Ep 59. Protective Mom or Jilted Lover?

In Season 13, Episode 59 of the Dr. Phil Show, titled "Protective Mom or Jilted Lover?", Dr. Phil explores the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter. The daughter, Ashley, alleges that her mother, Vicki, is controlling her life and is overly protective. Vicki, on the other hand, believes that she is simply trying to be a good mother and protect her daughter from making mistakes.

Dr. Phil first speaks with Ashley, who is a 21-year-old college student. Ashley tells Dr. Phil that her mother has always been overbearing and controlling. Vicki is constantly calling and texting her, demanding to know her whereabouts and who she is with. Ashley feels like she can't have a normal life because her mother is always breathing down her neck.

Ashley also reveals that her mother has been physically abusive in the past. She says that when she was a child, Vicki would hit her and pull her hair. Ashley admits that she is scared of her mother and doesn't know how to break free from her control.

Vicki, when speaking to Dr. Phil, denies ever being abusive to her daughter. She claims that she has always been a good mother and only wants what is best for Ashley. Vicki says that she worries about Ashley constantly, especially since she has started dating a new man.

Dr. Phil questions Vicki about her relationship with Ashley's father, who has been absent from Ashley's life for many years. Vicki admits that she was the one who filed for divorce, but says that she did it for the sake of her children. Dr. Phil wonders if Vicki's controlling behavior may stem from her fears of abandonment and her desire to protect her children from the pain of a broken family.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that there is more to the story than just a typical controlling mother-daughter relationship. Ashley reveals that she has been in a relationship with a man who is still technically married to another woman. Vicki is adamant that Ashley should break off the relationship, but Ashley refuses to listen. Dr. Phil tries to get to the root of why Ashley is so attached to this man, and what role Vicki's behavior may be playing in their dynamic.

Finally, Dr. Phil brings in a licensed therapist to help Ashley and Vicki communicate better. They go through a series of exercises designed to help them understand each other's perspectives and work towards a healthier relationship. By the end of the episode, Ashley and Vicki seem to be making progress, but it remains to be seen if they can truly heal their wounds and move forward in a more positive way.

Overall, "Protective Mom or Jilted Lover?" is a compelling and emotional episode that explores the complex and often fraught relationship between a mother and daughter. Dr. Phil provides guidance and support to both parties as they work towards a better understanding of each other, and ultimately, themselves.