Phil McGraw was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, to Anne Geraldine "Gerrie" Stevens, his mother, and Joseph J. "Joe" McGraw, Jr., his father, who worked as an equipment supplier for oil fields. After completing his education, he went on to earn his doctorate degree in psychology from the University of North Texas in 1979.
Following his academic pursuits, McGraw founded Courtroom Sciences, Inc., a full-service trial sciences firm, in 1980. As the president of CSI, he has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and the Far East, consulting with a wide range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, major networks, and airlines.
In addition to his work with CSI, McGraw has also conducted seminars on life strategies and goal acquisition for tens of thousands of participants from the general public and corporate America. His relationship columns appear in every monthly issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, offering advice and guidance to readers.
McGraw has also written three books: "Life Strategies: Doing What Works, Doing What Matters", "Relationship Rescue", and "Family First". These books provide valuable insights and practical advice on various aspects of life, from relationships to personal growth and development.