What is Family Constellatons?
Bert Hellinger, a German psychotherapist, developed Family Constellation work out of a mixture of systems therapy, family therapy, primal therapy, psychotherapy, group therapy, and phenomenology. It has been widely used in Europe since the early 1980s and is now gaining widespread recognition all over the world.
Love, Respect and Harmony
Family systems are incredibly powerful and often include strong interpersonal entanglements. Unfortunately, many of these entanglements can be negative, and when hidden, can stop the flow of love and respect between family members.
|
|
During a constellation a healing circle is formed where participants set up their family "constellation" by choosing other participants to stand as representatives for their family members.
These constellations give astonishing insight into the forces which are operating between family members, allowing the release of long standing difficulties and restoring peace, harmony and the flow of love. |
What Happens In A Constellation?
In a Family Constellation circle, one person presents an urgent personal issue, such as "My husband wants to leave me." If a person decides to work on their constellation, they will be interviewed by the facilitator.
The interview, which is usually very short, will include questions relating to facts about their family e.g. unusual deaths, traumas, upheavals.
Then with the help of the facilitator and the group, the "seeker" sets up representatives, similar to psychodrama. Unlike psychodrama, once the representatives are placed, they do not pose, act or role-play.
The interview, which is usually very short, will include questions relating to facts about their family e.g. unusual deaths, traumas, upheavals.
Then with the help of the facilitator and the group, the "seeker" sets up representatives, similar to psychodrama. Unlike psychodrama, once the representatives are placed, they do not pose, act or role-play.
"As I began to love myself, my relationship with everyone changed.”
- Unknown
At first, they stand silent and still in order to tune in to feelings and physical sensations that mirror consonance and dissonance relating to the issue.
By observing this simple "constellation" of people, the client perceives a hidden pattern which in many cases is an echo of trans-generational trauma that draws the seeker to unconsciously repeat or atone for events from the past. In this view, "my broken marriage" lives within a larger field.
As the image emerges, the representatives are allowed to speak minimally and move slowly. The facilitator will then observe the responses of each of the representatives and make the necessary adjustments, verbal and/or spatial, so that an order is restored, and all participants feel they have a good place in the system.
By observing this simple "constellation" of people, the client perceives a hidden pattern which in many cases is an echo of trans-generational trauma that draws the seeker to unconsciously repeat or atone for events from the past. In this view, "my broken marriage" lives within a larger field.
As the image emerges, the representatives are allowed to speak minimally and move slowly. The facilitator will then observe the responses of each of the representatives and make the necessary adjustments, verbal and/or spatial, so that an order is restored, and all participants feel they have a good place in the system.
"The Greater Soul moves in only one direction, and that is to bring into union that which has been made separate.”
- Bert Hellinger
Each constellation might take anything from ten minutes to an hour and half. Many clients report that in the months that follow, the issue gets better or even resolves entirely.
Most people report a sense of peace with themselves and in their relationships. Some report feeling more centred, more loved, or having a new sense of belonging or hope.
These feelings are true both for people who set up their constellation and for those observing. The change produced by constellation work tends to be subtle and natural rather than sudden or forced. Events in our lives simply begin to unfold in new and different ways.
Most people report a sense of peace with themselves and in their relationships. Some report feeling more centred, more loved, or having a new sense of belonging or hope.
These feelings are true both for people who set up their constellation and for those observing. The change produced by constellation work tends to be subtle and natural rather than sudden or forced. Events in our lives simply begin to unfold in new and different ways.
What Issues Do Family Constellations Address?
All issues regarding families and relationships, such as blended families, early death of a parent, adoptions, miscarriages or abortions etc. can be dealt with very successfully using this approach.
Other issues may include trauma, addictions, depression, grief or illness, immigration, failing relationships or anxiety.
Other issues may include trauma, addictions, depression, grief or illness, immigration, failing relationships or anxiety.
Who is the Workshop For?
The workshop aims at people who want to learn more about their families, relationships and themselves and bring healing and clarity to their system.
It helps participants to discover how love can flow in relationships and to reweave their life's tapestry, so harmony and order can be restored.
It helps participants to discover how love can flow in relationships and to reweave their life's tapestry, so harmony and order can be restored.
Disclaimer
Participants might experience intense emotions and also some physical symptoms during a family constellation workshop for which they have to take full responsibility.
They also need to take care of their own experiences after the workshop and are encouraged to contact Heike if there are any questions or difficulties.
Family Constellations are not presented as a substitute for psychiatric or medical care. If you suffer from a medical or psychiatric condition it is recommended to discuss this prior to the workshop with Heike.
They also need to take care of their own experiences after the workshop and are encouraged to contact Heike if there are any questions or difficulties.
Family Constellations are not presented as a substitute for psychiatric or medical care. If you suffer from a medical or psychiatric condition it is recommended to discuss this prior to the workshop with Heike.
For more information about Family Constellation work, go here.
