Indeed, given what we know about Dr. Phil\u2019s past, one could easily come to the conclusion that he had a tougher time of things than many others do.<\/p>\n
Yet his resilience and determination is what define him, helping shape his character so that he was ready to stand up to the rigors of celebrity life.<\/p>\n
While on The Coach Mike Podcast last year, hosted by celebrity life coach, Mike Bayer, Dr. Phil spoke candidly about the trauma of growing up in an abusive household.<\/p>\n
As per Amomama, the television personality explained: \u201cWe moved around a lot.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe moved every two or three years because my dad was an alcoholic.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Phil would go on to state that he tried to avoid his father as much as possible during those years, due to the fact that his dad was prone to unpredictable mood swings and disturbing behavior as a result of his drinking.<\/p>\n
\u201c[I] came and went through the bedroom window so I didn\u2019t have to go through the house. It was total chaos\u2026Yelling, screaming violence, domestic violence,\u201d Dr. Phil shared.<\/p>\n
Yet things would get worse before they got better for the future television host. During his teenage years, Dr. Phil experienced a level of poverty only a few others can relate to.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been homeless,\u201d Dr. Phil revealed in 2021. \u201cI\u2019ve lived on the streets of Kansas City\u2026 I\u2019ve slept in a cardboard box.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 1996, though, he met Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey was in the midst of being sued for defaming the beef industry during one of her shows, and hired Dr. Phil to provide counsel and assist her at trial. She would eventually win her case, and Dr. Phil soon became a regular on The Oprah Winfrey Show thereafter.<\/p>\n