What is Family Constellations and How does it works?
Representatives in the group are chosen to stand in for key family members, and through their interactions, hidden truths are brought to light. This process is both intuitive and experiential, allowing the "knowing field" of the family to emerge and reveal deep emotional insights that may not be accessible through traditional therapy alone. Whether in a group or private session, the goal is to create a new awareness of the family dynamics and to find resolution and balance within the system.
Family Constellations is grounded in three key principles known as "The Orders of Love," which ensure the healthy flow of energy and love in the family system. When these orders are disrupted, the flow of love and vitality can become blocked, causing emotional and even physical suffering across generations:
Belonging – Every family member has an equal right to belong, no matter their actions or circumstances.
Hierarchy – There is a natural order based on the time of arrival in the family system, with older generations preceding younger ones.
Balance – Relationships within the family must maintain an equilibrium between giving and receiving.
Family Constellations is a therapeutic approach that explores the hidden dynamics within family systems. Based on the work of Bert Hellinger, this method helps reveal unconscious patterns that influence relationships, health, and wellbeing. By addressing unresolved traumas and disruptions in the family system, Family Constellations works to restore harmony and balance, often leading to profound healing for the individual and future generations. Family members do not need to be physically present as representatives or visualizations are used to explore family dynamics.
In a Family Constellation session, we create a representation of your family system using either group participants or symbolic elements. The facilitator guides the session by exploring the connections between family members, revealing patterns that may be causing tension, illness, or repeated behaviors.
Topics to work with this apprach?
The profound movement of a constellation should be approached with respect. We do not open the heart of the family system merely for the sake of curiosity, to know how this works. The chosen topic should be something that is causing you anguish or worry like problems with relationships, physical health, work and success, behavior, emotional unbalanced, and emotional and mental health.
What is the specific issue you are currently facing? It is not about what you think might be the cause of the problem, either. It is about the problem itself. For instance, we often hear statements like "I want to constellate my relationship with my father" when the person's actual concern revolves around the possibility of forming a romantic relationship. The constellation will reveal whether the knot to be unraveled resides in the connection with your father or elsewhere within the family history.
FAQs
Is it a spiritual practice?
While Family Constellations can feel spiritual, it is rooted in therapeutic and systemic principles. It acknowledges both psychological and energetic dynamics within the family.
What should I expect in a session?
Each session is unique, but you can expect to explore the deeper connections in your family system and gain insights into issues that may have been carried across generations.
Group sessions are the more fulfilling format as you can have the overall outlook of your family systems and how each member is interacting with each other.
In the individual constellation, the encounter is more intimate as you are alone with your practitioner. It may include elements to represent your family or a teamwork between you two. You may observe your system overall from the outside but incomplete information about the interaction between the family members. However, this can lead to a powerful awakening, particularly when exploring topics related to intense emotions such as anger and ira.
Do I need to know my family history?
While knowing your family history can help, it is not essential. The process works intuitively, and even without detailed information, we can uncover hidden dynamics.
How long does it take to see results?
Some clients experience immediate shifts, while for others, the effects unfold over time. The important thing is to allow the process to work and trust the timing of the changes.
Should I have weekly sessions?
Not at all. As the work penetrates the “family soul”, the energy we moved during the constellations needs to find a new balance. From investigations by Bert Hellinger and other experts, it’s recommended not less than 2 months.