EP85 Workshop 03 - Becoming More Effective as a Therapist Featuring Use of Self - Virginia M. Satir, ACSW, Mary M. Goulding, MSW

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:

1. To heighten, widen, and deepen the therapist's ability to intervene while clearly understanding the purpose of the intervention
2. To describe the effect of the therapist's personal investment in the intervention 

*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.