Satir's Family Therapy Model Case Study And Its Discussion, The Value Of The Development In The Chinese Localization

After World WarⅡ, system theory makes the way of people's thinking profoundly changed. In the field of psychotherapy, psychologist found that individual psychotherapy has some limitations. As a result, family therapy emerged. Virginia Satir (1916-1988) is considered to be one of the original founders of the family therapy movement. She presented her views on the importance of working with families and the tremendous impact that family systems have on individuals. The Satir model focuses on three major areas for therapeutic intervention:the intra-psychic, the interactive, and the family-of-origin and many famous methods in psychotherapy. However, its application in China is still in incipient status.The research recruited 6 families which have some problems as subjects. We present actual cases of these families, and discussion of the hypothetical Satir model treatment of these families. The Satir model has numerous interventions that have current applications toward dealing with problem family in a humanist and hopeful way, fostering every family member's to become more positively involved in their lives. The result is, the Satir model can be used in Chinese culture, because of:first, the Satir model of family therapy builds on the foundation of system theory which makes personal problem solved in family, which is preferred by traditional people in Chinese. At the same time, the Satir model notes individual, self-respect, congruence and responsibility which is lack in Chinese traditional culture, so person who influenced by western culture can accept it easily. Second, some of the theory and skill of the Satir model are out of culture difference. Third, the Satir model is integrated by psychoanalytic theory, Gestalt psychology, cognitive therapy and humanism, which makes Chinese people accept this model quickly. Last, the Satir model pays more attention on self-respect which makes Chinese people like this model.We Concluded that:the belief of the Satir model Chinese culture, the explanation of problem is suitable for Chinese family, the skill of the Satir model is suitable for Chinese person, the Satir model of family therapy can be used in counseling and treatment in Chinese but we should pay more attention to these two questions:According to the Chinese, one may be trapped by external forces, but no difficulty in life is insuperable, as long as one's heart is free and connected. When one's heart becomes free, connected and at peace, there is hope, and there is life. What Satir put in her second level of congruence must become the condition of change in the very first instance in Chinese hierarchical collectivist context. So, instead of beginning congruent communication at LevelⅠ, as it is being practiced in North America, a more effective way of engaging the client and his or her significant other is to begin with LevelⅡ, where harmony with self, with other, and with context is given full consideration, and where balance, centeredness, and wholeness are given full attention.There are some resistance stemming from culture conflicts in inviting family therapy constructing Therapeutic relationship, using communication theory, using treating skill or tool when we use The Satir model of family therapy to treat the Chinese families.We should pay more attention and keep high Cultural sensitivity to these resistance, respecting Culturally or give the open-minded person some good advices.For a word, following the spirit of Satir, we can draw inspiration and resource from traditional Chinese culture and maintaining continuity with hierarchical collectivism while protecting individual quests for equality, freedom, and independence.