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

Reflections: the Oral History of Virginia Satir – an 
Interview with Dr. Bunny Duhl 

C. Jesse Carlock, PH.D.,
Adjunct Clinical Professor of Psychology
Wright State University School of Professional Psychology Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice

Abstract

In this interview, the reader is offered a glimpse of Virginia Satir through the eyes of one of her trusted colleagues, Dr. Bunny Duhl. While the author conducted and videotaped 18 interviews of elder therapists in Avanta, now known as the “Virginia Satir Global Network” (VSGN), this interview is the first that has showcased in its entirety. The interview gives the reader a taste of Virginia Satir’s influence on the many talented people who trained with her. Satir reveals herself to Bunny Duhl as the brilliant therapist, educator, change agent, creative spirit for which she was known around the world. But the interview also sensitively reveals the disparagement and personal and professional attacks Satir weathered over the years from her male colleagues in the early family therapy movement. She had radical ideas, radical methods, and she always questioned the status quo. Her colleagues wanted to compete in academia and in the research world. Family Therapy was still trying to qualify as a legitimate approach. The interview also touches the edges of evident sexism that was apparent but unacknowledged. Revealed also are bits and pieces of Satir’s shadow side, her personal challenges and her very human struggle to stay congruent.

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