The Satir Journal, Vol.2, No.1, 2008
ISSN – 1718-2050 (print)
ISSN – 1718-2069 (online)

Couple Congruence and Spirituality
in the Satir Model:  Part II

Dr. Steve Bentheim, PH.D.
Editor, The Satir Journal
Victoria, B.C. Canada

Abstract

Particular to Virginia Satir’s genius was her focus on the “us-ness” between self and other in therapy and as a key factor in congruent couple relationship. This article begins with Satir’s focus on the inclusion of spirituality in family therapy. Her approach has been a leap for positivist-based psychologists to understand, but also for spiritually-oriented clinicians whose focus stems from individual-based psychology. Her spiritual perspective received support by Abraham Maslow at the time he inaugurated The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology. Although very supportive of spirituality in psychology, Maslow's key protege, Ken Wilber, has misunderstood Satir's perspective of "us-ness."

The need for research has led the author to conduct several interviews with couples that were able to articulate the significance of spirituality in their relationship. The interview with the “Gold’s” presents their profound, yet natural experience of “us-ness.” They are each in religious leadership positions as Christian Science practitioners and can describe how they receive conjoint intuition as a couple. They then describe how this impacts their own relationship and their work with others.

(Full article is available for puchase)