It may seem that she doesn't listen properly to everything a caller has to say before making a judgement. This may be true in some cases. But remember two things:
First, before a caller gets on the air, he or she has been interviewed at length. Dr. Laura has a long and complex description of the problem, the background, some of the caller's quotes, and possibly some resources based on previous shows or previous research. This is standard prep at the big-time radio shows, like Rush and Sean, who can afford top-class staff and extensive computer support. So she's not just hearing three words and winging it; she's basing her assessment on what the caller said in a 20-minute discussion, which she could not air lest it bore millions of listeners half to death.
Second, callers are carefully chosen. You don't just call in and automatically get on the air. The only calls that Dr. Laura deals with on the air are those that can be handled with a few terse phrases. Call screeners make sure that the people whose problems are dealt with on-air are not those who are dangerous, who have serious mental illness, or who might lure her into political exchanges. They particularly choose people who could benefit from a good tongue-lashing. I think they're pretty good at this. I've never heard Dr. Laura be unkind to someone who needed help, and she often recommends that callers speak to a therapist, but I've certainly heard her tie into the selfish callers. That is to say, on the air she stays within her area of expertise, which is verbally gutting people who are being awful to their children.
After listening for 3 years, I just know when a caller is fixin' to get shredded. My daughters and I will be whooping and cheering when Dr. Laura lets go with both barrels.
It did take many months to get used to her abrasive style. Just remember she is a New Yorker and lacks Southern grace. She knows how to get to the truth of the matter and usually leads the caller to a greater understanding.
She has greatly changed my life and my kids, too.
I personally heard the broadcast of these "spiritual jouney" comments. I have felt for some time that the Holy Spirit is drawing her near. I join with many others in the prayer of salvation for Dr. Laura. She has been a faithful servant for a long time, I pray for her to have a relationship with the Master.