Learn about the paternal function for US psychologists. Explore object relations and the father figure's impact in CE courses.
Psychologists in the United States who practice from psychodynamic, trauma-informed, or relational perspectives can use this course to think more carefully about the role of the father. The presenter critically reviews psychoanalytic literature on the paternal function, drawing from his own published paper, and identifies five distinct dimensions of the father's role in shaping the internal world. He shows how these ideas help conceptualize the ways clients' experiences with fathers or father figures may affect attachment, identity, emotion regulation, and interpersonal dynamics. The course offers CE credits for psychologists through an APA-approved sponsor and closes with the paternal function in the therapeutic setting.
This thought-provoking talk explores the significant and often under-recognised psychological impact of the paternal figure in development and clinical work. Drawing from his original published paper, the presenter critically reviews psychoanalytic literature on the paternal function, identifying five distinct dimensions of the father’s role in shaping an individual's internal world.
With clinical relevance across diverse presentations, this talk provides theoretical frameworks to help psychologists better conceptualise how clients’ experiences with their fathers or father figures may influence attachment, identity formation, emotional regulation, and interpersonal dynamics. This material is particularly valuable for psychologists working in psychodynamic, trauma-informed, or relational modalities.
Sections
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
Describe five distinct psychoanalytic perspectives on the paternal function
Identify the developmental and psychological impact of the father figure across the lifespan
Apply psychoanalytic constructs to conceptualise the role of paternal relationships in clients’ presenting issues
Reflect on the clinical implications of paternal dynamics in therapeutic practice
Use theoretical tools to better understand transference and countertransference related to the father figure