The Paternal Function: An object relations perspective

New Zealand · CPD points & talks · Psychologists

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

•    Introduction & Setting the Scene
•    Paternal Function 1: Winnicott's Holding & Protecting
•    Paternal Function 2: Separating Function
•    Paternal Function 3: Facilitator of Psychic Structure & the Capacity to Think
•    Paternal Function 4: Facilitator of Affect Regulation
•    Paternal Function 5: Port of Psychic Safety
•    The Paternal Function in the Therapeutic Setting

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

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