Phillip McGraw transforms lives through his unique approach to healing, drawing from personal experience to guide others toward lasting peace and self-acceptance. As a father of four committed to breaking generational cycles, McGraw combines expertise in holistic practices with powerful insights on building resilience. His workshops create spaces where participants discover their inherent worth while developing practical tools for sustainable well-being.
Beyond his transformational speaking, McGraw’s message reverberates through his written work, notably “The Greatest Love Story,” which encapsulates his philosophy that true healing begins within. McGraw recently spoke with rolling out about his new book.
What inspired you to explore mental health through self-love rather than traditional therapeutic frameworks?
I took this approach because it was a personal and spiritual journey. I wanted to build myself up and understand myself, to understand my voice, because my voice was often cluttered with what another person would say to me or do. I didn’t use coping mechanisms. I used my own medicine through affirmations, prayer, and meditation.
How can readers identify trauma bonding and co-dependency patterns before they become entrenched?
As a child, I would see my mother and father’s relationship. It was toxic. And my relationship with my mother did not fully mature. So, I learned how to love and receive love from women based on my relationship with my mother. The relationship with the man’s mother dictates the type of woman he would choose, how he develops his love language, and how he identifies potential partners.
What unique strategies does your book offer for anxiety and depression?
[When exploring] my first journey into learning about strategies to decompress stress and anxiety [I] came to learning about our history. And when I learned about our history, I learned about how much trauma and how much hurt … has been around obviously since slavery. If a person is struggling with anxiety and depression, the first [step] is becoming aware. Breathwork was the first thing I learned because breathwork exercise is spiritual. [Then I focused on] the food I was eating and the energy that I allowed around me.
What guidance do you offer readers stuck in cycles of self-blame after trauma?
I want you to set yourself up to win. Set your external environment to win, meaning have a clean environment. … Look in the mirror and tell yourself, “I love you.” If you begin to cry, tears are good. They release. They mourn, but they’re also watering. You don’t have to tell yourself, “I forgive you.”
Which stress management techniques have you found most effective for modern life challenges?
Guided breathwork and meditation. I can tap into a guided breathwork meditation where I’m visualizing. I’m visualizing how good my day will be. I’m filling myself up with love. I’m filling myself up with clean energy and light energy.
How do you define measurable progress in the journey toward mental health?
Progress in mental health healing can be measured through symptom reduction, improved functioning in daily life activities, enhanced relationship quality, decreased need for intervention, and development of sustainable coping skills.
How does cultivating self-love impact anxiety and depression from a psychological perspective?
Self-love is a way; it’s a great tool. It is how you empower yourself. You speak over yourself. When you love, you begin to smile. You love the wrinkles, the scratch marks, the stretch marks, the ring around your eyes, whether they’re dark or if your hair is long or short, but you love you. And it’s a healthier sense of love.
