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What are Daddy Issues in a Girl?

What are Daddy Issues in a Girl?

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Some girls have distant relationships with their parents during childhood. Others might have been so close that the relationship did not remain healthy. This is the time when females face daddy issues. Daddy issues have been a topic of discussion for a long time regarding blanket explanations for relationship troubles, self-esteem, trust issues, and more. The reality is that your father, the man you watch through your formative years, will likely have a significant impact on your life. In this blog, we will see whether daddy issues in females are real or not and whether they can be treated or not.

What are Daddy Issues?

Daddy issues are adult challenges that can originate from either growing up with an absent father or having an abnormal or poor relationship with a father. This type of childhood can impact the child in various ways. Commonly, there’s an inability to trust men in your adult life and/or a simultaneous strong sexual desire for them. This type of behavior can also indicate the person is having an abusive relationship with the father. Daddy issues is generally a common phrase, often used to refer to women who have confusing, complex, or dysfunctional relationships with men. It can describe people, specifically women, who project subconscious actions toward the male partners in their lives.

Read More: Understanding The Different Types Of Trauma

Why Do Women Have Daddy Issues?

Girls who have troubled relationships with their fathers while growing up usually have daddy issues. It’s normal to have attachment issues based on your relationship with your father, mother, or primary caregivers. Your early attachment figures create the foundation of how you relate to others as an adult. That is why if you are a girl with daddy issues in childhood, you might have relationship problems with other men or may have pistanthrophobia.

Moreover, people with daddy issues can have difficulty building mature relationships with males in adulthood. Though the term is generally used concerning women, the fact is that anyone who grew up with a dysfunctional father figure can develop daddy issues. This term is usually used to describe women’s attachment issues in a relationship.

Daddy Issues and Attachment Theory

Freud used the term “father complex” first in his 1910 paper where he wrote about male patients and their resistance to treatment derived from the “father complex.” From that theory came the Oedipus complex. Oedipus complex refers specifically to boys with unconscious sexual urges toward their mothers, often resulting in feelings of guilt or castration anxiety. Electra complex, a concept introduced by Jung, is used to describe the same theory as applied to girls and their fathers.

Read More: Can Anxiety Disorder Cause High Blood Pressure? Insights About The Connection

How Daddy Issues Evolved from Father Complex?

Father Complex was a clinical term used to refer to a man who had a disturbing and toxic bond with their father. Research has been made on this problem, psychologists discovered these unresolved issues had relevance to both genders. Since then, the term daddy issues has been used.

Signs of Daddy Issues in a Woman

Let’s have a look at the symptoms of daddy issues in females and understand what it means to have daddy issues. Here are some signs of daddy issues listed below.

Only Dating Older Men

A girl with daddy issues might only be attracted to older men or men whom she thinks of as her father. If a girl had a rotten childhood and did not have a healthy relationship with their father, then she might marry or date an older guy. Being in a relationship with an older person may make her feel as if they have someone who will protect them. She might seek an older male who is wealthy, confident, or in control. This helps them feel protected and safe.

Demand an Overabundance of Love and Assurance

When girls grow up not having their needs met in terms of the love and reassurance they receive, this can ruin their adult relationships with their partners. It is one of the symptoms of daddy issues in girls. Are you looking for a partner who can deliver on what you missed? Do you compare yourself with other women who’ve been in your partner’s past life? This type of behavior is a daddy issue example. You might suffocate your partner or feel unloved and damage your relationship.

Read More: The Hidden Mental Scars of Childhood Trauma in Adults

Repeating Toxic Patterns

People with daddy issues might be so messed up with relationships in their minds that they duplicate it over time. So, it’s possible that a girl with daddy issues can only find partners who are toxic in relationships because it’s familiar to them. Girls with daddy issues only look for red flags.

Want Sex All the Time

Some women who grew up with toxic relationships with their fathers may believe that sex can offer them the care they needed in childhood. Girls with daddy issues may believe that sexual intercourse will make their partner love them more. They also might try using sex to build their self-esteem or to feel accomplished and good about themselves.

Causes of Daddy Issues in Women

Daddy issues usually start from childhood because of not getting care from a father or father figure. Girls with daddy issues do not get the sense of being loved, the protection they could receive, and also absorb the support needed to thrive. These types of experiences may lead you to have daddy issues in adulthood. Some factors might be the trigger points for your daddy issues.

  • If a father is physically or emotionally absent, the child might struggle with feelings of abandonment, and it can make them feel unprotected and unworthy.
  • A father who was physically present but emotionally unavailable or overly critical can leave a child feeling unloved and make them feel inferior.
  • When the behavior of the father figure is unpredictable or inconsistent, it can lead to confusion and impact a child’s emotional development.
  • Physical, emotional, or verbal abuse by a father can lead to deep psychological scars that can impact their relationships in adulthood.

