I'll take to defending D.P., not because I necessarily agree with him, his methods or having a T.V. show. But I'll point out that While Magister is right in that he seems to care little for understanding and feelings of those around him, his pragmatic and common sense approach is better for ending fights, feuds and problems. That being said, Understanding why you hate your mom and why she yells at you and how it makes you feel is all fine and dandy, but If I understand that My moms yelling is what upsets me, it doesn't make me any less upset when my mom yells at me.
However, if D.P. tells e that my om is constantly yelling at me because I refuse to pick up my dirty clothing, feed the dog, wash my dishes or flush the toilet, and that if I want her to stop yelling at me I should take responsibility for my belonging and clean up after myself, then I have surefire way to fix problem.
I think the biggest problem people have with him is the drama he creates by approaching the guests on his show. With that being said, people don't watch Maury or Springer for the well thought out discussions and the eventual reconciliation of those involved. He has to approach the show with drama or the show will flop. The biggest difference between D.P. and Springer being that D.P. cares in some way about the outcome for those involved, while he may get in the face of his guests he also invites them into genuine conversation, offers his personal insight in a genuine fashion and seeks help for those involved on more then thirty minute T.V. program basis(as shown by referring his guests to psychologists or places of treatment on the shows budget).
With that being said, going to D.P. for your psychological needs is like going to judge Judy for your divorce. Sure it may work out possibly, but it's likely a to be a waste of time as millions of people laugh, scorn and mock you from the comfort of their own homes.
P.S.
ACD posted before I finished my comment, and I'd just like to note that Massachusetts based murders are just as much people as Florida based ones or any other state for that matter.