I came across a fascinating article in the Wall Street Journal titled, “Are therapists to blame for the rise of adults cutting off their parents?” written by Elizabeth Bernstein. The lead-in to the piece reads, “Many moms and dads believe that their adult children are getting bad advice—and a growing number of researchers agree. ‘Everything becomes trauma’” (July 21, 2026).
The article caught my attention, because I’ve had many mothers over the years call into my practice absolutely heart-broken over having their children tell them that they were cutting all ties to them, including contact with grandchildren, on the advice of their therapist. There was no room or provision made for reform and improvement in the relationship. Just a sudden death experience.
Bernstein is not anti-therapy, but questions whether the trend of cutting off ties has gone too far.
When I read the piece, I grew in appreciation for Jesus Christ’s method of healing broken relationships. His teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chapters 5 – 7, is a roadmap to building healthy relationships. It instructs us how to overcome hate, anger, resentment, hurt feelings and trauma through learning and practicing real love from God. He teaches that healing comes through forgiveness, patience, humility, peace-making, conquering evil rather than running from it, dissolving destructive pride, ego and self-righteousness, and learning to find the good in others, even when it’s not apparent.
No doubt, many children have issues with their parents that need resolution. My heart goes out to them all, children and parents alike.
I pray that these families find bridges to build and common ground to share, rather than grievances to harbor and division to fear.
I pray that they learn how love can bring them together, rather than allowing hate to keep them apart.
I pray that the love of God finds a way into the hearts of these people that enables them to talk with one another and work out their differences with understanding and patience.
I pray that they find a path to healing where they can function as a family should, as a group of people who love and care for each other.
I pray for the triumph of love over hate.
Thank you, Evan. A meaningful and powerful SV for me personally. So very helpful. ♥️
Per-Sona: to sound thru A mask. We are the Light, not the window pane, therefore the mortal sense of parents or children has no power to act independently of God. There is only the man-ifestation of God going on.
“When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought. Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious as Life eternally is—can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not.”
https://sentinel.christianscience.com/shared/view/2am15fztm3q?s=copylink
A therapist organisation (AAFT) has just commenced advertising on Australian TV. Perfectly legitimate, but your comments are so timely as always Evan.