Dr. Phil is really not someone of any great psychological training or knowledge -- a PhD or MD for that matter indicates very little when it comes to indicating depth of knowledge (an MD only has to do a couple of years of study to become a psychiatrist. A psychoanalyst, for instance, must do 10 years). I would bet he would admit were you to sit down and have a friendly chat. He has not dedicated his life to research and clinical studies. He has a TV show!

I share your frustration as someone who has suffered 1/2 her life w/ this...I think an interesting area to explore in understanding this is that of addiction. I once read that phobias are akin to addiction in that both are methods of control. I sort of wish we had a 12-step group. We are all powerless over our fears and bodies with this devastating affliction and that is the first step in the recovery process -- admitting we are powerless. Anyway, I don't think Oprah or Dr Phil would bring much elucidation or relief to us -- as much as I wish they could! I hope you pursue your research into this and continue to share it. Personally, I am wondering and trying to explore hypnotherapy. Somehow to get into that reptile part of our brain that controls the sphincter muscles and shuts our bodies down....