Spirituality-Based Analysis of Satir Family Therapy

Author/s: Dilek Akça Koca

DOI: 10.12738/spc.2017.2.0027 

Year: 2017 Vol: 2 Number: 2

Abstract

Spirituality is used in family therapy as well as in individual therapy. Satir’s family therapy, which is included under experiential family therapy, began integrating spirituality after the 1980s by using spirituality to enhance congruence, which is the therapeutic aim of Satir’s model. While studies on the therapeutic use of spirituality in Turkey have only recently begun, studies on the use of spirituality in family therapy have yet to be encountered. Because spirituality strongly influences all family functions and individuals’ mental health, studies need to be performed on this subject. The purpose of this study is to examine the literature on the spiritual orientation of Satir’s family therapy. For this purpose, Satir’s spiritual approach is first explained, then the relationship between spiritual orientation and Satir family therapy is emphasized. This is followed by an explanation of the orientation using the iceberg metaphor and the self-mandala, finishing with examples of techniques used in therapy that have spiritual content.

Keywords
Spirituality, Spiritual counseling, Satir family therapy, Spiritually-oriented therapy