Family constellations are a therapeutic method developed by the German psychotherapist Bert Hellinger in the 1990s, based on the idea that many of our personal, emotional and relational difficulties stem from unresolved entanglements or conflicts within the family system. This method allows us to explore and reorganise the hidden dynamics that influence individuals' behaviour and emotions, bringing balance and harmony back into a person's life.
The family constellation approach is rooted in a systemic view of psychology, according to which each individual is part of a larger whole, such as the family, and a person's well-being is closely linked to the well-being of the system to which he or she belongs. The method aims to identify and resolve blockages or dysfunctional links within the family system that can cause suffering, illness, anxiety, depression or relationship problems.
The Basic Principles of Family Constellations
1. TheFamily System The heart of family constellation work lies in the concept of the family system, in which each member is connected to the others in a network of relationships and roles. When one of these links is compromised or unbalanced, the whole system suffers. For example, entanglements in family dynamics, such as injustice, exclusion or unacknowledged guilt, can be transmitted through generations, unconsciously influencing people's behaviour and emotions.
2. The Morphic Field Hellinger described the existence of a ‘morphic field’ or ‘energy field’ that connects the members of a family system. Through this field, the experiences and feelings of one family member can be transmitted to others, even at a distance or over time. Family constellations explore and make visible this energy field, enabling the participant to access unconscious information that influences his or her emotions and actions.
3. Orders of Love A fundamental principle of family constellations is the idea of ‘orders of love’, unwritten rules that govern the balance and functioning of family relationships. These orders concern respect for those who came before, the balance between giving and receiving, and the right of each member of the system to belong. When these orders are violated (e.g. if a family member is excluded or disrespected), unrest and imbalances are created that can be passed on from one generation to the next.
4. Family Irreparations Irreparations are dysfunctional dynamics that occur when an individual, often unconsciously, assumes the fate or problems of another family member. These irretimenti can manifest in the form of illnesses, destructive behaviour or negative emotions that seem to have no obvious cause. Through family constellations, it is possible to recognise and free oneself from these irrelevancies, restoring each family member to his or her role and destiny.
How Family Constellations work
During a family constellation session, the participant, called the ‘client’, briefly describes a personal problem or difficulty that he or she wants to explore. This problem can relate to any aspect of life: relationships, health, work or emotional well-being. Next, the therapist guides the client in creating a representation of his or her family system, using the group participants as ‘representatives’ of the various family members.
The representatives position themselves in the space to create a ‘constellation’ that reflects the dynamics of the family system. Surprisingly, even though they do not know the client's family members, the representatives begin to perceive emotions and feelings that correspond to the client's family dynamics. This phenomenon, known as ‘soul movements’, brings to light the hidden truths and entanglements that affect the family system.
Resolving Family Conflicts
Once the constellation has revealed the hidden dynamics of the family system, the therapist guides the resolution process. This may involve recognising and including excluded family members, restoring the order of family roles or releasing emotional ties that do not belong to the client. Through these actions, the family system is rebalanced and the client can experience a sense of peace and liberation.
For example, if a person feels crushed by the responsibility of caring for his or her parents, the therapist may help that person recognise and release the weight of this responsibility, returning the parental role to the parents themselves. In this way, the client can assume their role as a child and stop carrying the emotional burden that does not belong to them.
Applications of Family Constellations
Family constellations can be applied in a wide range of situations, not only to solve family problems, but also to address personal, professional or health issues. Here are some examples of their applications:
1. Familyrelationships Family constellations are particularly effective in resolving relational problems within the family, such as conflicts between parents and children, marital difficulties or sibling rivalry. By bringing to light the hidden dynamics that cause conflict, constellations help to restore harmony and respect within the family.
2. Physical and Emotional Health Many people use family constellations to address physical or emotional health problems, such as chronic illness, anxiety or depression. Family unrest can manifest in the form of physical or emotional ailments, and by resolving these dynamics it is possible to improve overall well-being.
3. Work or Professional Problems Family constellations can also be used to resolve difficulties at work or professional problems. For example, leadership problems, difficulties in relationships with colleagues or lack of professional success can be influenced by unresolved family dynamics. By working on these problems through constellations, one can improve one's career and job satisfaction.
4. Emotional Wellbeing and Personal Growth Beyond solving specific problems, family constellations can be a powerful tool for personal growth and emotional development. They help recognise and release repetitive emotional patterns, improving self-awareness and bringing a sense of wholeness and inner freedom.
Benefits of Family Constellations
Family constellations offer numerous benefits to those who participate in them. Here are some of the main ones:
1. Liberation from the Burdens of the Past Family constellations allow us to recognise and release the emotional and psychological burdens we have inherited from our family. We often carry burdens that belong to other generations, and through the work of constellations, we can free ourselves from these ties and live a more authentic and free life.
2. Healing Family Relationships One of the main goals of family constellations is to heal relationships within the family. By restoring order and balance within the family system, it is possible to improve the quality of relationships with loved ones and experience a greater sense of peace and connection.
3. Clarity and Awareness Family constellations bring to light the hidden dynamics that influence our lives, giving us a new perspective on our problems and relationships. This increased awareness enables us to make more informed choices and act more effectively in our daily lives.
4. General Well-being By resolving dysfunctional dynamics within the family system, family constellations help improve a person's general well-being, both physically and emotionally. Many participants report a sense of lightness and inner peace after a constellation session.
Conclusion
Family constellations are a powerful therapeutic tool for exploring and healing the invisible dynamics that influence our lives. Through working on family dynamics, one can free oneself from the burdens of the past, improve relationships and experience greater inner peace and freedom. Whether it is family problems, work difficulties or personal challenges, family constellations offer a path to deep healing and transformation.
Comments