Can Daddy Issues be Treated?

Yes, there are ways to cope with an insecure attachment style by repainting childhood experiences related to daddy issues and finding new ways to deal with insecurities. While you cannot change your past, you can change the way you think about your past. A good therapist can help guide those struggling with this. So, in short, yes, daddy issues can be managed and dealt with.

Read More: Hypersexuality and ADHD: What’s the Connection?

How to Deal With Daddy Issues?

Therapeutic Approach

The first treatment option for daddy issues as a girl is therapy. It can help you manage your problems more effectively and quickly. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy, is the best option for daddy issues. This helps you control your negative thought patterns and take control of your mind and physical problems. Daddy issues can lead to other mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. The best place to get child and adolescent psychiatry for daddy issues is Orange Coast Psychiatry. If you cannot come to the clinic, we offer telepsychiatry services for all mental health issues with evidence-based treatment plans. Contact us now and get rid of your daddy issues.

Building Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships are important for everyone, but they are especially important for females with daddy issues. Creating healthy bonds can make you feel accepted and secure, which ultimately helps in controlling your childhood trauma related to your father complex. These daddy issues can also cause post-traumatic stress disorder, i.e., due to an abusive relationship with the father.

Read More: Understanding Trauma Bond Withdrawal Symptoms: Moving on to building healthy relationships

Journaling 

Journaling is a thoughtful exercise that can help girls with daddy issues. By writing down your feelings and experiences related to your father, you get insights into how these relationships have impacted your attachment with your partner. This self-exploration is a critical step in healing from the emotional scars of complex paternal relationships.

Self-Care Activities

Take care of your emotional, physical, and mental well-being by setting aside time to take part in activities that make you feel good about yourself. You can do things like exercise, journal, meditate, or spend time with people you love. Over time, this can build your self-worth and aid in controlling the sadness related to childhood trauma.

Orange Coast Psychiatry Solutions for Daddy Issues 

Are you seeking medical help for daddy issues? Orange Coast Psychiatry is the solution. Whether you need clinical solutions or telehealth services, we have got you covered. Our expert psychiatrists offer telepsychiatry services for all the people across America. From psychiatric medication management to telepsychiatry, we provide customized, evidence-based treatments for every mental health disorder. Contact us now to get the care you deserve.

Read More: Child Psychiatrist – A Guide For Parents & Guardians

Conclusion

Daddy issues can stigmatize emotional needs or complicated childhood relationships. In reality, anyone may experience insecure attachments and other challenges originating from a conflicting father figure. If you feel any impacts of these issues on your relationships, you might consider getting professional help. They can help you work through insecure attachment styles, abandonment concerns, or childhood trauma. If you are searching for a psychiatrist for these issues, Orange Coast Psychiatry is the best place to get help. We offer telepsychiatry services, with which you can get care from your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Demand an overabundance of love and reassurance, repeat toxic behavioral patterns, and only date older men.

These are psychological or behavioral patterns that can arise from an absent relationship with one’s father, potentially leading to unresolved emotional conflicts.

A girl with daddy issues may seek love, validation, and a strong sense of security in relationships, often struggling with trust and intimacy.

These are the signs of daddy issues in women: low self-esteem, trust issues, fear of abandonment, unhealthy relationship patterns, and difficulty with intimacy and boundaries. 

Reference and Footnotes
  1. Lmhc, B. A. (2024, August 20). “Do I have daddy issues?” ask a therapist. Talkspace. https://www.talkspace.com/blog/daddy-issues/
  2. Field, B. (2024, July 19). Daddy Issues: Psychology, causes, signs, treatment. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/is-there-real-psychology-behind-daddy-issues-5190477
  3. Santos-Longhurst, A. (2022, July 21). Yes, ‘Daddy issues’ are a real thing — here’s how to deal. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-daddy-issues#effect-on-sexual-behavior
  4. Calm Editorial Team. (2024b, September 19). Are daddy issues really a thing? Here’s what you need to know — Calm Blog. Calm Blog. https://www.calm.com/blog/daddy-issues
  5. Telloian, C. (2022, August 9). ‘Daddy issues’ and their impact on adult relationships. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/health/what-are-daddy-issues-exactly#next-steps

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Jackson Tea

MSN, PMHNP-BC

Administrative Director and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Jackson Tea, MSN, PMHNP-BC, serves as the Administrative Director and a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) at Orange Coast Psychiatry. Dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, Jackson is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers individuals to take charge of their mental well-being. His expertise includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, personalized medication management, and behavioral health interventions designed to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes in their mental health journey.
Jackson’s approach to care is rooted in the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. He focuses on creating a supportive, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, valued, and understood. By offering individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, Jackson helps clients overcome obstacles such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and other mental health challenges.
He holds a Post-Master’s Certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from National University, a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from California State University, Los Angeles, where he earned Dean’s List honors. As a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing, Jackson remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and promoting high standards of care in the field.
In his role at Orange Coast Psychiatry, Jackson leads clinical operations while ensuring regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality care. His core competencies include psychiatric assessment, evidence-based interventions, crisis management, clinical leadership, and risk mitigation. Above all, Jackson strives to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone, supporting individuals in making meaningful progress, improving their quality of life, and achieving lasting well-being.

