How To Find A Therapist That Works With Father-Daughter Relationships

If you’re a daughter working on your relationship with your father, you may want to pursue therapy individually, with your father, or as an entire family. It’s important to find a therapist who has experience in this area.

Here are some things to look for and ask about:

• Training and experience with multigenerational family dynamics. This may include the therapist being licensed as a marriage and family therapist or having specific training in that area. Look at the therapist’s website for specific mentions of working with families, in-law relationships, and training in family issues.

• Experience with father-daughter relationships. Ask the therapist how they handle these specific issues. The therapist must recognize there are many options when dealing with adult-child and parent relationships, and it’s up to you to decide which option is best for you. They should be willing to allow you to explore these options and not push you toward one specific option or resolution.

• Knowledge of how culture, religion, and age impact father-daughter relationships. You’ll want to ask the therapist if they have experience with your specific demographics, especially if they are essential to your story or how your family operates.

• Experience with emotionally immature parents and/or narcissistic adults. Many daughters who struggle with father-daughter relationship issues are also dealing with emotional immaturity, narcissism, or other mental health concerns. Working with a therapist with experience in these areas is important.

Knowledge of gender dynamics. In this specific type of relationship, it’s important that the therapist can weave in gender dynamics and how fathers may treat their daughters because of their gender.