Phil McGraw (b. 1950)

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Biography

Phillip Calvin McGraw, better known as Dr. Phil, is an American television personality and author who hosted the talk show Dr. Phil. He holds a doctorate in clinical psychology, though he ceased renewing his license to practice psychology in 2006.

In Their Own Words (2)

The people change, the common denominator is you.

Twitter post, 29 March 2014 , 2014

Dr. Phil's Ten Life Laws

Timeline

The story of Phil McGraw, told in moments.

1979 Life

Earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of North Texas. Ran a private practice, then co-founded Courtroom Sciences, a litigation consulting firm.

What drew you to litigation consulting over therapy? Was the courtroom more exciting than the clinic? Did running a private practice satisfy you?

1998 Event

Appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show as a consultant during the Amarillo cattle trial. Oprah liked his blunt style. He became a weekly guest, then a regular.

What was it like going from obscurity to Oprah's stage? Did you know blunt honesty was your gift before she noticed? How fast did that weekly guest spot change your life?

2002 Event

Launched Dr. Phil, a syndicated talk show. It was the highest-rated debut since Oprah's in 1986. The show ran for 21 seasons.

Was the highest-rated debut since Oprah intimidating? How do you maintain authenticity on camera for 21 seasons? Did the show become bigger than the psychology?

2006 Life

Stopped renewing his license to practice psychology. He said he didn't need one to host a TV show. Critics noted he still dispensed psychological advice on air.

Why stop renewing your license? Do the critics about dispensing advice without a license bother you? Is being Dr. Phil different from being a psychologist?