May Faustino

Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

May Faustino, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and highly skilled psychiatric provider with over four years of nursing experience, including three years specializing in psychiatric care. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Coast University, where she received extensive training in managing the psychiatric needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations, as well as providing therapy and counseling services.
May has worked in diverse mental health settings, including forensic psychiatry at the Department of State Hospitals and behavioral health services at Aliso Ridge Behavioral Health. Her clinical expertise spans psychiatric assessments, medication management, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on treating anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Bilingual in English and Tagalog, May is dedicated to serving diverse patient populations with a culturally sensitive approach. She is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing and is well-versed in trauma-informed care and suicide prevention strategies.
May is passionate about promoting resilience and recovery through preventive mental health care and individualized, holistic treatment plans. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her memberships in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
In her personal time, May enjoys fostering mindfulness and well-being through activities she loves, such as spending time with her husband and their two beloved cats, Pippy and Eva.

Dr. Montgomery

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Torri Montgomery, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a subspecialty board certification in forensic psychiatry. Dr. Montgomery is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Montgomery earned her Bachelor of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Arizona State University and her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from The University of Arizona, College of Medicine. She completed her psychiatry residency at Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. During her psychiatry residency, Dr. Montgomery completed a year-long certification in Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT), earned a certificate from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to prescribe medication for the treatment of substance use disorders, and worked in a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic for substance use disorders. Additionally, she was appointed Chief Resident and received an Excellence in Teaching award.
After psychiatry residency, she completed her Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. After completing her fellowship, Dr. Montgomery has worked in public psychiatry for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. She teaches, consults, and treats individuals with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and serious mental illness (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders. Her experience includes outpatient, inpatient, emergency, consult liaison, addiction, dual-diagnosis, and forensic psychiatry. She is an expert evaluator on the Superior Court of California Panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists. Dr. Montgomery is an attending physician for the Harbor-UCLA Department of Psychiatry and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.

Dr. Ravi

M.D. – Psychiatrist

Dr. Dave Ravi, M.D., is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with additional qualifications in geriatric psychiatry. Dr. Ravi is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (B.S., Magna Cum Laude), VCU School of Medicine (M.D.), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (Residency in Psychiatry), and John. A. Burns School of Medicine (Fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry). He currently is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at John A. Burns School of Medicine in Honolulu, HI and serves as a psychiatrist with Orange Coast psychiatry.
Dr. Ravi is a dedicated community psychiatrist with extensive experience in public, correctional, inpatient and outpatient settings, and an experienced tele-psychiatrist. He consults on topics in general psychiatry, including quality improvement, treatment planning, and crisis management, and in correctional psychiatry, including recovery-oriented treatment for individuals with serious mental illness and dual diagnosis. His current and future interests focus on understanding the various approaches in managing the suffering and disturbance of complex psychiatric disorders, particularly in the use, misuse, overuse, and misrepresentation of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Irwin

M.D. , Ph.D – Psychiatrist

Dr. Scott Irwin, M.D., Ph.D., is Board Certified Psychiatrist. Dr. Irwin is an integral part of our Management Team as a Psychiatrist and Supervising Psychiatrist for our Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners here at Orange Coast psychiatry.
His career mostly focuses on improving outcomes for those with cancer or other progressive, potentially life-limiting illnesses, and their families, through leading-edge clinical services, ongoing research, as well as program development, improvement, and implementation.
He is widely published, has been recognized at many levels for his research, teaching, consulting, and clinical endeavors, and has received research funding from the NCI, NIMH, the National Palliative Care Research Center, the Archstone Foundation, and industry.
Dr. Irwin earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and both his MD and PhD (neuroscience) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He successfully completed his psychiatry residency at UC San Diego as chief resident of Outpatient Psychiatric Services, as well as a two-year elective in hospice and palliative care at San Diego Hospice and The Institute for Palliative Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with subspecialty certification in psychosomatic medicine.

