What are Systemic Constellations?

Systemic constellations are a way of working with issues within human systems.

Developed by Bert Hellinger, a German psychotherapist, they originally focused

on family systems to disclose the deeper forces that unknowingly influence our

thoughts, behaviors and emotional experiences through multiple generations.

Family Constellations create a model of the family system to reveal and transform

hidden patterns that are difficult to understand and change.

In Systemic Constellations, we set up a model of a system with volunteer representatives, objects or guided visualizations. In a typical workshop, participants are chosen to represent members or elements of the family or organization that is being addressed. In this process, hidden and unexpected dynamics operating within the system are revealed and addressed in a way that aims to find a healthy and respectful place for all members of the system in question.

A powerful insight of Bert Hellinger is that each family system has a conscience that requires that all members be connected and remembered in a particular way. If someone in the system is not remembered correctly then younger members, out of love or the need to belong, can become "entangled" with their ancestors, particularly with those who have been excluded, forgotten or shunned, or have experienced a difficult fate. Unconscious entanglements are behind many of the issues that are explored in these constellations.

During the process, we search for possible solutions that can release these entanglements and restore order and balance to the family system. Exploring what is hidden in our family system can help us heal our deepest wounds.

During a Systemic Constellation, representatives begin to take on the essential qualities of who or what they are representing, and begin to sense thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations through the “knowing field.” They are able to reveal what is true even if they have no prior knowledge of what has occurred historically.

A key part of the Systemic Constellation process is the use of healing sentences that speak the essential truth of entanglements or issues. There can also be powerful sentences that bring a resolution and a compassionate restoration of balance to the system. Bert Hellinger created many sentences that are still effective, and new ones are created spontaneously during the process. Healing sentences are transformative when spoken in the right moment.