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Fathers in parent–infant psychotherapy
Author(s) -
Barrows Paul
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
infant mental health journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.693
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1097-0355
pISSN - 0163-9641
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0355(199923)20:3<333::aid-imhj9>3.0.co;2-m
Subject(s) - neglect , psychology , infant mental health , developmental psychology , psychotherapist , association (psychology) , mental health , psychiatry
This paper discusses the relative neglect of the role of the father by researchers and parent–infant psychotherapists. It goes on to describe reasons why the father's role is of developmental significance. Using clinical examples, it is suggested that it is often critical to ensure that fathers are included if the therapeutic work is to have the best chance of success. Two particular aspects of the father's contribution are considered, namely the direct influence that his own “ghosts” may exercise on the parent–infant relationship, and a slightly more indirect role that he may play as the other half of the parental couple. © 1999 Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health