Process of Satir Family Reconstruction – Journey of the Star and Guide
November 1 @ 3:00 pm - November 6 @ 3:00 pm PDT
With: Pat Bragg, B.A., B.Ed.
and Linda Lucas, MA, LCPC, LPC as On Site Coordinator
When: November 1 – 6, 2025
Where: Bethlehem Retreat Center, Nanaimo, BC Canada
Residential Retreat Program (Limited Commuter Rates available)
The five-day training “Process of Satir Family Reconstruction – Journey of the Star and Guide” will focus on the skills and process required to guide a successful family reconstruction, a process developed by Virginia Satir and modified by Dr. Maria Gomori and Pat Bragg. Participants will learn the steps of the family reconstruction process, the various aspects of the Virginia Satir Model of Family Therapy that are involved and have the opportunity to practice the skills involved.
We will spend the second day of the training demonstrating a family reconstruction where the participants will role play the family members of the star (who may be one of the participants or a volunteer client) and the resources available to help the star make a change in his/her life. Pat will guide the reconstruction, and we will debrief the demonstration throughout the rest of the training.
The training will be primarily experiential and also include lecture, small and large group work, and individual work. In addition to the daily program, participants can expect to spend several evenings (1-2 hours) doing individual and small group integration exercises.
Who is this program for:
Helping professionals, coaches, psychologists, therapists, counsellors, lay people, educators, medical professionals
Program Outline:
- Introduction to Virginia Satir and Family Reconstruction
Purpose and goals of Family reconstruction
Relevance of Family Reconstruction in Modern Therapy
- Foundations of Family Reconstruction
Keys concepts and Theoretical Framework
Core Principles of the Process
Preparation for the Therapist
- Steps of Family Reconstruction
Establishing the Client’s Family of Origin Map
Identifying Family Themes and Patterns
Role-playing and Reenactment
Integrating insights and Creating new Narratives
- Tools and Techniques in Family Reconstruction
Experiential Techniques
Creative Modalities
Therapist-Client Collaboration
- Challenges and Ethical Considerations
- Practicing Family Reconstruction
Supervised Practice
- Closing and Integration
Q and A and Next Steps
About the Trainer:
Patricia Bragg – Peacemaker, Educator, and Counsellor
Founder, Changes North | Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada
Patricia Bragg brings over 40 years of experience in counselling, coaching, mediation, and conflict resolution education. With degrees in Counselling and Education, as well as certifications in teaching, school administration, Life Skills Coaching, and mediation across family, personal injury, and child protection contexts, she is a highly skilled and sought-after professional.
A certified practitioner and trainer in the Virginia Satir Model, Pat has delivered thousands of hours of training both nationally and internationally. Her work has taken her across Canada, Greece, Latvia, Turkey, Dubai, and Bahrain, where she has facilitated transformative workshops and presented at numerous Satir-focused conferences.
As a family mediator for over three decades, officially designated by the Attorney General of Manitoba, Pat brings extensive expertise in supporting families through conflict. Her current practice emphasizes Satir-based training, family counselling, mediation, and coaching.
Pat has served as President and Director of Training for the Satir Institute Society of Yukon since 2015. Previously, she was a board member and past president of the Satir Professional Development Institute of Manitoba (2005–2014), working closely with Maria Gomori. She has also held long-standing roles with the Virginia Satir Global Network.
Passionate about sharing the legacy of Virginia Satir, Pat continues to bring her expertise and heartfelt dedication to every opportunity to teach, guide, and inspire transformation.
Required reading material:
Personal Alchemy – The Art of Satir Family Reconstruction by Maria Gomori with Eleanor Adaskin – Available on Amazon
Program Fee:
EARLY BIRD RATES (available until August 1, 2025)
- Residential $2170 (includes 5 nights Accommodations plus all meals and snacks)
- Shared Residential $1910/person (same as above but room will be shared with one other person)
- Commuter $1520 (includes 5 lunches and 4 dinners and daily guest rate)
GENERAL RATES
- Residential $2420 (includes 5 nights Accommodations plus all meals and snacks)
- Shared Residential $2160/person (same as above but room will be shared with one other person)
- Commuter $1770 (includes 5 lunches and 4 dinners and daily guest rate)
Cancellation Policy: Full Payment due with application, full refund if not accepted into program. No refunds after Sept 5, 2025. Refunds minus $200 administration fee before September 5, 2025. **Installments available upon special request. Full payment must be completed by September 5, 2025**
Schedule:
Saturday November 1st – Arrival/Check-In 3:00 pm, Dinner at 5:30 pm, Program training 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Sunday November 2nd – Training 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Monday November 3rd – Training 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (No Dinner this night as training completes at 5:00 pm – FREE EVENING)
Tuesday November 4th – Training 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Wednesday November 5th –Training 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Celebration 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday November 6th – Training 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Departure 3:00 pm