Supporting Paternal Mental Health

‘The Artist's Father, Reading “L'Événement”’, Painting by Paul Cézanne, 1866

Fatherhood brings a strong sense of responsibility and emotional strain that can usually go unspoken. As it is true that many fathers embrace the happiness that comes with parenting, they can also experience anxiety, irritability, emotional withdrawal, or a deep sense of pressure to “hold it all together.” Psychodynamic psychotherapy provides a supportive space to explore these internal experiences, helping fathers uncover unconscious beliefs about masculinity, success, and emotional expression that may be influencing their mental health. Through this process, fathers can better understand themselves and become more present and emotionally safe in their parenting role.

The expectation for fathers to be providers and protectors can create immense stress, especially when combined with modern pressures to be emotionally available husbands or partners and involved parents. Many fathers struggle silently with burnout, self-doubt, or the fear of not measuring up. Psychodynamic therapy allows them to explore the origins of these pressures, which can often be traced back to their own childhood, and to begin redefining what it means to be a “good father” on their own terms. Therapy supports men in releasing unrealistic expectations and embracing a more compassionate and realistic view of their role in the family.

Balancing work demands with family life can leave fathers feeling burnt out, emotionally unavailable, or disconnected from their spouses, partners and children. Psychodynamic psychotherapy helps fathers examine the unconscious ways they may cope with stress, such as emotional distancing, overworking, or shutting down. Therapy can help make a space for fathers to be vulnerable and emotionally reflective, leading to healthier communication, deeper relationships, and resilience. It also helps fathers recognize the value of their emotional presence and not just their physical or financial contributions.

The Thankful Poor, Painting by Henry Ossawa Tanner, 1894

For many fathers, becoming a parent can bring up unresolved issues from their own childhood such as memories of absent or critical parents or caregivers, unmet needs, or learned patterns of emotional suppression. Psychodynamic therapy invites fathers to reflect on these early experiences and how they may be influencing their current parenting approach, which can lead to them breaking the generational cycles, showing up more intentionally for their children, and using a parenting style that aligns with their values and emotional needs.

Mental health difficulties for fathers do not usually disappear after the newborn phase, but can evolve and deepen over time which can include identity changes, relationship tensions, or resentment. Psychodynamic psychotherapy recognizes the emotional labour of fatherhood and provides a way toward greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and connection by allowing fathers to express themselves without judgement.