Integrating emotion-focused therapy with the Satir model.
The experiential humanistic family systems approach of Virginia Satir lacks a theoretical structure and is thus vulnerable to losing its experiential nature and being reduced to a mere collection of creative techniques. A way to effectively keep Satir's transformative presence alive is to integrate her approach with a model that is solidly grounded in explicit theory, relationship principles, and therapeutic skills and processes. The model proposed as appropriate to this effect is Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT). Satir's approach, when integrated with EFT, becomes a model for creating change in individual and family systems that is indeed greater than the sum of its parts.
Brubacher
Lorrie
L
Vancouver Couple and Family Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia. lbrubacher@shaw.ca