The Satir Model: Transformational Systemic Therapy

Dr. John Banmen and Dr. Michael Argumaniz-Hardin will come together for a dynamic and
heartfelt conversation exploring the ongoing evolution of Satir Transformational Systemic
Therapy. Together, they will discuss recent advances in the model, including updates to the
foundational Satir Model book, and how contemporary research continues to affirm and
expand Virginia Satir’s visionary approach. This dialogue will offer both historical grounding
and forward-looking insight into how the model is being refined to meet the needs of
today’s therapists and clients’ while staying rooted in Satir’s deeply humanistic,
experiential, and systemic lens.

Presenter(s)

Argumaniz-Hardin,Michael Ph.D.
Banmen, Dr. John, Ph.D.,RCC

Country 

United States
Canada

Satir is for Everyone (CEC)

Throughout the years, we have had the privilege of training numerous communities around the world, many of whom were previously unfamiliar with Virginia Satir and her groundbreaking ideas. Since 1988, we have implemented Satir’s model across various contexts, beginning with our pioneering efforts in Michigan aimed at developing alternatives to incarceration.

At that time, the probate courts in Michigan enlisted community volunteers to support children during their court processing, ensuring they could remain out of jail. This compassionate approach not only prevented many youths from facing incarceration but also contributed to a significant decrease in juvenile suicide rates within the state.

The success of this initiative sparked interest from multiple communities seeking training for their volunteers and workers. In response to these requests, we have meticulously developed a comprehensive program centered around Satir's work, designed to benefit any community group aspiring to foster resilience, enhance communication, and build strong support networks.

Presenter(s)

Buckbee, Stephen, M.A.
Michael Dupont, M.A.

Country

United States

Transforming Oppressive Systems

Transforming Oppressive Systems using The Change Process : To use the Satir Change Model to address the nature of oppressive systems To present a transformative model for interrupting oppressive systems To present specific tools that can be used in the transformation process

Presenter(s)

Callair, Lutricia, M.Ed. MSW LCSW

Country 

United States

The Sky Within Me: Hope as a lever for transformation from survival to life energy (CEC)

We are so good at making noise but we aren't always adept at quiet. At a conference so full of beautiful, loving, and wise intention, let's experience the power of sitting together silently. Participants will be prepared for and guided in practices of focused observation and open, meditative awareness. This workshop will offer a brief discussion about the merits of quiet-- both personally and interpersonally-- and offer interactive practices to explore, squirm, and savor quiet in the presence of others.

Presenter(s)

Doyle, Megan DeLaurie

Country

United States

Virginia Satir: pioneering therapist and teacher A study of her life, model, and training program

This presentation offers an in-depth look at the life and pioneering work of Virginia Satir, drawing from the presenter’s dissertation research. As one of the foundational figures in family therapy, Satir's influence continues to shape how therapists understand human communication, self-worth, and systemic healing. The session will trace her early life influences, groundbreaking contributions to the development of the Satir Model, and her enduring legacy in both clinical practice and personal transformation. Attendees will gain historical insight and practical appreciation for how Satir’s humanistic/experiential approach continues to resonate in today’s therapeutic landscape.

Presenter(s)

Faulkner, Johnny, Ph.D.

Country

United States

Experiential Tools, Zoom Training and the Satir Coaching and Mentoring Program

We will share several experiential tools we have found helpful in the Satir Coaching and Mentoring Program. We have adapted/developed these tools to be effectively used in online training. Participants will not only learn the tools but experience them as well.

Presenter(s)

Freeman, Miriam, Ph.D.
Sharon Loeschen, MSW, LCSW, Satir Coaching & Mentoring Program Developer & Master Trainer
Ginny Wong, RCC, ACS, MC, BSW, Satir Coaching and Mentoring Program Master Trainer

Country 

United States

The Science of Hope: Global Research on the Satir Model and Its Expanding Legacy

This keynote offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of global research on the Virginia Satir Model. Based on over 20 years of peer-reviewed studies and a recent doctoral literature review, it explores how Satir’s tools—such as the Iceberg, Family Reconstruction, Congruence, and the Parts Party—are being validated and adapted across cultures, clinical settings, and integrative therapies. Participants will gain insight into the scientific foundations of Satir’s work, how it aligns with modern neuroscience and trauma-informed models, and how practitioners around the world are using her approach to foster hope, resilience, and transformation in families, communities, and organizations. This session blends research, real-world examples, and embodied practices, inviting all attendees to deepen their understanding of Satir’s legacy as both a science-based and soul-centred path of healing

Presenter(s)

Haitoglou , Darya, Ph.D.

