Abstract
This study aims to evaluate to what extent the initial family complaint of "lack of communication" may contain a relational mode characterized by anxiety and primitive defenses. This dynamic is evidenced by the unavailability of family members concerning the states of mind of each other, which hinders the recognition of otherness and difference. We conducted a research using clinical and qualitative methodology, conducting preliminary interviews with 16 families, belonging to middle, lower-middle and lower classes of the population of Rio de Janeiro, who sought treatment at the Service of Applied Psychology of a private university. We selected three out of the 16 clinical cases in order to illustrate the discussion. In the cases studied, we noticed that the precariousness of emotional exchange between family members hampers the joint search for understanding and the solution of family problems. We concluded that family psychotherapy, by recognizing individual autonomy and providing openness to emotional idiosyncrasies, promotes an efficient communication and, thus, family emotional health.
Keywords:
Communication; family; psychotherapy demand; family psychotherapy