Virginia Satir

Virginia Satir was a foundational figure in family therapy, developing the conjoint family therapy approach and what became known as the Satir change model. Her work emphasized congruent communication, self-esteem, and the patterns of interaction that shape family systems. She was one of the original NLP exemplars - much of what NLP calls 'reframing' and pacing-leading rapport draws on her therapeutic style.

Satir's contribution to NLP is less language-mechanical than Erickson's but equally important. Her ability to hold safety and dignity for everyone in a family system, even mid-conflict, gave NLP its therapeutic posture. The five Satir communication stances (placater, blamer, computer, distracter, leveler) remain widely taught in NLP curricula.