“Many people are living in an emotional jail without realizing it.” — Virginia Satir

Virginia Satir (1916–88) was a family therapist with an eye for seeing what those she worked with couldn’t.

In her work with families, Satir categorised 5 types of behaviour she noticed people defaulting to. These behavioural defaults emerged in times of discomfort — around arguments or moments of emotional charge.

In this article, we’re looking at one category: the placater. You may see yourself here. Or not.