Ask the Therapist: My Mom Lays on the Guilt Over the Holidays. What Can I Do?
Our Ask the Therapist columnist, Lori Gottlieb, advises a reader who tries to balance the needs of her divorced parents — but often ends up in tears.
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The New York Times
Ask the Therapist

December 18, 2025, 5:15 a.m. Eastern time

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

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Marta Monteiro

My Mom Lays on the Guilt Over the Holidays. What Can I Do?

Our Ask the Therapist columnist, Lori Gottlieb, advises a reader who tries to balance the needs of her divorced parents — but often ends up in tears.

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