Hello,
I'm sorry your father is having these challenges. In my experience, you can use either of those styles of surrogate work. If you're using the "Even though I have this problem" you can go within and imagine yourself as the person you're tapping for and speak directly in that way for them. Otherwise, you can do the first way you mentioned by seeing him in your minds eye and tapping "ET my father has this problem". Hope this helps.
Many Blessings,
Mirabai
Mirabai Cardullo, CHt
Spirit Rising
http://www.spiritrising-healing.com