My best therapist is my mother. Who is yours?

In a case where the parents are part of the problem that's true

Stu, it appears you've superimposed your own experiences with parent(s) as you answer this issue and in your stated position, you largely disagree that it's effective in Neelie's case. The way I understand her post, she does in fact interact with her mother about close personal relationships and things that are work-related.
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And I agreed with her as far as that goes. Obviously different people have different individual needs and issues in this area, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

It's a thankless job ;)

There's no one-size-fits-all, yet you said A) a parent isn't objective enough, and B) your parent would not make a good therapist for YOU.

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He's direct, he doesn't hold back and no discussion is off limits. Far from crass, though. That's more my dept. ;)

My therapist

I think Stu has made his point very clear, and we agree about where a professional therapist would be more effective. Randy, on the other hand, has known me for quite some time and knows about my relationship with my parents. So let's close this discussion, now, shall we?

Thanks to both.