Exploring the father figure from a psycho-dramatic perspective

Abstract

The article is an attempt to describe the father figure from a psychodramatic perspective. The complexity and the role of this figure in the development of the human being is emphasized. The position of the father is also elucidated, perceived as ,,secondary”, from the shadows, given the fact that the father works and is little present in the child’s life, a situation that is common for today’s civilization. Aspects of the child’s perception of his father are highlighted, as well as the father’s place in the parental system and his functions regardless of his presence or absence in the child’s life. The difference between maternal and paternal love is delineated, emphasising the conditional nature of the latter and the natural consequences of such an approach. The article contains descriptions of tasks that allow the gradual exploration of the father figure with psychodramatic tools. The essential features of the paternal archetype are listed; the resources acquired by the child through and thanks to the interaction with the father are deciphered, namely: the experience of strength and weakness, the feeling of self-confidence and the ability to make correct decisions, the way of presenting and manifesting oneself, the way of setting goals and achieving them, and the appropriation of successes and achievements. The need to work with the father figure, part of the family history, in order to improve realities with the world and with oneself is stressed.