Virginia Satir, was a pioneer in family therapy and humanistic psychology. In the 1970’s, she envisioned a peaceful global community, in which, empowered individuals would be more able to build nurturing families. She believed that a strong link exists between life in the family and the kind of adults created through the family. Satir viewed crisis as an opportunity for growth. She said that it was very important to develop the strongest and the most congruent people possible. In time, having congruent people at the helm will change the character of our society (New Peoplemaking, 1988.). Satir believed that we could benefit from conflict rather than let it destroy us.

 

Research supports Virginia Satir’s vision. Children who have protective factors in the family, schools and community are more resilient. They are more likely to survive adverse circumstances (Benard, 1991.). More and more programs in the USA are using family-based and family-strengthening interventions to help families who face crisis, violence, and out-of-home placement (Henggeler et al, 1997.).

 

This presentation will focus on the characteristics of nurturing families, on self-esteem building, on communication and its connection with children’s resiliency factors. Participants will learn how they can use the model to treat abuse (violence), depression, and parent-child conflict through experiential exercises and didactic material.

 

In the new millennium our global community is faced with many challenges that bring pain and suffering: wars, crimes against humanity, AIDS, violence, and the destruction of our natural heritage. In the helping profession, we face and hold that pain on a daily basis as we work to help children and families improve their lives. Satir’s growth model helps families hold hope to develop strength and wholeness. As the international community of family therapists we can focus our energy and utilize our experiences to develop a stronger and positive world.  We can all help empower our families, communities and each other. As Satir said, “every bit of energy we use to fight each other divides and diffuses the energy we could use for discovery and creativity.