-
Step 1
Acknowledge the other person's point of view. Whether or not he agrees with the person's opinions or views, Dr. Phil will always repeat what he's heard back to the person he advises. This ensures that Dr. Phil has understood the person correctly, and can also disarm the person and make them feel validated.
-
Step 2
Ask direct questions. Dr. Phil will often ask questions that are difficult for the person to answer, but pivotal in order to help them solve their problems and uncover their motives. Questions such as "What were you thinking?," "Are you happy this way?" and "What do you really want?" are not uncommon from Dr. Phil.
-
Step 3
Emphasize the relationship of cause and effect. In his tell-it-like-it-is manner, Dr. Phil will often reiterate the hard, cold facts that some people simply don't acknowledge. For example, if a person asks for Dr. Phil's advice on how to get out of a certain situation, Dr. Phil's response could be as simple as "stop the behavior that's keeping you in that situation."
-
Step 4
Remember Dr. Phil's catchphrases. Popular Dr. Philisms include "You either get it, or you don't," "You can't change what you don't acknowledge," "We teach people how to treat us" and "It's better to be happy alone than sick with someone else."
Comments
theholyone said
on 11/5/2008 Dr. Phil, PLEASE stop saying that the role of the man in the family is to be provider, protector, leader, etc.etc. etc.! Men and women are partners! What a bad message this is to single moms and us widows. If we've spent our lives being led and protected and provided for, what happens when we loss Our Man, and have had no experience thinking for ourselves? Also, telling a man he's head of the family is just as demeaning as telling a woman she's a follower.
Thank you- Joan Ewaldsen.