About this Issue
Vol. 4, No. 1 – 2010

We celebrate the 2010 Satir World Conference in Hong Kong with clinical applications for forgiveness as therapy, counseling in China to change traditional expectations of self, research from Korea on a measurement scale of congruence, the "Self Mandala" as an interactional network and a Satir approach for youth suicide prevention from Canada.

Dr. John Banmen, R.Psych. begins with a description of many of the contradictory approaches to forgiveness currently being used in the field. "Forgiveness as Therapy in the Satir Model" differentiates the process of forgiveness from that of reconciliation with the perpetrator. He then carefully outlines how the therapist works with the internal processes of the client in a five-step process, supporting the client to become an "active agent". Dr. Banmen welcomes your responses to this article.

Yang Li, M.Ec. and Dr. Vivien Lou Wei-qun and present clients’ barriers to mental health in "Applying the Satir Model of Counseling in Mainland China: Illustrated with Case Studies." They describe particular defenses carried from one’s childhood growing up in China, such as invalidation of self, high expectations towards self, and incongruence in expressing feelings. The authors then offer case examples of the effectiveness of counseling to reverse these defenses, with clients reporting higher self-esteem and more responsibility for making positive choices.

Dr. Mun-Jeong Ko and Bong-Whan Kim offer "Development and Validity of the Congruence Scale Based on Satir's Growth Model". The researchers define congruence as comprised of interpersonal, intrapsychic, and spiritual dimensions, the latter carefully articulated from any singular religious framework. This article cites the difficulties with other attempts at developing a scale to measure one’s level of congruence, and then presents the development, validity and reliability of their scale. The research was conducted as the product of a doctoral dissertation at Sookmyung Women's University, Korea by Mun-Jeong, Ko (2009), and published in The Korean Journal of Counseling and Psychotherapy, 2009, Vol. 21, No. 3, 643-660,  and  is reproduced  with permission.

James William Smith, M.A. works with youth contemplating suicide and with their families in Vancouver, Canada. In "Dead Kids Talking: Youth Suicide Prevention using Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy", Smith offers case examples and specific recommendations for risk assessment, earlier detection of maladaptive behavior in the classroom, steps for detection and intervention for youth in the criminal justice system and for youth agencies in general.

Stuart Piddocke, L.L.B., PH.D. is a retired cultural anthropologist and ecologist. His extensive article is "The Self: Reflections on its nature and structure according to the Satir Model". He connects William James’ definitions of Self with Satir’s, emphasizing the moral value of self-esteem. A further contribution is Piddocke’s description of the Self Mandala as an interactional network, which can then be experienced as both a self-actualizing and interdependent resource for growth and spirituality.

Our Insights presents "A Series of Meditations from Virginia Satir: Self-Esteem Maintenance Kit" by Carolyn Nesbitt, PH.D., R.Psych. These meditations were done at workshops led by Virginia Satir (1916 -1988) and reproduced in her own voice on CD.  The book and CD may be ordered online under the name "Virginia Satir: Meditations" at The Satir Institute of the Pacific store .

We sincerely hope you enjoy this issue,


Steve Bentheim, PH.D., Editor.
The Satir Journal