Shows This Week

Monday - May 20, 2013

A Dr. Phil Exclusive: Runaway Mom Speaks Out

In a Dr. Phil exclusive, runaway Pennsylvania mom Brenda Heist, 54, speaks out for the first time since abandoning her family 11 years ago — leaving them to believe she had been kidnapped or murdered. Why does she say she walked away from her life after dropping off her two young children, then ages 8 and 12, at school? And, where has she been living all these years? Brenda, who is now behind bars on a probation violation, was declared legally dead three years ago — so, how was she recently found? Plus, hear Brenda’s tearful message to the children she left behind. Did she try to contact them over the years? And, don’t miss the surprise reunion that brings Brenda to tears.

Tuesday - May 21, 2013

"Are My Children in a Cult?"

James says his estranged wife, Jennifer, is being controlled by a religious group that he calls a cult, and he fears his four children may be in danger. He says that after moving their family to Missouri two years ago to join The Fellowship of the Martyrs (FOTM), Jennifer developed an attachment to the ministry’s leader, Doug Perry -- who claims to hear the voice of God -- and their marriage fell apart. James says he soon came to believe that the growing FOTM community was unsafe for his family. He says when Jennifer refused to leave with him, he took their children and left in the middle of the night -- a decision that landed him in jail on kidnapping charges, and the kids back with his wife. Now, out of jail and no longer a member of FOTM, James says he’s fighting for custody of his kids -- and hoping to save his marriage. Jennifer insists that FOTM is not a cult, and she believes that Doug is a prophet of God. Is she interested in reconciling with James? And, does she feel their children are in harm’s way? Then, Dr. Phil talks to Doug. Did he convince Jennifer to leave her husband? How does he respond to allegations that FOTM is a cult? Plus, cult expert Rick Ross weighs in.

Wednesday - May 22, 2013

"It’s Either Me or Your Deadbeat Son"

Ed says his wife of two years, Johnna, enables her 23-year-old son, Chase, so much that it’s destroying their marriage — and he’s considering divorce. He says Johnna buys Chase cell phones, applies for jobs for him and even pays his $5,000 annual child support for his 2-year-old son. Johnna admits that she’s easily manipulated by Chase — why won’t she put her foot down? Dr. Phil delves into Johnna’s past and discovers a deep source of pain. How may that be affecting her parenting? Chase, who is currently living with his grandmother, says he feels unprepared for the world and blames his mom for his lack of motivation. Can Dr. Phil help him become more independent and start supporting his family? And, can Johnna learn new parenting strategies to stop enabling him? Plus, don’t miss Part 2 tomorrow, when Johnna’s mother, Cindy, reveals some of her own shocking parenting choices. How may she be contributing to this difficult dynamic?

Thursday - May 23, 2013

"It's Either Me or Your Deadbeat Son" Part 2: Meet Grandma

Dr. Phil continues to unravel the painful details of Johnna’s past, including her relationship with her mother, Cindy — with whom Johnna’s 23-year-old son, Chase, is now living. Johnna calls her mom “demonic” and a “sociopath” and claims she is poisoning Chase’s mind. Cindy admits she was a terrible mother who never wanted children, but she insists she’s a wonderful grandmother — and blames Johnna for Chase’s current struggles. What’s at the root of their bad blood? Hear Cindy’s shocking confessions. Then, Dr. Phil offers Johnna tips for moving forward and changing her family legacy. Can she learn to put the past behind her and apply new parenting strategies that will help Chase to live on his own? Don’t miss this emotional conclusion!

Friday - May 24, 2013

Parenting Disaster: Extreme Excuses

Darcy says that her sister, Jennifer’s, home is in a state of complete chaos. She says Jennifer and her husband, Ralph, have no rules, their kitchen is bare, the electricity is often shut off, and they put their needs ahead of those of their four children -- who are acting out as a result. Darcy says her nephews, 8 and 10, smoke marijuana, play with weapons and recently started a local forest fire — and that the 10-year-old once wrote a note asking for someone to kill him in his sleep. She says her 12-year-old niece was recently called to truancy court, and her 16-year-old niece is having unprotected sex in the home with her older, live-in boyfriend. Ralph concedes that he’s struggling to provide for his family financially and has made mistakes as a parent but says Jennifer is to blame, claiming she’s checked out as a mother. Jennifer admits she’s detached from her family, struggles with depression and has trouble maintaining the household. With this family in dire need of a resolution, Dr. Phil stages a no-nonsense intervention. Are Jennifer and Ralph willing to take the necessary steps to save their family?

LAST WEEK'S SHOWS

- The Rescue of Jessica Buchanan

- Turning a Blind Eye?

- “I Abducted a Baby”/ Confessions of a Sociopath

- From Star Athlete to Call Girl

- "Marry My Ex and You'll Be Sorry"