Country

United Kingdom

Empowerment, Self Esteem, Mutuality and Hope: Using the Satir Model to navigate both our internal and external worlds

This workshop is intended to engender hope through revisiting some of Virginia Satir’s foundational principles and ways of being. Participants will have the opportunity to revisit and discover anew Satir’s empowerment principles; her powerful ideas about self- esteem and self-worth and, most especially, how transformative self-love, self-care and believing in yourself are for healing and growth. So too, are knowing how to bring alive relationships that embody mutual empathy and grow from a soil of nurturance and congruence.

Presenter(s)

Jameson, Dr Patricia, Ph.D., National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Nurturing Parent Program Trainer/Consultant

Country

United Kingdom

Attaining Peace Within During Turbulent Times Using Virginia Satir's Parts Model

In times of turbulence, an individual can strive to attain what Virginia Satir referred to as the state of “Peace Within.” My presentation explores how connecting with and becoming aware of Virginia’s 3 Universal Parts enables individuals to achieve her concept of the 3rd Birth and a deeper sense of inner peace. Acknowledging that many aspects of our environment lie beyond our control, I emphasize the importance of focusing on what we can influence. According to Virginia’s teachings, this includes cultivating the ability to recognize and choose among the internal voices or dialogues arising from our Parts. To help participants fully appreciate this potential, my focus is on fostering an understanding and awareness of the existence and growth of Virginia’s Universal Parts. Additionally, I discuss how the Self/IAM plays a crucial role in observing and deliberately selecting (3rd Birth) the voice to heed, ultimately guiding individuals toward greater “Peace Within.”

Presenter(s)

Kennedy, Richard Psy.D

Country

United States

Is Hope an Experience, a Belief, or Energy? Learning About Hope Through the Five Icebergs

In this experiential workshop, participants will explore what hope is, what the 5 icebergs
are, and their relationship to hope. The workshop will weave between experiencing,
sharing in triads, listening to brief lectures, sharing in the large group, meditation, and
self -exploration.

Presenter(s)

Novak, Sandy, MS, MA, LPC
Lyu Yue, Master, Faculty of BSCMC

Country

United States

Surviving Narcissistic Abuse: How the Satir Model Gives Hope, Peace, and Understanding

The Impact of Trauma and Emotional Injury is a common topic of discussion in therapeutic circles, whether its familiarity comes through our own healing process or the work we choose to do with clients. In this presentation, I would like to discuss how after many years of clinical study on Cluster B Personality Disorders and my work with clients, the Satir Model demonstrates how we can give hope, peace, and understanding to those who desperately need solutions.

Presenter(s)

Provo, Dr. Carol E., Ph.D.

Country:

United States

Enhancing Counselors' Skills in Adolescent Depression Counseling

• Requirements for Counselors in the AI Era.
• Features of the First Satir Model Training for Adolescent Depression Counseling Skills.
• The Boosting Effect of the First Satir Model Training for Adolescent Depression Counseling Skills on Counselors' Confidence and Skills.
• The Counselor's Self-Growth is the Ceiling of Counseling Ability. 5. Becoming a Counselor with Mission and Responsibility

Presenter(s)

Qiang, Dr Wang (Karl), Doctor

Country: 

China

Action Gives us Hope: How the Therapist's Professional Will Can Help

This workshop empowers participants to prepare for all kinds of absences. Preparing for absences can increase our hope by relieving us from worry about what will happen when we are unavailable. As Virginia taught us, our power lies in how we respond. Did you know that the Ethics Codes for every discipline require that you have a Professional Will? This workshop offers tools to create a backup team and ways to minimize the impact of your absence on your clients, loved ones, colleagues, and community. All levels of experience are welcome!

Presenter(s)

Steiner, Ann, Ph.D., MFT, CGP, AGPA-F

Country: 

United States

Mandala and Connection with the Inner Self

1. Create a mandala and move from the outside to the inside to experience the state of your own self, the parts, and the relationship between the two.
2. Enter each part of the mandala based on self-awareness to increase awareness and self-assessment of the parts.
3. Explore the origin, function, intention, and impact of the parts.
4. Promote the connection, change, consolidation, and integration of each part through the mandala system. 5. Unleash life energy and make choices to manage each part of the mandala.

Presenter(s)

Wang, Shuli (Ann), Bachelor

Country: 

China

Where The Body Goes, The Mind Will Follow

In this highly experiential workshop, I invite you to come on a somatic journey with me that allows the mind to take a break and the wisdom-body-mind to take a lead. As the developer of the somatic movement practice, we explore many simple guided practices as well as open floor movement activities to nurture self-esteem, congruence and strengthen self-steering competencies. You will learn Satir concepts through the filter of embodied practices and movement activities.

