The Making of Dr.Phil: The Straight-talking True Story of Everyone's Favorite Therapist - Hardcover

The first biography of Dr. Phil McGraw and his rise to fame Millions look to Dr. Phil for advice on everything from relationships to life. But Dr. Phil is more than just a pop psychologist. He's also an amazing businessman who has started and run a number of flourishing ventures. In The Making of Dr. Phil, award-winning journalists Sophia Dembling and Lisa Gutierrez take readers inside the world of Dr. Phil and his media and self-help empire. From his early days as a young athlete and student pilot, to his failed first marriage and decision to study psychology, The Making of Dr. Phil captures the courageous rise of one of today's most well-known celebrities. Full of exclusive interviews, this comprehensive portrait explores Dr. Phil's true motivations and inner drives. It also reveals the full dimension of his personality, beyond the "down-home doc" image portrayed in his books and on television. The Making of Dr. Phil offers a rare inside look at the real Dr. Phil McGraw and provides a firsthand account of how he became such a huge success. Sophia Dembling (Dallas, TX) is a veteran journalist and former reporter for the Dallas Morning News. She was recently featured on the Dr. Phil: E! True Hollywood Story and will also appear on the upcoming A&E Biography on Dr. Phil. Lisa Gutierrez (Overland Park, KS) is an award-winning journalist. She obtained the first exclusive interview with Dr. Phil's first wife, and her reporting on Dr. Phil has appeared in numerous newspapers around the world.

Essential Reading for Every Dr. Phil Fan?and Anyone Hoping to Learn the Secrets of His Incredible Success

The story of Dr. Phil?s rise to the top is not one of a well-thought- out and carefully executed plan, nor is it entirely a tale about the rewards of hard work?although McGraw is clearly driven by his own success. Rather, it is the story of a brilliant opportunist with powerful survival instincts and a gift for quickly analyzing and sizing up any situation.

You?ve no doubt heard the legend about the man who was blessed by Oprah?s golden touch. But the real story of the making of Dr. Phil encompasses both embarrassing failures and promising opportunities that have been brilliantly capitalized on by someone with the brains?and nerves?to do what it takes to succeed.
?From the Preface