heart centered embodied wisdom

Family constellations

What is Family or Systemic Constellations?

Family or systemic constellations, is a therapeutic approach that aims to address and resolve issues within families or other systems by exploring the hidden dynamics and interrelationships between family members or system elements. It was developed by German psychotherapist Bert Hellinger in the late 20th century.

The central idea behind family constellations is that individuals are deeply influenced by their family systems and ancestral history, even if they are unaware of it. According to this approach, unresolved traumas, conflicts, or unspoken dynamics within a family system can have a profound impact on the present and future generations. These hidden influences can manifest as emotional, psychological, or behavioural problems.

How does a Constellation work?

In a family constellations session, a trained facilitator creates a physical or symbolic representation of the client’s family system using objects or people (representatives).

As the constellation unfolds, the facilitator and the client observe and explore the interactions, emotions, and sensations experienced by the representatives. The process aims to reveal hidden dynamics, loyalties, entanglements, or unresolved issues within the family system. By acknowledging and addressing these underlying influences, it is believed that healing and resolution can occur, leading to a healthier and more balanced system.

Family Constellations and Intergenerational trauma

Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of traumatic experiences and their psychological and behavioural effects across generations. Family Constellations is a tool that we can use to heal and resolve intergenerational trauma. The concept of intergenerational trauma has gained recognition in psychology and sociology, but the mechanisms behind its transmission are complex and multifaceted and include: the science of epigenetics; parenting and attachment style; social learning; and cultural factors.

Family Constellations
with Horses

Horses are highly sensitive animals and have an innate ability to sense and respond to human emotions and energy. They can mirror and reflect back the emotions and relational dynamics of the individuals they interact with. This makes them powerful and accurate assets or allies in a Constellation. Horses are also pure conduits of energy and information in the sense that they don’t have an ego or any ego attachments to bypass.

From experience the horses can work in a number of different ways in a Constellation, they can:

be assigned roles as representatives
choose of their own accord to represent and which role
hold space
amplify or direct energy towards Sam the facilitator
communicate information directly to Sam regarding the constellation

They can also directly offer healing.

When is a Constellation recommended?

Family constellations can be used to address a wide range of different issues.

We recommend a Family Constellation when a problem feels very persistent and does not seem to resolve with the use of other therapeutic modalities.

Constellate with us