What are Family and Systemic Constellations?
Constellations are a group of ideas, feelings and characteristics that are configured together and related in some way. When we look at this in terms of Family or Systemic Constellations, Constellations are patterns of behavior and relationships that come down to us through generations. They create their own dynamic in how we relate to family and close friends, ourselves and others out in the world. Using a powerful form of body, mind and spiritual healing, these hidden dynamics come to light so they can be acknowledged and healed.
Through Constellation work, you discover the deeply rooted forces that have influenced your thoughts, behaviors and emotions in the form of unconscious images, beliefs, compulsions and even, in some cases, physical symptoms. These manifest due to family and ancestral entanglements, carrying the past into your present even if it is not clear this is happening. Uncovering these undercurrents allows you to transform your life by acknowledging them and bringing them to light.
Family and Systemic Constellation work is a process that is based on the work of the German Psychotherapist Bert Hellinger. Hellinger spent many years among the Zulu tribes and observed their relationship to their ancestors. Upon his return to Germany, he applied many things he observed to be used in our modern day Western culture. The process works with trans-generational unconscious energies that directly affect your life today. It works through the concept of a “family soul” and helps restore balance and love into your life. It is a very powerful experience for participants who often are unaware how these ancestral behaviors and patterns have influenced them.
Epigenetics and the Past
You are made up of genes and DNA. Epigenetics deals with cells and processes that are passed down from generation to generation and have more to do with the adaptation of our ancestors’ bodies during certain experiences, such as stress and trauma, than with genes alone. To put it simply, genes would be responsible for red hair and fair skin to be passed to every other generation. While DNA would pass along coping mechanisms that have altered the body on a molecular level. An example of this is a study by Marcus Pembrey of Swedish grandsons whose male ancestors suffered famine during their pre-teens in the 19th century. Generations later, passed down from the fathers to sons, the male line had a lower rate of death from cardiovascular disease than their counterparts. This same concept is applied to Family Constellations in behavior and patterns. At a very young age you learned naturally how to adapt in order to function in your family unit, which is often living out the history of your lineage. In simple terms, you were trained how to behave and due to this continuing for generations in a family, you inherited the coping habits of continued, generational behavior. This string of patterns color how you cope with the challenges of growing up in your family and what is taken out into the world in the way you relate to others.
Issues Explored by Family Constellation Work
- Anxiety and Depression (explained or unexplained)
- Troublesome relationships and difficulty in love
- Chronic and acute physical problems including illness
- Fear of success and reinforcement of failure
- Unclear sense of connection and purpose in life
- The ripples of violence and abuse in a family
- Difficult relationship with parents, siblings and others (including work)
- Reaction to trauma and traumatic events
- Disproportionate emotions such as sadness, anger, regret and suffering
What You Can Expect from Family Constellation Work
Surrounding all family dynamics is an energy field called the “knowing field”. You can enter this energy field on a conscious level to empathize and bring to light the experiences, thoughts, feelings and emotions that are hidden and propel your family unit. Through exploring these Constellations you discover the ways you remain entangled with your family history and how to break free, transforming not only your understanding of family and yourself, but also healing patterns that no longer serve a positive purpose. This is true with or without knowledge of what started the historical patterns in the first place.During your Family and Systemic Constellations session, possible solutions that restore order and balance to your family system can be revealed. The image of your family structure is re-painted showing your place in the system and giving honor to your ancestors and their experiences that began the symptom patterns in the first place.
Constellation work has had a profound impact on my life: it has helped me feel more supported and able to move forward on my path. I think the best way to get a sense of the work is to experience it for yourself.
I am available for private Constellations by appointment. We also design constellation experiences for all of our retreats. The constellations are always highlights of our retreats! Connecting with our ancestral support is powerful and life affirming.
I continue to be amazed, excited by and respectful of this deeply transformational work and look forward to sharing it with you.