband surprises his wife, whom he says is an amazing mother. ok-TO

7x159 - A Teen's Pregnancy

July 6, 2009

Imagine your 15-year-old daughter announces that she's pregnant. As a parent, you would have to make tough decisions. This is the reality for Dale and Kelly. Dale says they had the all-American family until their teenaged daughter, Brittney, revealed she was pregnant. How did this honor roll student and star soccer player end up in this predicament? Dr. Phil sits down with the teen and asks her some hard questions. Is she confronting reality or living in her own world? Brittney has not decided if her future involves her being a parent. What do her parents hope she chooses? Dr. Lisa Masterson, OB/GYN and co-host of The Doctors, meets with Brittney and three other young women who found themselves in similar situations as teens. Will their stories help the mom-to-be make one of the biggest decisions of her life? And, Brittney and her mom accompany Jody as she travels across the country to pick up her adopted child. Emotions escalate and Brittney ends up in tears. Follow the drama as this family struggles through this tense time that will dramatically change the course of their lives.

7x160 - A Teen's Pregnancy : Brittney's Decision

July 7, 2009

Dr. Phil continues his in-depth look at a family that struggles with a decision that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Dale and Kelly's daughter, Brittney, an honor roll student and star athlete, was 15 when she revealed she was pregnant, and the news dramatically changed this family. Sixteen years old and six-and-a-half months into her pregnancy, Brittney reveals the plan for her unborn baby. How do her parents feel about her decision, and do they think she'll stick by her plan?

7x161 - Ask the Bishop

July 8, 2009

As economic times grow increasingly frightening, many Americans are asking, "Will I find a job? Can I support my family? Will my savings survive?" Dr. Phil is joined by Bishop T.D. Jakes, best-selling author and leader of one of the fastest-growing mega-churches in the U.S., to answer your questions and share strategies for staying motivated during this time of uncertainty. First up, Susan says her 19-year-old daughter, Emily, is living in a fantasyland and refuses to grow up and get a job. Emily says she's not lazy, just laid-back. Will Emily hear the wake-up call like her mother hopes? Next, meet Lisa, a wife, mom and self-proclaimed domestic dictator who says it's her way or no way. Find out how she reacts when she receives a surprise visit from the Bishop. Lisa's husband sits down one on one with the pastor. How does Lisa respond when she observes their conversation? And, find out what Lisa's teen daughters have to say about her. Then, Jennifer says she has to wear the pants in the family. Her fiancé, James, says her constant pushing makes him feel like less of a man, and their engagement is on the rocks as a result. Can Dr. Phil and the Bishop help keep their relationship afloat?

7x162 - A Divorce Solution

July 9, 2009

Do you and your spouse fight about the same things over and over? Dr. Phil's guests have threatened divorce and want to know if there's a solution for their constant battles. Does Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) play a part in the crumbling of these relationships?

7x163 - OCD

July 10, 2009

Imagine cleaning your house for hours on end, washing your hands up to 30 times a day — sometimes until they bleed — and having the urge to repeatedly check that doors are locked and appliances are turned off. This may sound like extreme behavior, but 2.2 million American adults live with a debilitating illness known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Learn the warning signs and what you can do to overcome anxiety. Lisa says she's so petrified of germs that she scrubs her kitchen floor four to five times a day and constantly washes her hands. She even homeschools her three young children because she's afraid that being around other kids will make them sick! Her husband, Khristian, fears that they're raising a bunch of "shut ins" who will be terrified of going out into the real world. Will Lisa be able to manage her disorder and move forward with her life? Plus, Phyllis, a former guest, says she cleaned 16 hours a day and rarely left her home. Find out how she's doing today, and hear the advice she has for Lisa.

7x171 - Recession Survival Squad

August 31, 2009

You’ve lost your job, you’re about to lose your house, your savings account is empty and the bills are piling up. The current economic downturn is dragging more and more people into a state of financial panic. Dr. Phil puts together a recession survival squad of experts to help you conquer this money crisis. Top job recruiter Tony Beshara, financial planner Robert Pagliarini and money guru Mary Hunt help a couple devise a plan to overcome their financial burdens.

7x173 - When She's The Breadwinner

September 2, 2009

More than 80 percent of the jobs lost in this recession belonged to men. As more and more women re-enter the workforce, marriages turn upside down while the men become stay-at-home dads. Dr. Phil speaks with families struggling to deal with the role reversal. Why does it oftentimes hurt a man’s pride to become a househusband? And, how do women feel having to dust off their resumes and bring home the bacon? Plus, don’t miss the top five tips for finding a job.

7x174 - The Kidnapping of Jaycee Lee

September 3, 2009

7x175 - Dr. Phil's Get Real Retreat Update

September 4, 2009

Dr. Phil's Get Real Retreat was an intense, emotional experience for 14 people who decided it was time to change their lives. Struggling with issues such as addiction, anger, abuse and grief, these guests confronted their personal demons and made tremendous strides toward healing. Dr. Phil follows up with some of his courageous guests. Find the strength and inspiration to make a change in your own life after seeing these remarkable stories of healing and redemption.

7x176 - On Thin Ice

September 7, 2009

Times are tough, families are cracking under the pressure, and many spouses are turning on each other when the stress becomes too much. Jennifer and her husband, Ben, fight nonstop and are on the verge of divorce. She says losing her job and Ben's mom moving in are adding to the pressure. Cameras installed in their home capture the daily reality, including the ugly fighting. Once a home is shattered, is there any hope for putting the pieces back together?

7x177 - How To Be A Better Parent, Part 5

September 8, 2009

Dr. Phil speaks with two moms struggling to parent their daughters. What is causing one mom's lack of affection for her little girl? And what would cause a teen to physically attack her mother? Dr. Phil digs down to discover what is in the way of healthy and loving mother/daughter relationships. Breaking the Cycle In Dr. Phil's "How to Be a Better Parent" series, one guest struggled more than the others to change her relationship with her child. Tammie was frustrated and annoyed with her 11-year-old daughter, Davia, and didn't know why. She says she often found it difficult to even want to hug her. When she captured a fight with her daughter on home video, Dr. Phil told Tammie her behavior crossed the line. Violent Teen Tami says for the past seven years she's been controlled, manipulated and abused by her 17-year-old daughter, Katie, who has hit, bit, punched, slapped and kicked her during their confrontations. Tami says she no longer feels safe in her own home. Katie says she's been mad for a long time and can't take another day living with her mother. What is at the root of Katie's rage?

7x178 - Conception Crazed

September 9, 2009

What do you do when the desire to have a baby takes over your whole life? Dr. Phil’s guests say they are tormented by their inability to get pregnant. Tonya is 39 and says she’s been trying to conceive for two years without success. She says she even purchased baby items and set up a nursery in her home. She and her husband, Joe, don’t see eye to eye when it comes to having children, and he says this impasse could lead to divorce. Then, Kelly has been trying to have another child for two years, and she's considering in vitro fertilization. Her husband, Bret, says he wants her to stop obsessing and fears that in vitro could put them in debt. Can these couples come to a conception compromise?

7x179 - Trapped Under The Same Roof

September 10, 2009

Unemployment is up, home values are down and salaries are frozen. Meet one woman who says that she wants to get a divorce, but with the country's economic crisis, she can’t afford to leave her spouse.

7x180 - Is This Normal?

September 11, 2009

If your friend or family member has an unusual behavior, does that mean he or she is not normal? Dr. Phil's guests question the extreme behavior of their loved ones and want to know if it's normal. And, take a quiz to find out how normal you are!