Monday, Nov. 24: Family Cult

Dr. Phil delves into a tragic story that spanned several decades, shattered lives and left one person behind bars. Fourteen children were held captive by a man who called himself The Messiah -- a man who was also their father. Jeanne says she was raised in this environment, which the authorities called cult-like, and that she and her siblings were starved, beaten and had no schooling. In a tear-jerking revelation, Jeanne tells Dr. Phil that she was forced to perform unthinkable sexual acts with her own father, beginning when she was just 5 years old and ending when she was 27. Jeanne may be a victim of horrible cruelty, but her sisters, Miriam and Sarah, say they can't forgive her for the pain she caused them. Find out why these siblings are estranged, and why Sarah says she's nervous just sitting next to Jeanne on Dr. Phil's stage. It's been 20 years since Jeanne's father was arrested, but she and her family say the effects of abuse still linger. Can these siblings ever get closure on their horrific past? Viewer discretion is advised.

Tuesday, Nov. 25: Family Drama

Family squabbles are hard to avoid –- especially during the holidays. But what happens when that behavior escalates to cursing, yelling and even physical attacks? Loretta says she's tired of the constant drama in her household, and she blames her husband, Devin. She says he's selfish, calls her a "whale" and verbally and physically abuses their 18-year-old twin daughters, Ashley and Amy. Amy recently got married, and she says her relationship with her father is so strained, she didn't even want him to walk her down the aisle! Devin says he's the innocent one and says his wife and daughters are disrespectful to him. Who's telling the truth? And, a few years ago, Devin videotaped Amy when she came home drunk to teach her a lesson. How does she react when she sees the footage in its entirety? Plus, Loretta says if Devin doesn't get a wake-up call about his behavior, then she's ready to kick him to the curb. Is there hope for this divided family? Will Loretta and Devin be able to reconcile –- or should they?

Wednesday, Nov. 26: A Husband's Double Life

Studies show that as many as 18 to 24 million Americans suffer from sexual addiction; an overwhelming obsession that can destroy lives, ruin marriages and tear families apart. Elaine says she wishes she had never met her husband, Michael, because of the terrible secrets she's uncovered about him. But did she ignore the warning signs before they got married? Michael says he knew he had a problem, but thought he could keep it a secret from his wife. You won't believe where Michael's addiction takes him multiple times a day and how he covered his tracks for seven years. And, Elaine recently made a shocking discovery. Should she be concerned for the safety of her two children? Find out what Dr. Phil thinks. Michael says he's come clean, but will a polygraph exam reveal more hidden truths? Viewer discretion is advised.

Thursday, Nov. 27: Extreme Moms

Parents: Is it better for your children if you're a helicopter mom who hovers over them, or a hands-off mom who allows them to learn independence? This hot-button topic has sparked debates across the country. Lenore is a mom who says kids need more freedom so they can learn to survive in the world. To prove that children are more adept than most parents think, she left her 9-year-old son, Izzy, in a New York City department store with $20, a subway card and a map. Was he able to find his way home safely? Some moms, like Maria, say Lenore's actions were extreme. Maria, a mother of three, says she's constantly hovering over her children, especially her 17-year-old daughter, Madeline. Is Maria doing more harm than good? You won't believe what Madeline has to say! Next, hear from Sarah who admits her 12-year-old and 8-year-old sons are almost never more than a few steps away from her, and comedienne Daphne Brogdon who says helicopter moms need to "let go and lighten up." Then, Dr. Jim Sears, co-host of the new show, The Doctors, weighs in with the biggest health risks of being a hovering mom. And, follow up with Ashlee and her mom, Teresa, who first appeared on the show to discuss Teresa's overprotectiveness. Five years later, Teresa says Ashlee is a rebellious and rotten teen. Ashlee, now 17, wants to go to college and live in a dorm room, but her mom won't let her. Does Teresa have valid concerns for keeping Ashlee on a short leash? If you're a parent, or about to become one, you don't want to miss this show!

Friday, Nov. 28: "I Survived!" Caught On Camera

In the blink of an eye, your life can change. It doesn't matter how much money or success you have, there is no guarantee of a tragedy-free life. Dr. Phil's guests know this all too well -- they survived the unthinkable. Spencer was a high school football player who dreamed of playing college ball when an ordinary football game became his worst nightmare. See the play that nearly cost him his life. Now Spencer struggles to deal with his life-changing injury and the end of his dream. Then, Darren was a cameraman working the job of a lifetime: filming the 2008 Beijing Olympics. What began as a beautiful day visiting the Great Wall of China turned ugly in an instant when it began to rain and Darren was struck by lightning. Darren says he recognizes that he has a second chance at life, but doesn’t know how to make sense of it. And, see dramatic footage captured by a man capsized at sea during a powerful storm. Believing he would die, Dom recorded his ordeal with his waterproof video camera. See these amazing stories caught on tape and examine how you would cope with a life-changing event. Are you prepared to handle a crisis?