Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy and Spirituality

Author/s: Sinan Okur

DOI: 10.37898/spc.2020.5.1.094 

Year: 2020 Vol: 5 Number: 1

Abstract

This study addresses the topic of integrating spirituality into the Satir method, which was pioneered by Virginia Star and is included within experiential family therapies. The concept of spirituality, which had been included in individual therapies after the 1950s, also found room particularly after 1990 in family therapies together with the Satir method. The goal in the spirituality-based Satir method is to increase the client’s adaptability and communication skills by integrating spirituality in the psychological counseling process. In addition, this approach also aims to have families notice their emotions using spiritual techniques. Satir, who does not limit her approach to any single religious tradition, can be said to have adopted the concept of universal spirituality. While the concept of spirituality has newly been included in individual psychological counseling in Turkey, it still has no place in the dimensions of family therapy. Little research has been encountered on this topic in the literature as well, and because new studies are felt needed, this work is being carried out. This study is believed to provide an important contribution to the literature. This study makes mention primarily of the Satir method as a representative of experiential family therapy, the Satir method’s views on spirituality, how spirituality can be applied in this approach, and how necessary the therapeutic process is in the spirituality-based approach. Afterward, the role and responsibilities of the psychological counselor in the spirituality-integrated Satir method are explained, and the techniques included in Satir’s spirituality-based approach are mentioned. Lastly, a case study founded on Satir’s spirituality-based family therapy approach has been included, and the issue has been generally summarized.

Keywords
Spirituality, Spiritual counseling, Satir transformational systemic therapy, Spirituality-based therapy