Focusing only on the presenting concern solves only the crust of the concern. Therefore, Satir therapists encourage individuals to understand the underlying unmet yearnings that are acting as the root cause for these concerns. The therapist not only focuses on building the relationship between the partners but also helps them work through past trauma to develop a greater sense of harmony, oneness, and inner peace. When past events are dealt with properly, their current behaviour and attitude will change as a result, which can positively affect the relationships they have.
STST focuses on three therapeutic systems: (1) The Intrapsychic, (2) The Interactive, and (3) The Family of Origin. Individuals can work towards change by focusing on the following:
The core beliefs of STST include:
- All humans are connected through the same Universal Life Force.
- The human experience, which consists of spiritual connection, doing, thinking, feeling, expecting, and desiring, is universal. Regardless of culture, circumstances, and varying environments, these processes can be accessed and changed.
- People are naturally good at the core of Life Energy.
- The meanings people adopt, along with their worries and how they cope, inform how a problem impacts their life. In other words, problems are not the issue, but how an individual faces and copes with a problem is.
- The focus of therapy should be on possibilities rather than problems
- By becoming conscious of the internal, change can occur even if external change is restricted.
- While the past cannot be changed, using positive energy to address the impact that the past had will lift the negative emotions in the present.
- At any given moment, people do the best they can. The coping that an individual was capable of is tied to their self-worth. By bringing people closer to their life energy, their self-worth can increase, and better choices can be made.
- The focus of any therapeutic change is wholeness, growth, and evolution. This is where transformational change happens.
- The focus of any therapeutic change is wholeness, growth, and evolution. This is where transformational change happens.
Techniques
STST uses experimental techniques such as:
- Roleplaying. Satir therapists use this technique to help the clients enact the conflicts they are facing. Once it is done, the therapists explore with them the feelings associated with what has been enacted. This then leads to the discussion on healthy new patterns of interaction. Communication skills training and behavioural rehearsal are examples of these types of activities. Couples are encouraged to practise newly learnt skills in the presence of the therapist and then outside of therapy.
- Exploration of Satir Iceberg and Family tree. This technique involves exploring the unmet yearning that has caused a stunt in the growth of Self. This stunt produces unhealthy coping mechanisms that cause concerns between the individuals. This technique helps in understanding the root cause of the concern and explores the intergenerational trauma each partner has.
- Family sculpting. This is a technique in which the therapist asks one or more members of the family to position the other members (and lastly themselves) in relation to one another in terms of posture, space, and attitude to portray the arranger’s perception of the family, either in general or regarding a particular situation or conflict. This technique often reveals family dynamics visually in a way that may not be adequately captured in verbal descriptions by family members. Family sculpting usually creates an easy insight into uncovering truths about the relationship.
Why Choose No Fear Counselling for Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy?
At No Fear Counselling, our experienced therapists use Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST) to help individuals, couples, and families improve communication, strengthen relationships, and heal from past emotional experiences. We provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and relationship patterns.
Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs and goals. Depending on your situation, STST may be combined with Family Therapy, Couples Counselling, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to support lasting emotional growth and healthier relationships. We offer both in-person and secure online counselling services across Canada.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
Healthy relationships begin with greater understanding and stronger communication. Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST) can help you improve self-awareness, heal emotional wounds, and build healthier family and relationship patterns.
No Fear Counselling offers Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST) in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Victoria, Kelowna, Penticton, as well as secure online counselling services in Canada.
Book your free consultation today and discover how Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST) can support your healing journey.
References
Banmen, J. & Maki-Banmen, K. (n.d.). Satir transformational systemic therapy (in brief). Retrieved from
Edwards, Blake Griffim (2019, August 31). Remembering Family Therapist Guru Virginia Satir.
Satir Centre Singapore (n.d.). Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy. Retrieved from
https://satircentre.sg/satir-transformational-systemic-therapy/
Sinan Okur. (2020). Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy and Spirituality. Spiritual Psychology and
Counseling, 5(1), 45–64. https://doi.org/10.37898/spc.2020.5.1.094
