Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST), also known as the Satir method, was designed to improve relationships and communication within the family structure by addressing a person’s actions, emotions, and perceptions as they relate to that person’s dynamic within the family unit. Individuals seeking treatment may find STST to be beneficial, as therapists trained in the approach can often help them work through past trauma and develop a greater sense of harmony, oneness, and inner peace.

History and Development of STST

Virginia Satir, the developer of STST, is considered to be one of the primary pioneers of family therapy. She treated her first family in therapy in 1951, when doing so was still considered an unconventional practice. She stressed the importance of working with the entire family rather than just the person experiencing difficulty to her colleagues at the Illinois Psychiatric Institute, reasoning that issues experienced are often rooted in the family dynamic and may affect all family members. Her 1964 book, Conjoint Family Therapy, publicized her ideas, among them the fundamentals of STST. 

Satir believed all people possess the capacity for growth and transformation as well as the ability to continue their education throughout life. In developing her technique, she focused on finding the inner self and stimulating change at the core of a person’s being. She believed people could access a spiritual Life Energy to influence their emotions and behaviors, begin or further the journey toward healing and growth, and improve interactions with others. 

Today, STST is used in various parts of the world in individual, family, group, and couples therapy

Theory of the Satir Method

The foundational concept of STST is the belief all people are connected through a universal Life Energy, which can be accessed to achieve transformational change, develop and strengthen relationships, change behaviors, and develop positive life energy.

A few other important ideas guiding STST include but are not limited to the following:  

According to the Satir model, the pain people experience is the result of the way they manage their perceptions, expectations, emotions, and behaviors. By focusing on three primary areas—the Intrapsychic System, the Interactive System, and the Family of Origin System—people can examine their experiences and relationships, develop goals, and work toward change.  

How Does STST Work?

The STST approach has four main goals: helping those in therapy raise their self-esteem; become decision-makers; become responsible, especially for internal experiences; and become congruent—say what they mean and do what they say they will do. Proponents of this therapy believe people can increase their awareness and grow, through accessing and connecting to Life Energy, and therapists who practice this approach work to support individuals through this process. 

The therapist guides the person in therapy through the process of setting therapeutic goals, which then become the focus of the individual’s work toward transformational change. Transformational change is believed to be possible through the use of these elements of the therapeutic process: 

Who Can STST Benefit? 

Satir, who worked primarily in the fields of family therapy and social work, believed mental health concerns frequently related back to negative family experiences, and her treatment approach was primarily developed to address the effects of these experiences and help individuals achieve change and growth in order to heal. The Satir method is believed to be able to assist people as they work to achieve maximum personal growth, and therapists work to help people in treatment overcome inhibitions; develop courage, strength, and awareness; live in the present moment, and increase understanding of the self. This approach can also be a tool to strengthen interpersonal relationships and foster the development of balanced and healthy relationships through the process of self-actualization

STST is often used as a family therapy approach. Satir emphasized the importance of incorporating families into therapy and addressing concerns in the family dynamic, rather than simply providing treatment to the individual experiencing difficulty. The approach is not limited to families, however, and is also used in group, individual, or couples therapy. Any individual experiencing conflict or differences and seeking to resolve them may obtain benefit from STST's resolution process, which involves reaching a congruent state of interaction.

Training for STST

Mental health professionals can pursue training in STST through the Satir Institute of the Pacific.

Four levels are available: 

​​Limitations of STST

One of the major criticisms of the Satir Model is the foundation belief that people always do their best in any given situation. Some critics have argued this may not be true of some individuals who, for example, did not utilize all opportunities available though they indicated they were capable of doing so.

The approach may not be beneficial to all people. Individuals experiencing severe, chronic mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and individuals with cognitive impairments may not find lasting relief from this form of treatment. The approach also lacks conclusive empirical support regarding its effectiveness, and future studies may lend more support to its efficacy. 

References:

  1. Banmen, J. (2002). Introduction: Virginia Satir today. Contemporary Family Therapy, 24(1), 3-5.
  2. Banmen, J. & Maki-Banmen, K. (n.d.). Satir transformational systemic therapy (in brief). Retrieved from http://www.satirpacific.org/uploads/documents/Satir%20Transformational%20Systemic%20Therapy%20in%20Brief.pdf
  3. Innes, M. (2002). Satir’s therapeutically oriented educational process: A critical appreciation. Contemporary Family Therapy, 24(1), 35-56.
  4. Satir Institute of the Pacific. (n.d.). Our training: Professional. Retrieved from http://satirpacific.org/our-training/professional