Constellation Work
What is it?
Three ways to participate in Systemic
Constellation Work
What can I expect when I come to a Systemic
Constellation workshop?
Do I need to bring family or business partners
to do a Constellation?
What do people get out of Systemic
Constellation Work?
What are the principles that inform Systemic
Constellation Work?
Constellation
Work
Systemic Constellation Work is an experiential, intergenerational
healing process developed by Bert Hellinger, a German psychotherapist.
Hellinger developed his methodology to heal wounds stemming from an
earlier trauma of Hitler’s domination and World War II. Hellinger
observed that there is a natural flow of love from one generation to
another until some misfortune, tragedy, or unreciprocated love
interrupts it. He believed that there was nothing a child would not do
to help the family, even to the detriment of self. Sometimes our way of
being connected in our family is to suffer like those who preceded us or
to become entangled in their burdens.
The results of these entanglements may be feelings of isolation,
depression or anxiety, addictions, failed relationships, physical
illness and even suicidal thoughts. The bonds to those we love can
continue to affect us [and our children] long after we think we have
forgotten them. Constellations are an effective way to understand
unconscious entanglements with others.
Recent developments have also brought constellations into the realm of
the business world. Organizational Constellation Work offers a new way
to analyze how businesses grow and develop with success. Complex issues
such as organizational structure, leadership, or direction can be
addressed in a relatively simple and direct way to reach impressive
solutions.
The process is referred to as a “constellation” because it demonstrates
or models the relationships between members of a system that can
actually be observed. Just as a constellation of stars is held in place
by an energetic field, so our systems are connected energetically.
Addressing issues at the deepest energetic level is called “soul work.”
We are connected to our past by an unconscious loyalty. Out of a loving
need to help our parents and ancestors, we may carry their burdens for
them. The love that naturally and freely would be passed down to us
through them may have become entangled in their misfortunes. This means
that we may not be altogether free to live our lives. In Constellations
we can see what happened to our ancestors and respectfully acknowledge
it without judgment.
“Solutions require first the courage to look truth in the eye.”
Bert Hellinger
Once seen and acknowledged, the family’s soul can now experience a
natural movement toward healing. This healing movement restores lost
dignity to each family member. Our own obligations, guilt, loneliness
and blame dissolve when our ancestors are honored for their actions and
misfortunes. Integrity and strength are restored so love can once again
flow through the generations. A new image of the family is created to
carry in our heart and mind. This new image will enable us to relate to
family in a different way.
How does it work?
Workshop participants are invited to “represent” different members of
the client’s family and are positioned to fit an “internal” sense of the
family. The representatives become a living model of the actual family
system and can begin to see the hidden dynamics and entanglements in
that system.
Constellation work is phenomenological, which means it is based on
experience and observations rather than on theory or dogma. For example,
someone representing an ancestor may begin to notice feelings and
thoughts which reflect those of the actual family members—despite the
fact that they do not know them!
With the guidance of a trained facilitator, representatives are
repositioned to bring ease to the system. The facilitator suggests
healing statements that replace misunderstandings and restore dignity to
the family. Healing at one point in the family system often improves
relationships throughout the family.
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Three ways to participate in Systemic Constellation Work:
- Observe the constellation and listen to the facilitator’s remarks.
- Participate in another person’s constellation as a representative.
This may increase your understanding of life experiences that are
different than your own.
- Create a constellation on your own issue.
What can I expect when I come to a Systemic Constellation workshop?
- Upon arrival you will be treated with respect. Constellations take
place in the center of a circle, so chairs are arranged in this
formation for all workshops.
- When a participant chooses to work on a personal issue you may be
invited to help out by “representing” someone in their family. It is not
necessary to be familiar with the family to function as a
representative. You are free to decline if you prefer to observe the
work. Witnessing a constellation is an important role in itself.
- In the event that you would like to act as a representative, be
assured no experience is necessary. As long as you are open to giving it
a try, it should go well. The facilitator will ask you to report your
feelings or body sensations as changes come up and then give you further
instructions.
- The mood during a constellation is generally reflective and thoughtful
even though the work may deal with intense emotions. Emotions are often
experienced deeply and quietly the way you might feel when you are
touched at a play or movie.
- When a constellation reveals the origins of the current issue a
solution is explored by repositioning representatives or by repeating
simple healing sentences. In order to be a true solution the
constellation must bring a sense of peace to all present.
- When the constellation is finished the group sits quietly in a moment
of silence. The silence allows the energy and feelings in the room to
settle and gives reverence and appreciation for the work just completed.
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Do I need to bring family or business partners to do a Constellation?
No. The process is actually effective even without their presence. You
may, of course, bring others but you certainly don’t have to. Often it
is impractical. Constellations work unbelievably well even when the
group knows nothing about you or your business. They are even successful
when you know nothing about your genealogy and so no preparation is
necessary except for an open mind.
What do people get out of Systemic Constellation Work?
Most people report a sense of peace with themselves and
in their
relationships. Some report feeling more centered, 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 flashy. Events in our lives simply begin to unfold in new
and different ways. Repeat attendance at workshops may provide new
insights and deepen the changes. Constellation work is simple, effective
and profound.
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What are the principles that inform Systemic Constellation Work?
Decades of observation and experience with thousands of people reveal
that three basic guidelines or “orders of love” help relationships
succeed. They are:
- People have a right to belong. Everyone wants to belong, and when
someone is rejected or excluded, things often go wrong in the future.
Events like traumatic or premature deaths need to be grieved and the
victims taken into the hearts of the living. When all members are
recognized and welcomed home the family soul finds peace.
- There must be a balance between giving and receiving. When someone
receives a gift that they cannot reciprocate, blame and anger may
result. Similarly, being distracted from one’s relationship through an
affair or other indiscretions impacts the future. If not addressed,
generations of indebtedness, obligation, guilt, and self-righteousness
can follow. Balanced giving and receiving leads to the desire to give
more willingly and to receive with gratitude.
- The order in a family needs to be respected. When the order is
ignored, dysfunction can result. When a sense of order is restored,
there is a new feeling of security in knowing one's rightful place in
the family.
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