CALLING HOME with Whitney Goodman, LMFT Q&A: Always the Scapegoat, Never the Golden Child
Aug 21, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Whitney confronts the polarizing feedback from her estranged parents episode. She draws parallels between familial obligations and reality TV, exposing the inner turmoil of family sacrifice and entitlement. Whitney reveals how dysfunctional roles like the scapegoat and golden child are fluid, changing with family dynamics over time. Her insights encourage listeners to reflect on their own family relationships and the complexities inherent in them.
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Host's Personal Reaction To Backlash
- Whitney describes feeling misunderstood and sensitive after polarizing feedback on her 'Dear Estranged Parents' episode.
- She links increased emotional reactivity to pregnancy and the cruelty of social media comments.
Reality TV Illustrates Family Sacrifice
- Whitney recounts a Real Housewives of Miami storyline about Kiki sponsoring many family members from Haiti and facing entitlement and threats.
- She uses the story to illustrate family sacrifice, boundary strain, and complex expectations.
TV Drama As A Learning Tool
- Whitney describes watching Animal Kingdom and highlights its extreme family dysfunction as rich material for understanding dynamics.
- She suggests using shows like this to spot patterns you can bring into therapy or self-reflection.