Family bonding process in university psychological clinic: perspective of family therapists

In situations of divorce or conflict separation, children often disassociate themselves from one of their parents. From the best interests of the child, observing the need for the children to bond with both parents and their extended families, the process of family reunification carried out by 5 family therapists from a University Psychological Clinic was investigated, based on the referral from the Court of Family. With a qualitative methodology and a descriptive design, the focused individual interview with check-up and the group interview were used as data collection techniques. Among the results, two central nuclei of content were identified: Intervention process and reordering of family system relationships, from which the family reunification process is systematized in a flowchart, indicating phases, criteria and / or objectives. The results are discussed confirming the agreement with conceptual aspects; The resistance of the adults with respect to the re-bonding process and especially those associated with the linked adult are observed, being necessary to strengthen the bonds of mutual trust, and the necessary approach to psychopathological symptoms that may appear in any of the family members. The reflective exercise carried out by therapists by observing their practices and the need to maintain these spaces as an ethical duty stands out.