The Estrangement Trend: Are Therapists Encouraging Adults to Cut Off Their Parents?

For generations, the standard psychological advice for family conflict centered on reconciliation, patience, and open communication. Therapists generally viewed the family unit as an essential support system worth preserving whenever possible. However, modern mental health practices have seen a notable shift. Today, an increasing number of practitioners frame family relationships through the lens of individual emotional well-being, personal autonomy, and boundary setting.