"A family often comes with pressures and expectations. A parent rightfully keeps adult worries like work and finances from their children. A child may keep fears and problems to themself out of a desire not to cause trouble, or to please a parent."

She looks into Alfred's face and says seriously, "In both cases, they still need someone to help them discuss and confront those problems. A therapist is a neutral outside party. It can feel 'safer' to address issues when you're not worried about hurting the person listening to you."