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The UNC School of Social Work and the Virginia M. Satir Center, Chapel Hill, USA, Inc. present the 2024 Satir Summer Intensive Training in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It will begin on Sunday, July 14th at 4:00 p.m. and conclude Saturday, July 20th at 12:30 p.m. On Wednesday, July 17th, there is an evening session from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Training

The Summer Intensive Training is a unique opportunity to learn about the Satir Growth Model from a theoretical perspective as well as through hands-on, experiential activities in an intimate setting with internationally recognized Satir experts and trainers. The Satir Model teaches us that self-reflection and gaining clarity about our own thought processes are crucial elements in improving our communication skills and increasing positive outcomes in any situation that involves human systems or interactions – so training involves a good deal of personal work and individualized attention and feedback from the facilitators as well as practical tools for applying the model effectively in a professional capacity.

Facilitators

Hugh Gratz and Jean McClendonThe Summer Intensive will be led by Jean McLendon and Hugh Gratz, both of whom trained directly with Virginia Satir and have spent over a decade co-facilitating Satir trainings around the world. Jean and Hugh are exceptionally gifted trainers who have years of experience applying the Satir Model as practitioners, consultants, and instructors. Their unique chemistry, genuine warmth, and ability to create a safe learning environment make the Summer Intensive a particularly enriching experience.  Jean McLendon, LCSW, LMFT, Hugh Gratz, MSW and Regina Taggart, MSW, LCSW are internationally recognized Satir experts and trainers along with a team of talented Satir practitioners.

Jean McLendon, MSW, LCSW, LMFT, is the past president of The Virginia Satir Global Network and is currently the Director of Training Programs at Satir Systems, a professional therapy and coaching center in North Carolina.  She trained with Virginia Satir for nearly 20 years and her work has been published in several journals and books. Jean has held faculty appointments at the University of North Carolina School of Social Work and the National Institute of Mental Health Staff College, and she served as the faculty specialist with the Whole Systems Design Graduate Program at Seattle University. Jean travels widely, applying the Satir Growth Model in a variety of contexts, situations, countries, and cultures as a trainer, therapist, and business consultant.

Jean McClendon and Hugh Gratz in front of paper easelHugh Gratz, MSW, has been a clinical social worker for over 40 years and has a wide range of practice experiences that include mental health and family services, hospice palliative care, private practice, and diversity training. He was a member of Virginia Satir’s training staff for many years and is a strong proponent of the Satir Growth Model. Hugh has been awarded the Satir Organization’s Living Treasure status, as well as being honored as Central New York’s Social Worker of the Year and receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award from Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. He has worked internationally with the First Nation populations in Canada and in Central America with groups affected by war, violence, and natural disasters. He is certified as a Field Traumatologist and has been deployed to Ground Zero in New York City as well as Sri Lanka, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Regina TaggartRegina Taggart, MSW, LCSW
UNC Satir Summer Intensive Support Staff
Since graduating from the University of South Florida with a Master of Social Work in 1999, Regina has completed extensive training in the Satir Growth Model at the Year Long Practitioner Development Workshop in Chapel Hill. She’s worked in a variety of settings with children and families including hospice and community mental health. Her cross-cultural work with teaching the Satir Growth Model has taken her to Hong Kong, China, Germany, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. Regina has worked in private practice for 17 years, focusing on children, adolescents and young adults. She’s certified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and has integrated the Satir Model into the arena with horses and clients. She’s also written a self-esteem curriculum based upon the Satir Model, “I Actually Make My Own Experience.” This is available to individuals, families and groups.

Feedback From Previous Participants

Satir participants“Jean and Hugh were masterful at teaching content, modeling content, providing interaction with processes and people in a supportive, nurturing environment where risk-taking became the norm.”

“The best out-of-pocket investment I’ve ever made.”

“A mind-blowing once-in-a-lifetime experience that no one should miss.”

“The UNC Summer Intensive Training gave me a safe environment and tools to recover my humanness.”

“You will learn more than a theory or modality; you will experience Virginia Satir’s spirit and how her ideas are transformative.”

Who Is Invited To Attend?

The Satir Summer Intensive is open to therapists, social workers, consultants, coaches, leaders and managers who are interested in learning to apply the Satir Model in their personal lives and in their work.

Where Will The Training Be Held?

The training will be in person at the Sancar Turkish Cultural & Community
1609 E Franklin St, Center Chapel Hill, NC27514

See lodging information below.

COVID-19 Safety

For the health and safety of all participants as well as the trainers and support staff, we expect all participants to show proof of vaccination (with boosters) or show a negative PCR test with results taken within 48 hours of the start of training.

Being protective of the learning community we recommend up to date vaccinations.  Mask if you have been exposed to anyone with covid.  If you’re symptomatic, you may be asked to take a PCR test.

We recommend all participants

  • Have an up-to-date booster
  • Take precautions during travel (wear masks and maintain distance from others when possible)
  • Self-test on third day of training

One final note: The Covid-19 situation is fluid and can change rapidly. The instructors may need to modify the Covid-19 policy at any time during the training.

Apply

If you are interested in attending, please contact admin@virginiasatircenter.com by June 15, 2024.

The instructors will review all applications and notify you of your acceptance for the Intensive as well as your optional financial assistance request. Following acceptance of your application, you will receive an email notifying you of acceptance and a link to registration. At that time, you will need to complete the registration form and pay your fees. Space will be filled on a first come first serve registration basis for accepted applicants.

Space in the training is limited to 30 participants so we suggest you register as early as possible.

Registration Fees

The course fee includes tuition, electronic reader, materials, daily snacks and beverages, and a welcoming lunch and a certificate of attendance and completion.

  • Registration Fee is $2150
  • Student Fee is $1,050

Scholarships

A limited number of partial scholarships will be available for students, recent MSW graduates, and individuals who are interested in need-based assistance. Scholarship amounts vary between $100 and $500. Scholarship funds are awarded on a first come, first serve basis so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. To apply, please contact admin@virginiasatircenter.com by June 15, 2024.

Lodging & Local Eateries

Out-of-town participants are responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses.

Lodging and Local Eateries near training venue

Continuing Education

40.5 hours of continuing education will be awarded for the course.

Contact Hours ASWB – UNC SSW, #1406, is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. UNC-SSW maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 8/10/2022 to 8/10/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 2-12 continuing education credits.

Contact Hours NBCC (provider #6642) – The UNC School of Social Work is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and offers NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements. The ACEP solely is responsible for all aspects of the program.

Category A – The UNC School of Social Work is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The UNC School of Social Work maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Click here for further Continuing Education Information.