Satir Family Counseling According to Buddhist Psychology

Abstract

The currently popular family counseling is Satir's approach. It is known as an effective counseling process, helping counselees learn through direct experience in counseling. This can also lead them to the process of making positive changes, from their inner attitudes to outer aspects. Then, they will realize their self-worth and can decide which alternative they should choose by themselves. This creates more inner harmony for them. Based on Satir’s concept, believes that human potential can create changes by using existing resources within oneself. Therefore, our internal resources are searched and changes are brought about with the existing resources within ourselves. As mentioned, the individual's internal experiences will help us truly understand ourselves. Exploring the composition of an iceberg is a way to help solve an individual’s conflict problems. That eventually leads to our growing-up state of mind. According to the concept of Satir, it is accepted that mental defilements, namely Lobha, Dosa, and Moha, are natural characteristics to take place. The support provided for members is only to make them understand their needs and expectations in order to make them clam down. However, the whole problem they face cannot be solved. This differs from using the Buddhist psychology in family counseling that heals the mental defilements happened. In such case, the mental defilements are changed to wisdoms. Then, the members can overcome their nature and they are not attached to non-living objects. They will know the feelings deep down inside and have independent mind. They can be happy with themselves and rely less on nature and the environment. As mentioned, the so-called Tri-Sikkha or the Threefold Learning, namely, Morality, Concentration, and Wisdom. Buddhist psychology will help family members change and grow up within their hearts, leading to the changing external behaviors. They are able to deal with their emotions andresolve their own family problems. Finally, they will understand the Dukkha that occurs to themselves and use their wisdom, thinking it over. When they realize the causes of suffering and they keep practicing. Then, they improve themselves until they are ready for the Tri-Sikkha in the aspects of thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and feelings. Finally, they are able to control the defilements and are freed from ignorance, saving their own life to a good and beneficial way. This brings about the guidance for self and family development in order to live a good life, at the individual, family, and society levels.