Dr. Phil

Spankings, Secrets, a SWAT Standoff: A Family Torn Apart (12x79)

Air date: Jan 13, 2014

Matt says his ex-wife, Mindy, is a liar and manipulator who alienated him from their children and continues to cause problems for him and his new wife, Heidi. He says in 2008, when he told Mindy he wanted a divorce, their argument spiraled out of control, and he barricaded himself inside their house for four hours, surrounded by a SWAT team — leading to his arrest and 490-day incarceration. Matt blames Mindy for escalating the incident that day and says she has been using their kids as pawns ever since — even keeping him at a distance while their 8-year-old daughter was dying of cancer. Mindy denies Matt’s accusations and insists that their kids are afraid to visit him because of the abuse she claims they suffered growing up. Matt admits he spanked the kids with a belt to discipline them — does he think he crossed a line? Plus, hear from Matt’s new wife, Heidi, who admits that Matt can be condescending and controlling and has issues with his temper. She says they fight often, mainly over the drama with Mindy, whom she calls a “master manipulator.” Dr. Phil sorts through the chaos to help get this fractured family on the path to healing. What does he think is at the root of Matt’s anger? And, can Matt and Mindy learn to co-parent peacefully for the sake of their kids? This program contains strong language. Viewer discretion advised.