The Family Constellation process creates a living model of the family that discloses the deeper forces that influence our thoughts, behaviors and emotional experiences. Developed by Bert Hellinger, Constellations often disclose the hidden elements and dynamics behind suffering that results from tragedy, grief, abuse and violence. Constellations can provide healing for self, family and ancestors.

 

Constellations can be done in group workshops or in individual sessions. In Family Constellation theory, psychological states, feelings, and illness are often seen as disturbances in the individual's family system. During the group process volunteers are asked to "represent" individuals from a family system.

 

While the individual watches the representatives move, speak and react to other representatives (with the help of the facilitator). Representative do not "act" the part. They are asked to allow what is present in the family field to emerge. Hidden connections, issues and confusions are revealed and explored.  

 

When representatives for the family system are finally in their correct position and excluded or unacknowledged elements are revealed and accepted, the energy of the system can begin to flow naturally.

 

 

Individual constellations may include the use of visualization techniques to reveal family dynamics. They may use wooden figures to represent the family. The facilitator may also take on one or more representations for the client. Constellations are not a form of psychotherapy though psychotherapists often employ them. They are also used by alternative healers, shamans and energy workers. They offer profound healing beyond our indvidual stories.

 

Increasing, practitioners are calling this work "Systemic Constellations." This broader view of the work values the impact of the constellation process on many different types of systems large and small.