What Are Family Constellations?

Family constellations (also referred to as systemic constellations) is a practice that allows for a profound encounter with oneself in truth. This method is based on universal principles observed in many indigenous cultures and described in various philosophical and religious traditions. It has its roots in spirituality, philosophy, and psychotherapy, and assumes that individuals are connected through a greater shared force, the flow of which is referred to as love. Its founder, Bert Hellinger, described the principles that unconsciously guide each individual throughout the course of life.

The method involves revealing hidden blocks or dynamics on the level of the spirit that restrict the flow of a person's life force. These limitations may manifest, for example, as difficult emotions, stagnation in life, a lack of energy to act, dissatisfaction with work, relationships, finances, life roles, or as severe or chronic illnesses. A common focus is also on recurring relational, mental, or situational patterns.

The purpose of this work

The purpose of systemic constellations is to confront the client with their own inner depth and to enable them to experience themselves as part of the system to which they are connected in relation to their issue. The client then sees and experiences the original states and emotions of all elements within the system. This allows the energy that has been trapped within such a constellation to be released. This happens primarily through acknowledging what was, and, whenever possible, allowing the emotions to be experienced here and now. The client's attention and acknowledgement influence the entire system, which experiences this as order, relief, or simply love. The released energy can transform into something new, begin to flow again, and support the client on their path "towards more."

It is a phenomenological method which, in my opinion, is not worth explaining solely through science or limiting to the framework of academic education, although many such sources already exist. Systemic constellations continue to evolve and change, just as life and energy on our planet continue to change. The intention of this work, however, remains unchanged and aligned with the highest force — in the name of the highest good, love, and peace.

Where it comes from

Systemic constellations are a method that emerged in response to the immense trauma people experienced after the Second World War. This work addresses personal trauma, transgenerational trauma, and karma. Trauma — understood as a state in which part of the energy of the physical body or the energetic bodies becomes frozen — is a condition that affects virtually every human being.

Cultural conditioning, upbringing, social norms, lack of knowledge, and the narratives we create ourselves often prevent us from fully experiencing the emotions connected with difficult or painful situations. Without sufficient inner resources or the right conditions to process these experiences, the memory of such events is stored as trauma and may manifest in subsequent generations as a new pattern whose purpose is to ensure survival.

For example, a granddaughter whose grandmother died in a fire may develop an intense fear of fire or become a firefighter and devote herself entirely to that profession. As a result, she may be unable to create a fulfilling intimate relationship because her work occupies most of her life.