Systemic, Structural and Family Constellation Therapy
"By setting up my own constellations and allowing them to move through me, as well as experiencing the constellations of many others who have participated in this work, I have truly been privy to the wisdom of the ages. This is not psychotherapy. It is Gestalt-like, and is not a mental process. It is a spiritual experience of the energy to which we are always connected, whether we are aware of it or not. " Annie Block Pearl
Systemic, Structural and Family Constellation Therapy Workshop
Spring 2010, Toronto (details TBA)
The Systemic, Structural and Family Constellation work as developed by Bert Hellinger allows us to look at how events that occurred in past generations impact our life experience in the present. This is a highly effective phenomenological approach experienced on a deeply felt energetic level that can lead to long-term and often life changing results. It is most effective for those who can trust that solutions may be simple and happen in a short period of time- as if stepping from shadow into light.
Hidden family issues or events may create imbalance or disharmony in the family “field”, and these disturbances frequently lead to illness, depression, suicides, relationship difficulties, accidents, or career problems in the present. We discover the nature of these hidden dynamics by setting up constellations using representatives to stand in the place of systemic elements. These elements may be living or dead family members, other people with whom we are in relationship, or problems, symptoms or diseases. A constellation provides a “living map” of key impactful issues. A progressed constellation follows which moves towards the restoration of balance, order, harmony and healing.
Participating as an observer or representative is often as valuable as creating one’s personal constellation. Our temporary workshop community provides a safe place for the soul shifts that often occur when all parts of the family system are acknowledged and given their rightful places. Everyone, both participant and observer, taps into the information that exists in the field and may benefit from the knowledge.
Who Might Benefit?
Persons struggling with serious life issues, including health problems, depression or anxiety, chronic “survival mode”, painful relationship patterns, or career challenges.
Couples wanting to create healthy and satisfying relationships.
Those seeking to deal positively with severe illness and/or death of family members.
Professionals- physicians, therapists, body workers, clergy – seeking to enrich their practices with new insights about health and human behavior.
All those desiring more love and connection in their lives and relationship and those who want greater understanding of life's most profound questions.
How Family Constellations Work in Groups: A sacred space is created where deep, often unspoken truths about our families and other relational groups may be acknowledged and honored.
Participants describe the issue or problem they want to solve and provide some factual information about their system (see Before The Constellation). They then choose workshop participants to represent family, system members and/or other symbolic elements, and physically place these representatives, within the sacred circle, in spatial relationship to each other, according to their inner image. In this constellation, an energy field is created where those involved experience physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts related to the aspects they are representing.
The workshop leader facilitates an unfolding process where painful losses, family secrets, and harmful connections are revealed and honored. The constellation can then be restructured into a more harmonious system where love and energy flow freely.
Participants leave with a more nourishing picture that inspires freedom, clarity and love. Life changes can effortlessly occur from this newly lucid vision.( with permission from Lisa Iversen)
Work with Individuals and Couples: A similar approach is taken in work with individuals and couples. As the system dynamics emerge, we may then use inner imagery, as well, to complete the resolution picture. Energy work on the massage table also may be helpful to facilitate the emergence and integration of the deeper soul messages. The client is left with an embodied clarity that facilitates effortless movement towards life's peace and fulfillment.
Individual sessions are also helpful to clarify questions prior to and subsequent to group constellation work.
