DR. Phil

"You don't WOOONT to go eat an entire chocolate cake."

What a crock.

He sounds like the "you don't want to do that" guy off Harry Enfield. I think he might be shown on cable over here as my husband has seen him several times since he appeared on Frasier.

Hence he's just entered into YOUR consciousness! :) You can thank Oprah for unleashing him on the world.

It just so happens that his particular pop-psych argot pushes all of the wrong buttons for me.

And of course Dr. Phil has enriched himself in the process, unlike the 12-step programs that invite easy derision but are likewise helpful to many.

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My problem with Dr. Phil is basically the same problem I have with all TV/radio psychologists -- they reduce people's struggles to generic sound-bites, with little interest in context or history. I'm willing to grant that this might work for some people -- i.e., maybe all they need is to hear someone say, "You're being immature!" -- but too often, it seems like a "quick fix."

Apparently, Dr. Phil used to have a private practice, but got bored and impatient with listening to people's problems all day. That kinda says it all for me.

http://members.tripod.com/el_tequila/images/Creation/Creatio7.jpg

arriving at the knowledge of -- abduction...

they don't need the edge.

I do recognize that he does make those "You don't want to eat a whole chocolate cake, do you?" comments, yes, but those are purely for comedic/exaggerated effect and are meant to make the guest (and the audience) laugh. No one seriously thinks that's part of his advice. That's just his own way of showing how absurd he feels these people's justifications are. And no, he doesn't do this to everyone; there are some people whom he has on who are so deeply in pain that he will be very gentle with.

Personally, I'm glad he's on the air. We've needed someone like this to counter-balance all the crap Oprah and the Oprah-likes have (you talk about pop psychology overdrive there). At least, that's what I feel.

"but what do you mean [dr phil]" - guest

"im going to give you a copy of my book before you leave" - phil

true story. i rest my case. this guy is a genius.

Oh yes, and my opinion of the guy has significantly changed since the time I typed up and submitted the above post o' mine. I got fed up with the guy sometime in early July and now actively seek to avoid him and his corn-pone, tired "advice". I think it's ridiculous how he seeks to include his wife and two sons in almost everything he does and if I have to see Jay's smug, assholeish countenance one more bloody time, I will be forced to buy a plane ticket to L.A., track Jay down, and smack him until his ears bleed. I have never liked Jay. He's even smarmier than the old man is.

I LOVE YOUR SHOW

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MAINLY HUSTLER

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This is the best Dr. phil thread.

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I WILL NOW TAKE YOUR QUESTONS

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BRODY JACKSON

*stares at laetitia*

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http://veryimposing.tumblr.com/post/145436661496/some-my-favorite-little-joys-in-this-world-are-the

I WILL NOW TAKE YOUR QUESTONS

― Dr. Phil, Thursday, April 2, 2009 7:59 PM (7 years ago)