I love using the principles of Family Constellations in my work. When it comes to addressing personal issues and finding inner peace, traditional therapy and self-help methods may not always provide the answers we seek.

In this article, we’ll explore what Family Constellations are, how they work, and the benefits of this approach to therapy. We’ll also discuss the history of Family Constellations, the principles behind it, and how it differs from other therapeutic methods.

What Are Family Constellations?

Family Constellations, also known as Systemic Constellations, is a therapeutic approach that aims to address and resolve issues that stem from unresolved traumas, conflicts, or dysfunctional patterns within family systems. These issues may manifest in various forms, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship problems, and physical illnesses.

In Family Constellations, a trained facilitator guides individuals or groups through a process of uncovering and addressing the hidden dynamics within their family systems. The process involves setting up a “constellation” of family members or elements, such as emotions or traumas, in a physical space, representing their relationship and connection to one another.

Participants are then encouraged to observe and interact with the constellation, gaining insights into the underlying dynamics and patterns that may be affecting their lives. Through this process, individuals can identify and heal ancestral traumas, release limiting beliefs and patterns, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place within their family systems.

The History of Family Constellations

Family Constellations originated in Germany in the 1990s, developed by psychologist and family therapist Bert Hellinger. Hellinger drew inspiration from various disciplines, including family therapy, psychodrama, and indigenous healing practices, to create a therapeutic approach that focused on the hidden dynamics within family systems.

Hellinger’s approach was influenced by his experiences working as a Catholic priest in South Africa, where he observed the ancestral connections and systemic patterns of the Zulu people. He later developed Family Constellations as a way to help individuals address and heal the inherited traumas and patterns within their own family systems.

Principles of Family Constellations

Family Constellations is based on several principles that guide the therapeutic approach. These principles include:

Systemic Understanding: Family Constellations recognize that individuals are not separate entities but are part of a larger system, such as a family, community, or culture. The approach acknowledges the interdependence of individuals within a system and the influence of the system on the individual’s behavior, emotions, and beliefs.

Ancestral Connections: Family Constellations recognize that individuals are connected to their ancestors and that ancestral traumas and patterns can be passed down through generations. The approach acknowledges the importance of healing these inherited traumas and patterns to break free from their influence.

Unconscious Dynamics: Family Constellations recognize that many of the dynamics within a family system may be unconscious and hidden from the individual’s awareness. The approach aims to bring these hidden dynamics to light, allowing individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their behavior and emotions.

Healing through Love: Family Constellations recognize that healing can occur through the power of love and connection. The approach aims to create a space of acceptance, compassion, and love, allowing individuals to heal and release emotional wounds.

Family Constellations Laws

One of the primary laws of Family Constellations is the Law of Balance. This law suggests that every family system seeks balance and harmony. This means that when one member of the family experiences trauma or disruption, the rest of the family system will attempt to compensate for that disruption in order to restore balance. This can sometimes manifest in ways that are not immediately obvious, such as through patterns of illness, addiction, or relationship difficulties.

Another key law of Family Constellations is the Law of Order. This law emphasizes the importance of respecting the natural order of the family system. This means acknowledging and honoring the roles of each family member, including those who may have been excluded or marginalized in the past. By working with the Law of Order, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their place within their family system and find greater peace and acceptance.

A third law of Family Constellations is the Law of Entanglement. This law suggests that family systems are interconnected and that past events and traumas can continue to influence the present. This means that unresolved issues from previous generations can be carried forward and affect the current generation. By recognizing and addressing these entanglements, individuals can break free from negative patterns and find healing and resolution.

How Family Constellations Work

Family Constellations can be done individually or in a group setting. In a group setting, participants take turns setting up their constellations, with other group members playing the roles of family members or elements within the constellation.
Family Constellations work to resolve family trauma by uncovering the underlying dynamics within the family system that contribute to the issue at hand. By creating a physical representation of the family system, individuals can gain insights into the patterns and relationships that may be affecting their lives.

Through this process, individuals can identify unresolved traumas, hidden emotions, and patterns of behavior that have been passed down through generations. This awareness can lead to a release of the emotional pain associated with these traumas, allowing for healing to occur.

Family Constellations also aim to promote forgiveness, acceptance, and understanding within the family system. By acknowledging and honoring the experiences of all family members, individuals can develop a deeper sense of connection to their family and a sense of belonging within the system.

Ultimately, Family Constellations aim to create a space of love and healing within the family system. By addressing the root causes of family trauma, individuals can break free from inherited patterns of behavior and achieve greater emotional well-being.