Q&A: Always the Scapegoat, Never the Golden Child

In this Q&A episode, Whitney reflects on the polarizing response to her recent "Dear Estranged Parents" episode and shares her feelings about being misunderstood while trying to help families. Later, she discusses reality TV dynamics from Real Housewives of Miami about family sacrifice and entitlement, then addresses a caller's question about why dysfunctional family roles like scapegoat and golden child aren't stable but shift throughout the life cycle of a family system.

Have a question for Whitney? Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to [email protected]

Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles.Join the Family Cyclebreakers Club⁠⁠

Follow Whitney on Instagram | sitwithwhit

Follow Whitney on YouTube | @whitneygoodmanlmft

⁠⁠Order Whitney’s book, Toxic Positivity⁠⁠

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute 

for professional mental health advice.

05:41 Reality TV and Family Sacrifice Dynamics

12:01 Family Secrets: Next Month's Topic

13:58 Why Family Roles Shift Throughout Life

18:40 When Everyone's a Scapegoat, No One's Golden
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