Reunification, reconsidered: Presenting an integrative, single-therapist framework for resolving parent-child contact...

Area of Science:

• Family Therapy
• Clinical Psychology
• Child Development

Background:

• Parent-child contact problems are a significant challenge in divorce and separation cases.
• Existing reunification therapy models vary in conceptualization and treatment approaches.
• Child refusal to contact a parent complicates therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an overarching, integrative framework for family reunification therapy.
• To inform the framework with current evidence and systemic therapeutic principles.
• To provide a flexible, evidence-informed model for therapists.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of existing literature on family reunification therapy was conducted.
• An integrative, single-therapist framework was developed based on the literature review.
• The framework incorporates general systemic therapeutic principles.

Main Results:

• An integrative framework for family reunification therapy is presented.
• The framework is structured into three successive treatment stages.
• It allows for flexibility in intervention selection while maintaining an evidence-informed approach.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework offers a structured yet flexible approach to family reunification therapy.
• It aims to enhance therapeutic outcomes for parent-child contact problems.
• This model supports therapists in addressing complex family dynamics post-divorce.