Fathering, Faith, and Family Therapy: Generative Narrative Therapy with Religious Fathers

Keywords

spirituality, religion, fathering

Abstract

This article presents the major conceptual and clinical ideas on fathering, religion, and counseling developed by David C. Dollahite and his colleagues. The concepts of generative fathering and generative narrative therapy are presented and illustrated with narratives of religious fathers. These ideas address a number of issues believed important to consider in family therapy with fathers-particularly religious fathers. Concepts are illustrated with personal narratives from two samples of Latter-day Saint (Mormon) fathers of children with special needs. Although the narratives are non-clinical, implications for family therapy from these and related theories and stories are suggested. The article emphasizes father strengths, the power of religion to assist fathers in challenging circumstances, and the importance of therapists' sensitivity to spiritual and religious matters.

Original Publication Citation

Dollahite, D. C., Marks, L. D., & Olson, M. M. (2002). Fathering, faith, and family therapy: Generative narrative therapy with religious fathers. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 13, 263-294. [Published simultaneously in T. D. Carlson & M. J. Erickson (Eds.), Spirituality and Family Therapy (pp. 259-290). New York: Haworth.]

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2002

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7692

Publisher

Journal of Family Psychotherapy

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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