Ask the Therapist: We Cut Off Our Toxic Daughter. Why Doesn’t Our Family Back Us Up?
Our Ask the Therapist columnist, Lori Gottlieb, advises a reader whose family estrangement is causing more rifts.
View in browser
The New York Times
Ask the Therapist
June 18, 2026, 5:16 a.m. Eastern time

Lori Gottlieb, a psychotherapist and best-selling author, offers readers advice on life's tough questions.

Article Image

Marta Monteiro

We Cut Off Our Toxic Daughter. Why Doesn’t Our Family Back Us Up?

Our Ask the Therapist columnist, Lori Gottlieb, advises a reader whose family estrangement is causing more rifts.

Open now

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for Ask the Therapist from The New York Times.

To stop receiving Ask the Therapist, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times

Connect with us on:

facebookxinstagramwhatsapp

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

Zeta LogoAdChoices Logo

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018