What Dr. Phil is really best at is self promotion and making money. His expertise in business far exceeds his abilities in other areas.
He basically sells himself, and, once he accomplishes that, he can sell his advice, as well as a myriad of assorted products, to a receptive audience apparently thirsting for some sort of insight and advice from an alleged "expert". And the plain talking, direct style is easy for people to understand and digest. He's well packaged for mass audience appeal.
Whether or not what he does has any lasting value in people's lives, it does seem to have appeal in the short run, and it does work for him.
To say the man is egotistical is an understatement. This is one of the products he sells on his Web site
I'm obviously not a big fan, but I do admire his ability as a salesman. Perhaps he'll begin dispensing financial advice next. Now that I might really be interested in listening to.