The Satir Model, developed by Virginia Satir, is a therapeutic approach in family therapy and communication theory. Virginia Satir was a well-known psychotherapist who played an important role in the development of family therapy. Her approach is centered on improving family communication, increasing self-esteem, and encouraging personal growth and transformation in clients and families.
Satir emphasized the significance of family communication patterns, believing that effective communication is necessary for healthy relationships. She identified five common communication stances: placating, blaming, irrelevant, ridiculous, and irrelevant. Satir emphasized the importance of self-esteem in the lives of clients and families. Positive self-esteem, she believed, was the foundation for personal development and fulfilling relationships.
The Satir Model places a premium on personal development and transformation. Satir believed that people have the ability to change and grow, and she aimed to help people access their inner resources and positive change potential. In family therapy, Satir used a technique known as sculpting, in which family members physically arrange themselves to depict their emotional relationships and interactions. This method aids in the identification of underlying dynamics within the family system.
Satir also emphasized the importance of congruence, defined as being genuine and authentic in one’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Congruence encourages open and honest communication, resulting in happier relationships.
The Satir Model identifies five communication stances or categories that people can take in their interactions with family and friends. Each classification has its own distinct body language, attitude, and communication patterns. These are the categories:
The Blamer: Blamers externalize blame and are quick to pass judgment on others. They frequently project their thoughts and feelings onto others and use meta-model violations, such as overgeneralization and making claims without evidence, to perplex others and make the blame stick. Blamers may alienate others and leave them feeling lonely. They may blame others in the name of a system or authority, and they may compensate for vulnerabilities by blaming others.
The Placater: Placaters are concerned about how others perceive them and use their behavior to avoid conflict or unwanted attention. To avoid blame or conflict, they are overly agreeable and accommodating. Placaters may conceal their true feelings by using meta-model violations such as cause and effect and unspecified verbs. When confronted with conflict, they may go into hiding or become noncommittal.
The Computer: Computers are emotionless and may hide their own feelings while invalidating the emotions of others. In their communication style, they may appear intellectual or scientific, and they may try to remain cool and calm even when others are emotional. To avoid dealing with emotions, computers may use generalizations and omit references.
Distracters are chameleons who combine elements of blamers, computers, and placaters. They manipulate by distracting others, causing confusion or fatigue. Distracters make it difficult to have a straightforward conversation because they frequently switch topics or overgeneralize in order to confuse others.
The Leveler: Levelers have high congruence and communicate in a factual and objective manner. They are not overly dramatic and can be objective and fair when blaming others. Levelers are good mediators and problem solvers because they stay in touch with reality and their own agenda. They use their calm demeanor to defuse tense situations.
People must develop the ability to adapt to different situations and solve interpersonal problems effectively in the Satir Model. While the Leveler may appear to have the ideal communication style, being stuck in one communication stance can be problematic. Each style is useful in different situations, and having flexibility allows clients to successfully navigate various social scenarios.
To promote healthier and more authentic interactions within relationships and families, the Satir Model emphasizes the importance of developing self-awareness and flexibility in communication styles. People can improve their communication, understanding, and empathy in interactions with others by recognizing these patterns.
Satir Modes of Communication Worksheet (worksheet #290 from the book “500 Practical NLP Forms, Templates & Worksheets”):