Family Constellation: What is It and How Does It Work?

What is a family constellation? A family constellation, also known as a system constellation, is a therapeutic approach that uses the relationships between people to identify and resolve problems. This approach is based on the belief that our family of origin plays a role in our current life situation. In this blog post, we will discuss how family constellation works and some of the benefits it can provide.

What Does Family Constellation Mean?

The word “constellation” has a different meaning in different contexts. In astronomy, a constellation is a grouping of stars that form an imaginary outline or pattern on the celestial sphere. On the other hand, in a family constellation, it is a group of people who are connected to each other through their familial ties.

In family constellations, these familial ties are represented by the participants in the session. The person seeking help with their issue is the “client.” The client chooses people to represent various members of their family – often immediate family members, but not always. These representatives stand-in for the family members that they are representing.

A family constellation is a therapeutic approach that can help to uncover and heal hidden dynamics within a family system. The aim of this approach is to bring awareness to these hidden dynamics and help the client to find a new way of relating to them.

How This Therapy Has Developed?

There is a long history to this therapy that began with early philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. The idea of a family soul was also present in many indigenous cultures. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that constellation work as we know it today was developed by Bert Hellinger, a German psychotherapist.

In the 1950s and 60s, he worked with individuals and families who were struggling with various issues. Such as addiction, abuse, trauma, and mental illness.

Hellinger observed patterns in families that seemed to be passed down from generation to generation. He realized that these patterns were affecting the lives of individual family members in negative ways. Through his work with clients, he developed a system for resolving these issues. And that is now known as family constellation work.

How Does Family Constellation Works?

This therapy works by having the client choose representatives to stand in for themselves and their family members. The therapist will then guide the representatives through a series of movements and position changes. Then the therapist will also ask the representatives questions about their feelings and experiences. The goal is to help the client gain insight into their family relationships and dynamics.

It will also work by asking the client about their family history, such as any trauma or major events that have occurred. This information can be helpful in understanding why certain patterns or behaviors exist within the family. Family constellation therapy can be a powerful way to heal old wounds and create new possibilities for healthier relationships within the family.

However, this therapy can be done in a group setting or with just one individual. It is important to find a therapist who is experienced and trained in this modality in order to get the most benefit from it. If you are interested in exploring family constellation therapy, please contact Therapy Mantra to set up a free consultation. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you decide if this therapy is right for you.

What Are the Benefits of Family Constellation Therapy?

There are many benefits to family constellation therapy. Such benefits include;

• Gaining insight into family dynamics and relationships.
• Healing old wounds.
• Creating new possibilities for healthier relationships.
• Exploring family history in order to understand patterns or behaviors within the family.
• Bringing awareness to unspoken or hidden issues.
• Releasing shame, blame, and guilt.
• Working through grief and loss.
• Experiencing forgiveness.
• Increasing self-awareness and understanding.
• Opening up communication within the family.
• Creating a new sense of belonging and connection within the family.

If you are considering this type of therapy, it is important to find a qualified therapist who has experience with family constellation work. This type of therapy can be very powerful and transformative, but it is not right for everyone. You should only participate in this type of work if you feel ready and comfortable doing so.

It may just be the key to unlocking a healthier, happier future for yourself and your loved ones. Contact Therapy Mantra today to learn more about this therapy. We offer free consultations and would be honored to work with you.

What Are the Drawbacks of Family Constellation Therapy?

There are almost as many drawbacks to family constellation therapy as there are benefits. So, here are some of the potential drawbacks;

• The process can be emotionally intense and challenging.
• You may need to relive some difficult memories.
• The process can be costly, both in terms of money and time.
• It is not always successful.
• There is no guarantee that family constellation therapy will work for you.
• You may need to try other therapies first.

That said if you feel called to try this powerful and unique form of therapy. It may just be the thing that helps you heal your wounds and move forward in your life. If you do decide to give it a try, make sure to find a qualified therapist who has experience leading group constellations. And remember, even if it doesn’t work out for you, there are plenty of other effective therapies out there.

Moreover, this type of therapy is not for everyone. If you are not comfortable with the idea of sharing your story with a group of strangers. Or if you are not ready to face some of the difficult emotions that may come up. Then you must think carefully before starting.

Things To Consider For Family Constellation Therapists?

When you feel like you’re at the end of your rope and have nowhere else to turn, consider seeking out a family constellation therapist. This type of therapy can help you understand and resolve deep-rooted issues within your family system. But before you book an appointment, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Here are things to consider before choosing the right therapist for you;

• Are they licensed and accredited?
• Do they have experience working with family constellations?
• What is their therapeutic approach?
• Do they offer a free consultation?

If you’re considering family constellation therapy, make sure to do your research to find the right therapist for you. With the help of a professional, you can begin to understand and resolve the issues within your family system.

Also, keep in mind three major things before scheduling a session of this therapy.

• First, be aware that this type of therapy is not for everyone. If you’re looking for a quick fix or surface-level resolution. Be prepared mentally and emotionally before embarking on this journey.
• Second, remember that the therapist is not the expert on your family. They are there to help facilitate the process and offer guidance, but it’s up to you to do the work.
• Third, be open to the possibility that this therapy may uncover some difficult truths. Be prepared to face these truths head-on and make the necessary changes.

If you’re considering family constellation therapy, make sure to do your research to find the right therapist for you.

People’s Outlook Towards This Therapy

People’s outlook on this therapy will always be divided. Some people are for it while others think that it is just a load of rubbish. I think that people should be open-minded about this type of therapy and give it a chance before they judge it. Who knows, it might just work for them!

This is a very unique form of therapy and has been known to help many people who have tried it. If you are considering this type of therapy, make sure to find a qualified therapist in order to get the most out of the experience.

Also, there have been a few criticisms of this unique form of therapy. Many critics are opinionated about Hellinger’s methods, and how they are more about control than anything else. There have also been a number of people who feel that this therapy puts too much emphasis on the family, and not enough on the individual.

Despite the criticisms, family constellation therapy has helped a number of people work through some very difficult issues.

Conclusion

To conclude, the family constellation is a powerful tool that can help you identify and release patterns of behavior and emotional wounds. And behaviors that are holding you back. It can also help to bring healing and resolution to family issues.

Moreover, it is not just limited to working with your immediate family. It can also be used to help you understand and resolve issues with your extended family, friends, or even co-workers. So, if you feel like you could benefit from this process, don’t hesitate to give it a try. The results of this therapy will definitely surprise you.

I hope this article has helped to answer some of your questions about the family constellation. Thanks for reading!

A Word From Therapy Mantra

Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.

At TherapyMantra, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.