Description:
This workshop will center around a videotape of my work. Discussion will focus around what I see, how I choose the moment of intervention, and the kinds of intervention I choose. Concepts will be related to the theory underlying my practice as a family therapist.
Educational Objectives:
*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*
Outline:
Introduction
Virginia Satir introduces herself and Mary Goulding; emphasizes humor, connection, and gentle interaction among participants.
Establishing a Safe Environment
Satir encourages participants to comfortably interact, highlighting community support and personal connections.
Use of Self in Therapy
Satir stresses therapists' authentic use of self, personhood, and genuine connections for effective therapy.
Highlights the shift from problem-solving to activating clients' resources and modeling positive behaviors.
Connecting with Diverse Populations
Emphasizes emotional and nonverbal connections, even across language barriers.
Introduces the film "Of Rocks and Flowers," dealing with child abuse.
Family Therapy Case (Blended Family)
Family includes Bob (recovering alcoholic), Betty (pregnant), and children Robbie and Aaron (history of abuse).
Betty fears stepchildren will harm the baby; Bob struggles with their behavior and past trauma.
Emphasis on clear, firm communication and boundaries for family safety.
Betty’s and Bob’s Perspectives
Betty shares anxiety about protecting her unborn child due to children's past violent behaviors.
Bob expresses commitment to family improvement and acknowledges the need for clear boundaries.
Children’s Experiences
Aaron and Robbie share experiences of severe abuse from their biological mother.
Bob discusses struggles with court visitation rights and protecting children from further harm.
Commitment to Safety
Betty firmly prioritizes her baby's safety; Bob affirms protective boundaries with the children.
Discussion on Conviction and Anger Management
Betty reflects on past abusive marriage, emphasizes her resilience, and determination to protect her child.
Family explores underlying anger, fear, and emotional responses to potential harm.
Touch in Therapy
Satir emphasizes respectful, appropriate physical touch as a powerful therapeutic tool.
Demonstrates gentle touch to communicate care and establish genuine connections.
Cultural and Personal Sensitivity to Touch
Recognizes individual and cultural boundaries, emphasizing clear communication and respect for comfort levels.
Uses role-play to illustrate managing sensitive interactions regarding touch.
Impact on Therapeutic Relationships
Touch strengthens trust, rapport, and emotional connection; beneficial in healing and child development.
Addresses resistance to touch sensitively and flexibly, adapting to client needs.
Final Reflections
Participants share insights on integrating touch respectfully and effectively into therapy.
Session concludes with acknowledgment of the therapeutic value of genuine, respectful physical contact.
For almost forty years, Virginia Satir has practiced and taught psychotherapy. One of the founders of family therapy, she has co-authored four books and authored five. Additionally, there are a number of books about her approach. She was recipient of the Distinguished Family Therapy Award from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Satir wass the co-founder of the Mental Research Institute. She wass past president of the Association of Humanistic Psychology and has a number of honorary doctorates. Her master's degree was granted in 1948 from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.
Mary Goulding, MSW, is one of the leading exponents of Transactional Analysis. Along with her husband Robert Goulding, she developed an approach called Redecision therapy which synthesizes Transactional Analysis and Gestalt. Together they founded the Western Institute for Group and Family Therapy in Watsonville, California, and co-authored two professional books about their approach. There is also an edited volume about the Redecision model. Mary has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the International Transactional Analysis Association and is a Teaching Member of that organization. Her M.S.W. was granted in 1960 from the School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley.