Fathers’ experiences of group parent–child art psychotherapy with woodworking

Background: Despite changes in the perception of fatherhood, there is scant research on the father's role in parent–child psychotherapy in particular when associated with woodworking in art therapy. The current study examined fathers’ experiences in group parent–child art psychotherapy that involved working with wood. Aims: The current study examined the subjective experience of fathers in group parent–child art psychotherapy involving woodworking, the advantages of this work, the disadvantages, and the impact on their relationship with their children. Method: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 fathers aged 42–61 who had taken part in group parent–child art psychotherapy in the education system. Their sons were aged 6-13. The interviews were analysed according to the thematic qualitative research method. Results: Three central themes emerged from the analysis: the role of fatherhood, the fathers’ sense of guilt associated with their work-related absences from family life, and the experience of group parent–child art psychotherapy with wood as a therapeutic material. The fathers described their role as preparing their sons for a competitive reality, while experiencing guilt. Therapy was perceived as an opportunity for quality time and a renewed perspective on the relationship. Working with wood was experienced as a positive way to foster closer connections and creative expression. Conclusion: The findings highlight the potential of group parent–child art psychotherapy with woodworking in strengthening the father–son relationship. The results underscore the importance of involving fathers in the therapeutic process. Plain-language summary This study examined how fathers experience joint parent–child art psychotherapy sessions involving woodworking with their sons. Ten fathers who participated in group parent–child art psychotherapy with their sons within the school framework were interviewed. Most fathers perceived their role as preparing their sons for challenging lives, but felt guilty about being absent from home for work-related reasons. The experience of joint art therapy provided quality time with their sons, by allowing the fathers to engage in, and reassess their relationship with their sons. Most fathers enjoyed working with wood, and felt it allowed for a natural connection and creative expression. The findings suggest that woodworking in joint parent–child art psychotherapy can significantly strengthen the father–son relationship. Policy-makers should consider involving fathers more actively in therapeutic processes with their children, using parent–child art therapy techniques, and woodworking in particular. Dedicated training programmes for art therapists should be developed that focus on working with fathers and their children to address the unique dynamics of this relationship and challenges such as fathers’ feelings of guilt. More use of woodworking should be considered in art therapy, as a material that can attract fathers to engage in the therapeutic space. Policies supporting greater fathers' involvement in their children's lives should be encouraged, both in educational and therapeutic settings, given their unique contribution to child development and to strengthening family bonds. This study contributes to the literature through its focus on the father's role in therapy and the potential of woodworking as a therapeutic material, both of which have not been sufficiently researched.