The Psychology Behind Netflix's Documentary: Unknown Number

CALLING HOME with Whitney Goodman, LMFT

SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains major spoilers for the Netflix documentary "Unknown Number: The High School Catfish"

Whitney analyzes the Netflix documentary by exploring the psychology behind extreme parental abuse and manipulation. She examines the case through the lens of child psychology, trauma bonding, and the devastating impact when a parent orchestrates elaborate schemes to control and isolate their child while positioning themselves as the sole source of comfort and support.

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.

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

for professional mental health advice.

00:00 Introduction to the Unknown Number Case

08:11 The Shocking Revelation: When the Abuser Becomes the Comforter

15:27 Understanding Abusive Parents Who Don't See Themselves as Abusive

21:07 The Predatory Behavior and Hidden Motivations

23:26 Trauma Bonding and Why Children Protect Their Abusers

27:43 The Difficulty of Admitting Your Parent Harmed You

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