Systemic Family Constellations

Family constellations work is a therapeutic approach which explores how symptoms such as depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, health issues, problems with career and finances, and generally having trouble feeling sure of one’s place and direction in life, can be connected to hidden dynamics and unresolved traumas within a family system.

Developed by a German psychotherapist, Bert Hellinger, it is based on the idea that every family is a system that transmits information to all of its members, even when we are unaware of it on a conscious level. It also helps us see that our ancestors, even those we have never met, can have a profound impact on our lives, influencing our beliefs, behaviors, and relationships.

Sometimes individual members of a family can be unconsciously connected to family members who are still alive, as well as those who have come before. Making these connections visible, so we can dissolve unhealthy loyalties and embrace our present lives, brings healing and new energy not only to the individual who has requested a session,  but often also to the entire family system.

During an individual or a group Family Constellation session, the client works with a trained facilitator to identify and explore their family system and try to identify where things may be imbalanced and out of order. This may involve using physical objects or, when doing group work, other participants to represent family members or ancestors.