Family & Systemic Constellations

Family Constellations and Systemic Constellations both originate from the same therapeutic approach developed by Bert Hellinger. The main distinction is that Family Constellations specifically concentrates on familial relationships, whereas Systemic Constellations expands this therapeutic approach to examine larger systems, including work environments, societal structures, and any other groups individuals are part of. 

Family Constellations: 

In Family Constellations, the aim is to delve into the intergenerational dynamics within a family. This therapeutic approach emphasizes how unconscious family loyalties, unresolved conflicts, and past traumas affect an individual's behavior, emotions, and relationships. The process involves representing family members as figures in a physical space, often with participants embodying these family members. This arrangement helps to illuminate hidden dynamics and enables the individual to achieve clarity and healing.

Key Concepts: 

Orders of Love: These are the fundamental laws that govern family systems. Disruptions to these orders can lead to imbalance and suffering within the family system. 

Entanglements: When family members are emotionally or energetically entangled, this can influence the individual’s behavior and sense of self. This often relates to unresolved grief, loyalty to the past, or unacknowledged events. 

Healing: The goal is to restore balance within the family system by bringing awareness to these dynamics and fostering new, healthier patterns of relating. 

Systemic Constellations: 

While Family Constellations specifically addresses family dynamics, Systemic Constellations applies the same principles to a wider array of systems. These may include work environments, organizations, communities, or any other relational networks. For instance, within a work context, systemic constellations may investigate how an individual’s relationships with authority figures, colleagues, or organizational culture affect their productivity, job satisfaction, or emotional well-being. 

Key Concepts: 

Broader Systems: Systemic Constellations expand the perspective to consider how individuals fit into larger societal or organizational frameworks. 

Invisible Orders: Similar to family systems, there are invisible orders within organizations or communities—unwritten rules and dynamics that influence the collective experience. 

Systemic Loyalties: These may involve unconscious commitments to a group or organization that can hinder personal growth or lead to dysfunction. 

Both Family and Systemic Constellations are rooted in the belief that hidden, unconscious dynamics within any system can result in challenges, tensions, and unresolved conflicts. The constellations process aids individuals in understanding and shifting these dynamics by positioning representatives in a space and observing how the system responds. 

In summary, while Family Constellations focuses more narrowly on family relationships, Systemic Constellations opens the therapeutic approach to encompass a broader range of social systems. Both provide invaluable insights into how our relationships—whether familial, organizational, or societal—shape our lives and overall well-being.