Dr. Phil Show Season 11 Episode 78 It's Either Me or Your Deadbeat Son
- May 22, 2013
In season 11, episode 78 of the Dr. Phil Show, titled "It's Either Me or Your Deadbeat Son," viewers are introduced to a family in crisis. The episode centers around a woman named Janice, who is fed up with her boyfriend, Mark, and his failure to discipline his adult son, Jeremy, who is still living with them.
Janice and Mark have been together for four years and things were going well until Jeremy moved in. Jeremy is in his mid-twenties and has never held down a job or contributed to the household. Janice is at her wit's end as she believes that Jeremy is a "spoiled brat" who is taking advantage of his father's kindness. She feels that he is lazy and entitled, and that he is putting a strain on their relationship.
Mark, on the other hand, is protective of his son and believes that Janice is being unfair. He does not see the harm in his son staying with them as he is struggling to find his way in life. Mark understands that Janice has grievances but he doesn't feel that they warrant throwing his son out on the street.
Dr. Phil agrees to meet with the couple and their son to help them resolve their issues. In the episode, he listens to both sides and tries to find a middle ground. He asks Jeremy to explain why he hasn't taken any steps to become more independent and encourages him to take responsibility for his actions. Jeremy initially appears resistant but Dr. Phil is able to challenge him and get him to open up about his struggles and fears.
Dr. Phil also speaks with Janice separately and helps her to understand that there are deeper issues at play in their relationship. He addresses her feelings of insecurity and fear of abandonment and encourages her to work on her own self-esteem.
As the episode progresses, the tension between the three starts to ease and they begin to work towards a resolution. Dr. Phil provides them with tools and strategies to move forward and offers a plan to help them rebuild their relationships.
Overall, the episode is an insightful look into a family struggling to communicate and understand each other. Dr. Phil's expertise and guidance help the family to take the difficult steps necessary to move forward and heal their relationships.