Satir Institute of the Pacific

09/14/2026

**What happens when the pressure is on?**

We all cope with stress in different ways. But what happens when the *whole organisation* is under pressure?

Virginia Satir identified four survival stances—Placating, Blaming, Super-Reasonable and Irrelevant—that people may move into when they feel stressed, threatened or overwhelmed.

Could these same patterns show up in teams, leadership groups and organisations?

In our new blog series, **“When Organisations Cope,”** we explore what Satir’s model can teach us about workplace dynamics, organisational culture and the ways systems respond to pressure.

The goal isn’t to label or diagnose an organisation. It’s to become more curious about what may be happening beneath the surface.

**What might your organisation be trying to cope with?**

Read the first article in the series:
**When Organisations Cope: A Satir Perspective on Survival Stances in the Workplace**

Read the blog: https://satirpacific.org/2026/07/24/when-organisations-cope-a-satir-perspective-on-survival-stances-in-the-workplace/

09/11/2026

🌿 How well do you know yourself?

What if we took a closer look at the many dimensions that make us who we are?

Join us for our next Free Friday Morning Satir Circle with Stephen Buckbee, MSW, LPC, as he explores Virginia Satir’s Self Mandala—a simple yet profound concept that can help us understand ourselves in a deeper and more holistic way.

The Self Mandala has applications not only in therapy, but also in education, business, relationships, and everyday life.

📅 September 25, 2026
⏰ 8:00–9:30 AM Pacific Time
💻 Online via Zoom
✨ Free and open to everyone

Register at www.satirpacific.org under events

Come curious. Explore the Self Mandala. Discover something new about yourself.

09/09/2026

One of the greatest barriers to forgiveness is the belief that accepting what happened somehow means approving of it.

It doesn't.

Acceptance simply means acknowledging reality.

Approval is agreeing with it.

These are very different things.

When we stop fighting the fact that something happened, we don't erase the hurt.

Instead, we create the possibility of responding to it differently.

Acceptance opens the door to healing.

Approval is never required.

Understanding this distinction often becomes the turning point that allows people to begin moving forward.

09/07/2026

Your next step in becoming the therapist you want to be.

Applications of STST – Advanced is offered only periodically, making this a unique opportunity to deepen your Satir practice alongside a supportive community of experienced clinicians.

📅 Four online modules (3 days each time)
💻 Live via Zoom
🎓 57 CEC/CEU Hours
📍 Beginning October 16, 2026

Registration is now open. www.satirpacific.org

Join us as we continue the journey of transformational learning.

09/05/2026

💬 Healing the Space Between: Relational Work with Couples and Families

What happens in the space between people when relationships become strained, disconnected, or difficult?

In our recent free Satir Circle, Kate Gomboc, MA, CCC explored Healing the Space Between—an experiential look at relational work with couples and families through the Satir Model.

🎥 Watch the recording on our YouTube channel and discover some of the ideas and approaches that will be explored more deeply in this upcoming program.

✨ Coming to The Satir Institute of the Pacific in February 2027!

If this work speaks to you, stay connected and watch our website for program details and registration updates.

Join Kate Gomboc, MA, CCC as she discusses her work with Couples an...

09/03/2026

Have you ever told yourself,

"I know I should forgive... so why can't I?"

Because forgiveness isn't something we simply decide.

It is a process.

Like any meaningful journey, it unfolds one step at a time. Each stage brings its own emotions, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

Trying to rush forgiveness often leaves us feeling frustrated or believing we've somehow failed.

Real healing honours where we are instead of where we think we should be.

When we allow each step to unfold naturally, forgiveness becomes less about pressure—and more about transformation.

There is wisdom in trusting the process.

09/02/2026

Join Jennifer Nagel who will be co-facilitating with Lisa Catallo this Thursday September 3 from 10 - 11:30AM pacific time. "Coming Home to Yourself: Why Being the Capable One Isn't Enough". This free 90-minute experiential webinar is an invitation to pause, reconnect, and explore what becomes possible when we stop living solely from responsibility and begin living from congruence. Sign up for free at www.congruentpractice.com/webinars to receive the Zoom link.

❋ September 3, 2026 | 10-11:30am Pacific Coming Home to Yourself: Why Being the Capable One Isn't Enough Register Coming Home to Yourself: Why Being the Capable One Isn't EnoughA free 90-minute experiential gathering for therapists and practice ownersThursday, September 3, 2026 · 10:00 am – 11:...

09/01/2026

Learn from two internationally respected Satir Model trainers.

One of the most valuable parts of any advanced training is learning from experienced clinicians who not only understand the theory but live the work every day.

Linda Lucas, MA, LCPC, LPC and Jennifer Nagel, MA, RCC-ACS bring decades of combined experience in counselling, clinical supervision, leadership, and teaching Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy around the world.

Together, they have trained therapists, educators, and helping professionals across North America, Asia, Africa, and beyond. Their work integrates the enduring wisdom of the Satir Model with contemporary understandings of attachment, neuroscience, embodiment, and transformational change.

As senior trainers, clinical supervisors, and leaders within the Satir Institute of the Pacific and the Banmen Satir China Management Centre, Linda and Jennifer are deeply committed to creating learning environments that are experiential, supportive, and transformative.

Throughout Applications of STST, participants can expect:

✨ Live therapy demonstrations
✨ Thoughtful clinical supervision and feedback
✨ Opportunities for reflective practice and skill integration
✨ A supportive learning community that encourages both personal and professional growth

Whether you're looking to deepen your therapeutic presence, strengthen your clinical confidence, or expand your capacity to facilitate transformational change, you'll be guided by trainers who are passionate about helping clinicians grow with authenticity, congruence, and compassion.

📅 Applications of STST – Advanced begins October 16, 2026.

We look forward to learning with you.

08/30/2026

What would it feel like to let go—even just a little?

Forgiveness isn't about forgetting or excusing what has happened. It is about creating space within ourselves for healing, compassion, and greater freedom.

We invite you to experience this beautiful guided meditation with Linda Lucas, shared during our Free Friday Satir Circle on the theme Freedom Through Forgiveness.

Whether you're beginning your day, taking a mindful pause, or ending your evening with reflection, this meditation offers a gentle opportunity to reconnect with yourself and your inner wisdom.

🎥 Watch the guided meditation now on our YouTube channel.

If you find it meaningful, we invite you to subscribe for more videos exploring the Satir Model, personal growth, and transformational learning.

08/29/2026

What if the very thing you're struggling with isn't the problem... but an attempt to solve one?

In the Satir Model, every behaviour has meaning. Rather than asking, "What's wrong?" we ask, "What problem is this person trying to solve?"

This simple shift changes everything.

Instead of judgment, we become curious.
Instead of fixing, we begin understanding.
Instead of focusing on symptoms, we discover the deeper needs and resources waiting to emerge.

This perspective is one of the many practical applications explored in our Applications of Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST) program. Whether you work with clients, families, teams, or organizations, you'll learn how to see beyond behaviours and facilitate meaningful, lasting change.

✨ When we understand the purpose behind behaviour, transformation becomes possible.