Ep 222. My 12-Year-Old Son Is Being Spanked by His Father Who Thinks He Is Possessed by Demons and Wants Him Exorcised
- November 20, 2017
In this episode of the Dr. Phil Show, a mother is deeply concerned about her 12-year-old son who is being spanked by his father on a regular basis. The father believes that their son is possessed by demons and wants to exorcise him. The mother claims that her son is a typical pre-teen who is struggling with ADHD and anxiety, and the father's behavior is causing emotional harm to their child.
The mother explains that she has tried to reason with her husband, but he insists that their son is possessed by demons and needs to be punished through spanking. She says that her husband even consulted with a pastor who supports his views about their son's possession. The mother is visibly distressed as she recounts the traumatic moments in her home.
Dr. Phil is visibly concerned and empathetic to the mother's plight. He starts by acknowledging the father's spiritual beliefs but emphasizes that spanking is not an effective method of disciplining a child who is struggling with ADHD and anxiety. He reminds the parents that corporal punishment can cause long-term emotional damage to children, especially when it is done in the context of an exorcism.
Dr. Phil points out that their son needs professional medical intervention to address his mental health issues. He suggests that they see a psychiatrist to help address their son's ADHD and anxiety. He tells the father that he should not be punishing his son for a problem that he did not create.
The episode takes a turn when the father reveals that he has also been physically abusive to his wife in the past. He admits to hitting her on multiple occasions, and the mother corroborates this. Dr. Phil is visibly disturbed as he questions the father about his abusive behavior. The father insists that he is not abusive and that he only hit his wife out of anger.
Dr. Phil sets the father straight, reminding him that domestic violence will not be tolerated. He advises the mother that she must take steps to protect herself and her children from the abusive behavior. He also encourages her to seek professional help and obtain child custody if necessary.
As the episode comes to a close, Dr. Phil stresses the importance of seeking professional help, noting that it is never too late to get the help that is needed. He emphasizes that there is hope for parents who are struggling with a child such as their son, and that emotional support and guidance from qualified professionals is always available.
Overall, this episode of the Dr. Phil Show is a sobering reminder of the importance of seeking professional help when dealing with complex mental health issues. It highlights the dangers of corporal punishment and abuse, and offers hope to those who may be struggling with similar issues.
