Family Constellation Group Therapy

Family Constellation Therapy is a distinctive therapeutic approach, that delves into uncovering and addressing the intricate wave of relationships and patterns within a family system. At its core, this therapy seeks to eliminate the hidden dynamics and unresolved issues throughout generations, impacting individuals often unknowingly.

In family constellation workshops, individuals will be picked to be the client or family representatives. The procedure involves roleplay, giving each person a turn to discuss their issues and have them played out in front of them.

A Family Constellation workshop unfolds through a carefully structured process designed to uncover and address the hidden dynamics within familial relationships. This therapeutic approach, developed by Bert Hellinger, helps participants explore the influences of family bonds on their emotional and psychological well-being. The process flow of a typical Family Constellation workshop can be summarized in the following stages:

What you might expect in such a workshop:

The workshop begins with an opening session where the facilitator welcomes participants and establishes a safe, respectful environment. The principles of Family Constellations are introduced, ensuring everyone has a basic understanding of the approach and its goals.

Participants are invited to set their personal intentions for the workshop. This helps to focus the group's energy and attention on the healing and discovery process.

Participants will do a random draw to be picked as client and representatives. Individuals who represent as client will briefly describe their situation. This acts as the starting point for the constellation.

The person whose issue is being worked on chooses other participants to represent their family members or other significant elements of their issue. These representatives do not need prior knowledge about the people they are representing; they rely on intuition and guidance from the facilitator.

The facilitator guides the representatives to stand in specific positions in relation to each other, reflecting the real or perceived relationships and dynamics within the family system. This spatial arrangement forms the "constellation."

As the constellation unfolds, the facilitator and the person whose family is represented observe the interactions and placements of the representatives. The facilitator may ask representatives to express certain sentiments or move in the space to explore different dynamics. Insights often emerge naturally as the process unfolds, revealing underlying loyalties, conflicts, and emotional entanglements.

The facilitator helps to guide the constellation toward a resolution, which may involve representatives expressing previously unacknowledged feelings or adopting positions that symbolize a healthier dynamic. The goal is to allow for a new perspective or healing movement within the family system.

After the constellation work, there is a period of reflection and integration. Participants discuss their insights and feelings, and the facilitator may offer guidance on how to carry these insights into daily life. This stage allows for the emotional and psychological shifts to settle and become integrated within the individual's understanding and behavior.

The workshop concludes with a closing circle, where participants can share their experiences and reflections. This collective sharing helps to consolidate the sense of community and support that has developed during the workshop.

Throughout the entire process, the facilitator ensures that the atmosphere remains respectful, confidential, and supportive, allowing participants to explore deeply personal issues in a safe environment. The goal of a Family Constellation workshop is not only to shed light on hidden dynamics but also to foster a sense of resolution, understanding, and healing that participants can carry forward into their lives.

Host or Publisher Innerverse Therapy