Healing from Toxic Parents: Reflections on Netflix’s Unknown Number

The Netflix documentary Unknown Number does more than tell a suspenseful story — it shines a light on the painful reality many people face when their family environment is unsafe or emotionally damaging. At The Wellbeing Therapy Hut, our team often supports clients who carry the invisible scars of toxic parents or emotionally unavailable families.

For many, these wounds show up years later in relationships, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing. Documentaries like Unknown Number can be triggering, bringing up memories of neglect, manipulation, or conflict that shaped early life experiences. They also highlight the importance of understanding how deeply family dynamics affect who we become.

The Impact of Toxic Parents and Emotionally Unavailable Families

When children grow up with parents who are toxic, unpredictable, or emotionally absent, they are denied the foundation of safety, trust, and unconditional love. This can lead to:

• Struggles forming and maintaining healthy relationships

• Low self-worth and chronic self-doubt

• People-pleasing behaviours and difficulty setting boundaries

• Anxiety, depression, or unresolved anger

• A deep fear of abandonment or rejection

The book Children of Emotionally Unavailable Parents captures these cycles powerfully, giving voice to experiences many people have normalised or minimised for years. Clients often tell us that the book validates their feelings and helps them see their history more clearly.

Understanding Through Transactional Analysis (TA)

Transactional Analysis (TA) gives us a helpful framework for understanding how these childhood experiences play out in adulthood. According to TA, we each carry the Parent, Adult, and Child ego states.

For those raised in toxic family environments, the Inner Child often learns harmful messages such as “I am not good enough” or “My needs don’t matter.” These internalised beliefs can continue shaping choices, relationships, and self-image long into adulthood.

Through therapy, clients can learn to notice these scripts, gently challenge them, and strengthen their Adult self — the part of us that holds awareness, autonomy, and the ability to choose differently.

A Person-Centred Approach to Healing

At The Wellbeing Therapy Hut, we use Person-Centred Therapy to create a safe, non-judgemental space for healing. Many people who grew up with toxic parents or emotionally unavailable families never experienced unconditional positive regard. As therapists, we aim to offer exactly that — empathy, respect, and acceptance.

This therapeutic relationship allows individuals to:

• Reconnect with their authentic self

• Develop healthier boundaries

• Build self-compassion

• Rewrite old, limiting beliefs with more empowering ones

Moving Forward: Therapy as a Safe Space

If Unknown Number left you feeling unsettled or reminded you of your own experiences, you are not alone. The impact of toxic families and emotionally unavailable parents is profound, but it is possible to heal and move forward.

At The Wellbeing Therapy Hut, our team works with adults who are healing from the legacy of toxic family systems, childhood neglect, and emotional unavailability. By integrating Person-Centred Therapy and Transactional Analysis, we support clients in breaking free from harmful cycles and building healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Key Takeaways

• Toxic parents and emotionally unavailable families can leave deep, lasting wounds.

• Children of Emotionally Unavailable Parents is a valuable resource for understanding these dynamics.

• Transactional Analysis helps identify and change the “scripts” carried from childhood.

• Person-Centred Therapy provides the acceptance and safety needed to begin healing.

If you’re ready to begin the journey of healing from toxic family relationships, visit www.thewellbeingtherapyhut.co.uk to learn more about our approach or book a session.