Family Constellation Therapy
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Family Constellations, sometimes called Systemic Constellations are a therapeutic method developed by Bert Hellinger. It is based on the principle that current problems or situations have their basis in the family system or are inherited from previous generations. Losses and traumatic events can create an entanglement between a person and a family member or ancestor. Family constellation work is often done in groups in workshop settings but can also be done one on one with a facilitator. It is not psychodrama in that past situations do not need to be acted out, just identified, witnessed and experienced. It is not family therapy in that the other members of the family system are not present and do not even need to be aware of the process.
Constellations are a process of making space for what is as it is beyond issues of guilt or innocence. While trauma and its effects are acknowledged the exploration can reveal the dynamic forces that influenced the behaviour of all involved. By revealing the underlying issues from previous generations a way is opened for future growth unhindered by unconscious hidden loyalties. What has been hidden from view or not addressed properly is brought to light and given attention, thus no longer hindering the full expression of life. Examples can be unacknowledged deaths, separations or beliefs and vows that no longer serve balance and health.
The blocks to the flow of love down the generations can be removed. What was kept secret or never said can now be known and spoken.
Constellations can also be used to address decisions or a problem in a business or organizational setting. This can be helpful to increase clarity about the best way forward.
A Family Constellation session can be done as a single (usually 1 1/2 hour) session without follow-up or as part of a general plan of psychotherapy.
Constellations are a process of making space for what is as it is beyond issues of guilt or innocence. While trauma and its effects are acknowledged the exploration can reveal the dynamic forces that influenced the behaviour of all involved. By revealing the underlying issues from previous generations a way is opened for future growth unhindered by unconscious hidden loyalties. What has been hidden from view or not addressed properly is brought to light and given attention, thus no longer hindering the full expression of life. Examples can be unacknowledged deaths, separations or beliefs and vows that no longer serve balance and health.
The blocks to the flow of love down the generations can be removed. What was kept secret or never said can now be known and spoken.
Constellations can also be used to address decisions or a problem in a business or organizational setting. This can be helpful to increase clarity about the best way forward.
A Family Constellation session can be done as a single (usually 1 1/2 hour) session without follow-up or as part of a general plan of psychotherapy.
