Virginia Satir’s Therapeutic Beliefs and Assumptions
Virginia Satir (June 26, 1916 – September 10, 1988) was a noted American author and psychotherapist, known especially for her approach to family therapy.
Satir believed people have an internal drive that propels them to become more fully human. She viewed this positive energy as a life force that pulls and pushes us–physically, emotionally, and spiritually–throughout life. I personally feel that force within and witness that positive life energy in my clients, my family and my friends every day.
The following are some of the beliefs and assumptions, Virgina Satir’s therapeutic model was built upon, which I share wholeheartedly and I hope can be helpful for you to reflect upon:
- Change is possible. Believe it.
- The most challenging tasks in life are relational. Simultaneously, relational tasks are the only avenue for growth. All challenges in life are relational.
- We all have the internal resources we need to grow.
- We have choices, disempowering and empowering ones, especially in terms of responding to stress.
- All efforts to produce change need to focus on health and possibilities (not pathology).
- Hope is a significant component or ingredient for change.
- People connect with similarities and grow by resolving differences.
- The major goal in life is to become agents and architects of our own life and relationships.
- We are all manifestations of the same life energy and intelligence.
- Most people choose familiarity over comfort, especially in times of stress.
- The problem is not the problem, coping is the problem.
- Emotions belong to us. They are an essential aspect of experiencing self, life, others.
- All human beings at heart are beings of love and intelligence who seek to grow, express their creativity, intelligence, and basic goodness; need to be validated, connect, and find own inner treasure.
- The higher our self-worth, the more wholesome our coping.
Finally, Virginia in all her wisdom was quoted as saying the following:
