Lindsay Lohan's divorced parents face off on therapy TV show…with an unexpected ending

Lindsay Lohan's divorced parents are no strangers to controversy, so putting them in a room together in the name of reality television was always going to be a risk – but it paid off in ways you might not expect.

In an emotional discussion about their tumultuous relationship on Family Therapy with Dr Jen, Michael, 56, and Dina, 53, finally accepted some responsibility for the pain they've caused each other since their divorce in 2007.

"I just feel like this huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders," Dina said in the exlusive clip from US Weekly.

"It just helped me discard all the pain from our relationship, and I now [feel] like I can move forward, unencumbered by the past."

Host Dr Jen revealed it was actually Michael who stepped up to the task, accepting responsibility for much of their trouble.

But Dina took a little longer to open up when the spotlight was on her.

After an exasperated sigh from Michael, she apologised for keeping him away from his kids, Lindsay, 29, Michael Jr, 28, Ali, 22, and Cody, 19.

"I just want to say to you that I'm sorry for the part that I contributed to you not being around your kids," she said.

"I see now how painful that was for you, and I'm sorry for that."

"Cool," Michael responded, before adding that her acknowledgement meant a lot to him.

Baby steps, people.