Alec Baldwin Sits on Dr. Phil's Couch
The TV Psychologist Has Offered to Council the Baldwin Family
Alec Baldwin is no stranger to public controversy. Over the years, he has threatened to move out of the country based on a Presidential election, reneged on a deal to narrate a film about Arnold Schwarzenegger, and recently has embarrassed his daughter in front of the world. The problem, he claims, is frustration over his on-going custody battle with actress Kim Basinger, the child's mother. Last week, Baldwin appeared on The View hoping to ingratiate himself with America. He announced on the show that he wants to fight for those suffering from "parental alienation."
Dr. Phil McGraw, who gained fame through Oprah, offered to counsel the divided family. Baldwin accepted the offer. McGraw was a guest on the Ryan Seacrest's radio show last week, correlating with Baldwin's View appearance. The TV psychologist offered little about their conversation, but he did give a hint as to where he stands.
Dr. Phil acknowledged that part of the problem is Baldwin's current employment. He is working in New York , and his daughter lives across the country. That makes it hard for them to bond. The actor has stated that he wants out of his contract with NBC, but that does not seem likely to happen. Dr. Phil also claimed that Baldwin is not looking to mend the relationship with his daughter since "there is nothing to fix." Really?
McGraw spoke as if he has known the actor for years saying that the voice mail was "out-of-character" for Baldwin. Kim Basinger disagrees. She has denied that his claim of parental alienation is the driving force behind the behaviors. According to her, aggression and hostility have always been a problem for her soon-to-be-ex husband.
Did the psychologist-turned-TV-personality help the Baldwin situation? More likely, the result of the conversation will be that both men were able to get some free publicity. No one doubts that Dr. Phil gave the actor a sympathetic ear, but the two do not appear to be heading into a long-term counseling session. McGraw has faced his own critics over his show's parenting advice and his book, Family First. Perhaps he sent an autographed copy to the troubled actor.
One has to wonder why Alec Baldwin chose Dr. Phil as a sounding board and not another professional. If the goal were "co-parenting in peace" for the estranged couple, would it not be better to seek help in an unpublicized session with someone in private practice? No doubt, Dr. Phil will have a future show about fathers alienated from their children. One question remains: What about Ireland Baldwin?
Published by Maria Giorgio
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8 Comments
Post a CommentI hadn't heard of this.. thanks.
I am a grandmother that has watched my son's on going court battle just to be a part of his childrens lives. The mother isn't the problem as much as Her mother....she is a sadistic phycopath, that doesn't want either parent to be parents. The children, now 10 and 6 have never been given the chance to bond with their father. He has fought in court for the better part of 4 years now to gain custody from the grandmother. Alec......heres wishing you all the best.....those of us without sin.....cast the first stone......You are her father and she will love you no matter what....
Children need both fit parents, they are the innocent ones caught in the middle. There are parents out there and we all know them,who try to pit the children aginst the other parent for revenge or to hurt the other parent. How rotten and selflish, they are hurting their own Children who naturaly want to love both of their parents. It has a name Parental Alienation and it has happened to me and to my 2 Sons and its happening to alot of other innocent parents as well. I believe Alex and his daughter could be victims as well. Why on earth would a parent want to keep their child from the other parent? Lets pause and think about that shall we.
Children need both fit parents, they are the innocent ones caught in the middle. There are parents out there and we all know them,who try to pit the children aginst the other parent for revenge or to hurt the other parent. How rotten and selflish, they are hurting their own Children who naturaly want to love both of their parents. It has a name Parental Aienation and it has happened to me and to my 2 Sons and its happening to alot of other innocent parents as well. I believe Alex and his daughter could be victims as well. Why on earth would a parent want to keep their child from the other parent? Lets pause and think about that shalll we.
Great reporting! I think that Alec is trying to make a point by going public. He knew that Kim would not be willing, and it was his feeble way of attempting to prove that he is the better parent, but made a mistake. I only hope that Ireland comes out of this o.k.
I don't know why I watch Dr. Phil but for some reason I'm drawn to him Bologna. this is a sad situation where the child is emotionally damaged I"m sure.
I love this article. It's disgusting the way so many are scrambling for publicity over this. I hope Ireland has people who love her and take care of her.
Good article and good points.