VIRGINIA SATIR (1916 - 1988) Originator of The Satir Model of Family Therapy
Virginia Satir is internationally recognised for her
creativity in the practice of family therapy. Based on a conviction that people
are capable of continued growth, change and new understanding, her goal was to
improve relationships and communication within the family unit.
She was not
only a great therapist, but also an educator and a writer. One of her
significant publications, “Conjoint Family Therapy” is widely used as a text in
universities and institutions. It is regarded as the ‘bible’ in family therapy,
and has translation of over twenty languages including Chinese. Her other books
include People Making, Making Contact, Your Many Faces, Self Esteem and The New
People Making (revised shortly before her death, probably the clearest and most
inclusive description of family life available). She has also co-authored a
number of books.
Virginia was the co-founder of the world famous Mental
Research Institute (MRI) in California, and had close professional association
with the world’s other pioneer therapists, Jay Haley, Murray Bowen, Salvador
Minuchin, Eric Berne, Fritz Pearls and many others.
She was also founder of two
international training organisations: the International Human Resources Network
and the Avanta Network. Virginia was highly recognised for her contribution to
humanity. She was awarded Honorary Doctorate and Gold Medal of ‘Outstanding and
Consistent Service to mankind’ from the University of Chicago in 1976, and
Honorary Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin in 1978. In 1982, Virginia
was selected by the government of West Germany as one of the twelve most
influential leaders in the world. In 1983, she was elected as the President of
the Association of Humanistic Psychology. In 1986, she was selected as a member
of the International Councils of Elders, a Society developed by the recipients
of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Referred to as the ‘Columbus of Family Therapy’ and
‘everybody’s family therapist’, Virginia Satir stayed at the forefront of human
growth and family therapy until her death in 1988.
