Family Constellations is a therapeutic method developed by Bert Hellinger in the 1980s; From his various trainings in Psychoanalysis, Group Dynamics, Gestalt and Systemic Therapy, among others, he formulated his principles based on observations of dynamics and patterns of behavior that are repeated in a family, generation after generation.
To explain it in a simple way, many of the problems, feelings, behaviors and symptoms that we have, do not have to do with our personal history, but find their origin in the family systemand to the extent that there are unresolved conflicts, they will continue to persist and be transmitted unconsciously, through the generations.
Everything that one generation does not solve will have repercussions in the later ones. unfailingly, until a family member decides to work it, how? Making this reality aware, accepting and acknowledging what happens, and repairing the conflict to free those who carry it.
In all families, events occur or have occurred that deeply mark its members, disturbing the harmony of the group. We are all connected to our family and we assume, from childhood, a role in that structure. Constituent members, even those who are absent or no longer living, are energetically present in the family structure and affect others.
This therapy works on systems, which is why it can also be applied to labor and educational systems, among others. It helps in healing the links in the various systems or areas in which we establish ourselves.
Because there is a lot of lack of information regarding this discipline, it is often asked if family constellations are dangerous. To clear all doubts and fears, this note explains what are family constellations and what are they for.
What are family constellations and what are they for?
What is constellation therapy?
Technically, family constellation consists of group work, led by a facilitator, and working on a system, with the help of workshop participants representing the members of the system in question; not necessarily all the people involved in the conflict have to be present.
The consultant poses his question or need and the facilitator decides which representatives are needed to address the issue and places them (or asks the consultant to locate them) in the space, configuring an image of how they relate to each other. The representatives have to express what they feel in that placebe it an emotion, a bodily sensation, or an impulse.
The facilitator helps by translating what happens in the constellation, applying healing phrases to put the system in order and contribute to the reconciliation of the members. There is no single way to work it; the facilitator chooses the one he considers most convenient for each particular situation.
Through this work, the causes of unresolved conflicts can be made visible. It allows people to free themselves, broaden their perspective and open themselves to reconciliation, accepting reality and assuming the responsibility that falls to them.
In what life situations is it advisable to make a family constellation?
♦When they occur difficulties in family tiesmanifested in emotional, physical or mental problems.
♦In the workplace, when there are Difficult relationships with bosses or colleagues of work.
♦In problems of couple, coexistence or conflictive separations (cases of abortion, sexual abuse, adoption).
♦In the case of suffering from diseases serious or chronic, addictions, eating disorders (if there is an unresolved systemic family dynamic, for which the person somatizes and the body becomes ill).
♦People whose families have repeatedly suffered experiences of misfortune (griefs, tragic deaths, suicides) or those who need to face important events in their history.
Through the family constellation it is possible to identify the difficulties that we are unconsciously perpetuating; and that, by bringing them to a more conscious level, they can be changed and set aside.
Family constellation test: do you need to constellate?
The family constellation test is a great tool to determine if you need to constellate. If any of these phrases are repeated in your life, you may be in need of this practice to heal emotionally:
Personal problems
-The same thing always happens to me
I can’t be in a relationship
With all my colleagues I have repeated the same pattern
I can’t have lasting partners
I usually mess things up when I’m in a relationship
I’m attracted to people who are not for me
I tend to get along with married people
My colleagues do not treat me well
My colleagues often cheat on me
All my closest people end up hurting me
I always fail in my endeavors
I feel alone
i feel left out
My children do not study
They tell me I look like my grandfather or grandmother
problems at work
I find it hard to get the jobs I want
I have a hard time getting along with my bosses
I’m the hardest worker on my team
I don’t get what I deserve in exchange for my work
They don’t recognize me enough
They don’t pay me what they should
I can’t keep what I earn
Health problems
I usually get sick in the same season
My whole family suffers from the same disease
I’m always down
All the men close to me die at a young age
I can’t have offspring
The men in my family are weak
The women in my family are strong.
The women in my family do not have a partner
I can’t lose weight
My partners are usually addicts
I can’t quit smoking
life decisions
Should I get married?
Should I separate from my partner?
Should I move?
Should I change jobs?
What I studied is what really makes me happy?
Should I change my profession?
Should I move to another country?
Should I adopt?
If this family constellation test resonates with you, you should try constellation. Most of the problems we suffer have their roots in our family of origin, and that is why it is sometimes so difficult to find a solution from the mind.
The family constellation requires a certain degree of commitment and responsibility on the part of those who decide to go through it and resolve a particular situation in their lives. This therapy is liberating and healing, since it allows one to reconcile with one’s own family and individual history, to recover ties and heal oneself.
Sources: Health therapy, Constelamérica