What is the Origin of Family Constellations?

Family Constellations is a therapeutic approach that originated in Germany in the 1990s. This therapeutic technique is also referred to as Systemic Constellations or Systemic Family Constellations. It was developed by Bert Hellinger, a German psychotherapist who was influenced by his work with Zulu tribes in South Africa.

Family Constellations and Zulu Culture

Hellinger observed that the Zulu tribes had a deep respect for their ancestors and believed that their ancestors played an important role in their lives. They also believed that unresolved issues within a family system could lead to emotional and mental health problems for future generations. These observations led Hellinger to develop the concept of Family Constellations.

The basic premise of Family Constellations is that hidden dynamics within a family system can affect an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. Through the use of group dynamics and role-playing, Family Constellations aims to identify these hidden dynamics and resolve them.

The approach gained popularity in Germany in the 1990s and has since spread to other countries around the world. Today, there are many practitioners of Family Constellations who offer therapy sessions and workshops to help individuals gain insight into their lives and relationships.

While the origins of Family Constellations can be traced back to Hellinger’s work with the Zulu tribes, the approach has evolved over the years. It now incorporates elements from other therapeutic modalities as well. Today, Family Constellations is recognized as a unique and effective approach to therapy that can help individuals achieve greater emotional and mental well-being.

What can we expect from a Family Constellations workshop? 

It aims to identify and resolve hidden dynamics within a family or a group that may be affecting an individual’s mental and emotional well-being.

The effectiveness of Family Constellations can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, this approach views a person’s issues as being influenced by their family system.

Family Constellations recognizes that the experiences of our ancestors can impact our lives in subtle ways. By exploring these ancestral patterns and hidden dynamics within a family, Family Constellations can help individuals gain insight into their own behaviors and emotions, and in turn, break free from negative patterns that may have been holding them back.

Another important aspect of Family Constellations is the use of group dynamics. In this approach, participants are invited to represent different family members or elements of a person’s life, such as a work colleague or a relationship. Through these representations, participants gain a deeper understanding of their relationships and can identify areas where they may be stuck. By observing these dynamics within the group, participants can begin to shift their own perspectives and behaviors, and in turn, find new ways of relating to the people in their lives.

Moreover, Family Constellations is a holistic approach that takes into account the mind, body, and spirit of an individual. This approach recognizes that emotional issues can manifest physically, and vice versa. By addressing all aspects of a person’s being, Family Constellations can help individuals achieve a greater sense of balance and well-being in their lives.

How effective is Family Constellations?

A 2014 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Family Constellations therapy was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression in a group of participants. Another study published in 2017 in the journal BMC Psychiatry found that Family Constellations therapy was associated with improved well-being in a group of women with a history of childhood trauma.

It’s important to note that Family Constellations is not a one-size-fits-all approach. As with any therapeutic approach, it’s essential to work with a qualified and experienced practitioner/facilitator who can help guide you through the process. It’s also important to have realistic expectations about what Family Constellations can achieve. While many people have reported significant improvements in their lives, it may not provide a quick fix, and it may require ongoing work and reflection.

Family Constellations is an innovative and effective approach to therapy that has helped many people gain insight into their lives and relationships.

By exploring hidden dynamics within a family or group, this approach can help individuals break free from negative patterns and achieve a greater sense of balance and well-being. While research on the effectiveness of Family Constellations is still emerging, many people have reported significant improvements in their lives after undergoing this therapy.

If you’re struggling with emotional issues or relationship problems, Family Constellations may be worth exploring as an option for therapy.

Please check out our Family Constellations Online Workshop facilitated by Antonia Kersting on Saturday 13th May 2023.