Richard Samedra.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Richard Samedra, PMHNP-BC, is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He brings over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, working with clients facing a wide range of acute and chronic mental health conditions. His journey began as a Licensed Vocational Nurse and Charge Nurse at Westminster Therapeutic Residential Treatment, where he supported clients dealing with anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. Richard’s dedication was centered on helping these individuals improve their mental health and transition to a lower level of care, whether that meant returning to their families, a board and care facility, or a sober-living environment.
Motivated by a growing passion for mental health care, Richard pursued his Registered Nurse (RN) education at Saddleback Community College and later transitioned to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Behavioral Health. In this role, he specialized in geriatric psychiatry, working with older adults experiencing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. This experience solidified his commitment to mental health, leading him to work at Bellflower Community Hospital, where he provided care for patients experiencing severe psychiatric crises, including suicidal ideation, manic and depressive episodes, substance use disorders, and exacerbated schizophrenia symptoms.
Inspired by the impactful work of PMHNPs at Bellflower, Richard enrolled in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Azusa Pacific University. To broaden his expertise, he worked full-time at College Hospital Costa Mesa while completing his studies. There, he gained comprehensive experience across various units, including adolescent, acute men’s and women’s, stabilization, and detox/med-surg. Now, as a PMHNP, Richard is committed to leveraging his diverse background and knowledge to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need.
Richard currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where he is supervised by Dr. Montgomery.

Shaheena Gazipura

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC

Shaheena Gazipura is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 9 years of dedicated experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health care. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
Shaheena began her career working on an adult psychiatric inpatient unit before transitioning to the geriatric psychiatric inpatient unit at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Shaheena also serves as a Nursing Clinical Instructor, guiding the next generation of nurses through their mental health rotations at a large community college.
Shaheena is a passionate advocate for mental health, believing that it is a fundamental pillar of overall well-being. She is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors each individual’s unique experiences and challenges. Her goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel empowered to work alongside her in achieving their mental health goals.
Outside of her professional life, Shaheena enjoys exploring new culinary experiences, staying active through exercise, and planning her next travel adventures.
Shaheena currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Clint Nacar

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -BC

Clint Nacar, PMHNP-BC is a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Mr. Nacar graduated from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. Currently Mr. Nacar works in an inpatient psychiatry unit at a leading academic medical center in Los Angeles, Renewed Mental Health Group, and Orange Coast Psychiatry
Mr. Nacar brings over 7+ years of experience with the mental health population. He works to help patients take control of their mental health through patient education, psychotherapy and medication management. Mr. Nacar’s areas of focus include: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, Bipolar disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Mr. Nacar treats children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, offering both in-person services and telehealth at Renewed Mental Health Group.
With the collaboration of each patient, Mr. Nacar strives to develop individualized plans of care addressing each patient’s unique situation and concerns. He also encourages each patient to take charge of their mental health through a holistic approach while also employing the latest evidence based practices in treatment.

Clint is one of our most experienced Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is 103NP Licensed in the State of California.

Cristian Cuevas

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

Cristian Cuevas, PMHNP-BC, is a highly skilled board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over seven years of experience in inpatient psychiatry and mental health.
A California State University Long Beach graduate, Cristian also earned recognition as a board-certified psychiatric mental health registered nurse. With a wealth of expertise in adult psychiatric care across the lifespan, Cristian has successfully diagnosed and treated a diverse range of mental health disorders.
Additionally, his specialized experience in child and adolescent inpatient populations further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive and compassionate mental health care.
Cristian Cuevas is the Lead Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry and is supervised by Dr Barrios.

Griselda Hernandez

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-BC (Fluent in Spanish)

As a licensed Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a robust background in psychiatric and substance abuse nursing, Griselda provides compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. The core of her practice focuses on promoting holistic wellness, fostering resilience, and empowering patients in their recovery journey. Specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of adolescents with various mental health disorders, Griselda strives to create a therapeutic environment where patients feel valued, respected, and supported.

“My approach is grounded in years of diverse experience, including work in psychiatric units and medical detox units for both adults and adolescents. This extensive background has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to manage complex psychiatric and substance abuse conditions effectively. I am committed to staying updated with the latest advancements in psychiatric care, integrating cutting-edge therapies and best practices into my treatment plans. Collaboration is key to my practice; I work closely with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community resources to provide coordinated and comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s unique needs.”

Griselda holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health from West Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Additionally, she is fluent in the English and Spanish language, enhancing her ability to connect with a diverse patient population.

Griselda currently practices as a Nurse Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Orange Coast Psychiatry, where she is supervised by Dr. Barrios.

Dr Barrios

Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carlos Barrios is a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over two decades of experience in mental health care. His expertise in telepsychiatry has allowed him to serve patients across California and beyond. In his practice, Dr Barrios integrates metabolic and functional methodologies, focusing on guiding patients toward medication independence and emphasizing the connection between physical and mental health.
Outside of his professional life, Dr Barrios is passionate about kettlebell training, which helps him maintain my physical and mental wellness. He cherishes visiting his family in Guatemala, to reconnecting with his cultural roots and rejuvenating his spirit. Dr Barrios is also deeply involved in transcendental meditation and rucking, practices that not only provide him with tranquility but also keep him grounded and connected to nature. These hobbies reflect his commitment to a holistic approach to health, both personally and professionally.