Presenter(s)

Wieprecht, Eva, Masters
Matias Ortola, Musicia

Country: 

Germany

Nurture Hope in Parenting: Integrating PQ (Passion Quotient Based on Reiss Motivation Profile) and Satir Coaching and Mentoring based on Satir Mode

In this experiential and interactive workshop, we explore the integration of PQ (big data-based motivation science, Reiss Motivation Profile by Steven Reiss and the Satir Coaching and Mentoring Program developed by Sharon Loeschen (experiential approach) to bridge the gap between rational analysis and deep emotional transformation. Through a compelling story, participants will experience how PQ's data-driven insights uncover motivation patterns, while Satir's humanistic approach nurtures emotional validation and inner transformation and nurtures hope. Using Satir's validation skills, we will engage participants in exercises that help them recognize, affirm, and connect with their passion on a deeper level. By blending rational motivation science with experiential growth, this workshop provides a unique pathway to personal and professional transformation with hope. Participants will leave with practical tools to validate themselves and others, enhance self-awareness, and integrate these insights into their personal and work.

Presenter(s)

Wong, Ginny, Masters
Hettie Zhong, Masters, Certified PQ Coach, Satir Coaching and Mentoring Coach

Country:

Canada and China

A Dialogue: Creating Hope to Enhance Individual and Organizational Productivity by Satir Coaching Inside Out in Challenging Economic Times

Satir Coaching Inside Out developed by experienced Organizational Coach Rain Yang, this unique model has already led two teams to outstanding success, helping them achieve the

No. 1 market share in China. This workshop offers you the opportunity to explore and apply these insights to your own personal, team and professional growth. By embracing this approach, you will not only enhance efficiency in business but also embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether you’re looking to elevate your leadership skills, empower your team, or create lasting change, this workshop will provide you with the tools and inspiration to achieve your goals.

Presenter(s)

Rain Runyu Yang, Masters
Darren KinWah Lai

Country:

China

Working with Parts and Becoming Whole

We are made of different parts inside like family members in a family system. Every part of me has a role, emotions, beliefs, and yearnings. Sometimes parts contradict each other, argue with each other, and even hurt our vulnerable parts which parallels to how people interaction happens in a family system. Working with our parts assists us to explore, discover, learn, and grow through the therapeutic processing of parts and connecting with our Self energy. Satir parts workshop will help you to identify our inner parts and learn how we relate to our disliked parts and facilitate the positive protective intention and resources of disliked parts and get deeper understanding of disliked part regarding the role, function, and belief and yearning. We facilitate the integration of disliked parts and become whole.

Presenter(s)

Youhong Tu (Hettie), Masters
Linda Lucas, MA, LCPC, LPC, Director of Training for Satir Institute of the Pacific

Countries:

China & United States

The Use of Guided Imagery in the Counselling Processes

A brief introduction of Guided Imagery. Facilitate discussion on participants' use of Guided Imagery. Introducing the use of Guided Imagery in the counselling processes: structured guided imagery, semi-structured guided imagery, and non-structured guided imagery.

Presenter(s)

YUNG TSANG Sun May Grace (Grace YUNG), Ph.D

Country:

Hong Kong

Satir Sand Tray Therapy and Expanded Application for Psychological and Behavioural Intervention in Chinese Elementary School Students

• Introduce the main components of Satir Sand tray Therapy (Satir, NSST, embodiment, and Chinese philosophy).
• Present the current psychological status of Chinese elementary school students. - Share the effectiveness of Satir Sand tray Therapy in intervening with elementary school students.
• Share the extended applications based on the research outcomes of Satir Sand tray Therapy's psychological intervention for Chinese elementary school students (Teachers, parents, classmates, and psychological committee members)

Presenter(s)

Xia Xiaoqin (Lisa), Masters

Country: 

China

Family Travel with the Satir Model: Designing Personalized Itineraries to Foster Adolescent Growth

This workshop aims to integrate the core principles of the Satir Model to guide educators and parents in designing personalized travel itineraries for families, with a particular focus on the psychological needs and development of adolescents. Through experiential exercises and interactions, participants will learn how to identify the needs and preferences of family members, especially adolescents, and utilize modern tools and resources to create travel plans that cater to both the family's overall needs and individual differences.

Presenter(s)

XiaoMin Zhou (Amy), Bachelor

Country:

Canada