Family constellation: a transformative method for personal growth
Family constellation is a therapeutic method that aims to make hidden dynamics and entanglements visible and solve within family systems. This method, also known as a systemic list, was developed by the German therapist Bert Hellinger and has spread worldwide since the 1980s. It is used in various contexts, including in psychotherapy, advice and working with companies and organizations.
Origin and development of family constellation
Bert Hellinger, a former Catholic missionary and later psychotherapist, developed the family constellation method from his work with family therapy, shape therapy and hypnotherapy. Hellinger realized that many problems and blockages in the life of a person are due to unconscious, often cross -generational entanglements in the family. He developed the family constellation as a way to make these entanglements visible and to solve the dynamics behind them.
How does a family constellation work?
During a family constellation, the client’s family is represented by other participants in the line -up or sometimes also by objects. The client chooses deputy for his family members and positions them in the room, based on his inner image of family relationships. These representatives then interact with each other, often express surprising insights and emotions that reveal the unconscious dynamics and entanglements of the family system.
The head of the line -up observes the positions, the movements and the emotional reactions of the representatives and can show new perspectives and solutions through targeted interventions, such as moving people or the external of certain sentences. These new perspectives enable the client to take a different attitude towards family members, which often leads to deep emotional exemption and healing.
The principles of family constellation
Family constellations are based on several basic principles that determine the process and the effect of the method:
- The systemic principle: Every person is part of a larger system, be it the family, the work environment or society. Within this system there are certain orders and dynamics that influence the behavior and emotions of the members.
- The principle of belonging: Every member of a family has the right to belong to this system. If someone is excluded from the family system or feels excluded, this can lead to disorders and problems in the life of the other members.
- The principle of order: There is a natural order within a family system, for example the order of birth or the role of parents towards the children. If this order is disturbed, this can lead to discomfort and conflicts.
- The principle of compensation: Relationships within a system are often shaped by giving and taking. An imbalance in this exchange can lead to tensions and dissatisfaction.
Areas of application of family constellation
Family constellations are used in a variety of contexts to solve different types of problems:
- Personal and family problems: Family constellations are often used to treat deep emotional and psychological problems that are due to family entanglements. This includes topics such as recurring relationship patterns, depression, fears, addiction problems and other chronic problems.
- Partnership problems: Couples use family constellations to understand and change the dynamics in their relationship. It is often evident that conflicts and problems in the partnership are caused by unconscious loyalities or entanglements with the families of origin.
- Professional and organizational questions: The systemic list is also used in professional contexts to understand and optimize the dynamics within teams and organizations.
- Health problems: Some therapists use family constellations to explore the possible influence of family dynamics on physical illnesses and to find solutions.
The effect of family constellations
Family constellations can have profound effects on the life of the participants. Many people report that after a list they gain more clarity about their family relationships and the underlying problems. Often you experience a noticeable relief of emotional pressure and the resolution of blockages that you have strained for a long time. The method can also help promote understanding and acceptance towards family members and to find a more conciliatory handling of your own family history.
Criticism and controversy
Although the family constellation is a widespread method, there is also criticism of it. Some psychologists and therapists question the scientific basis of the method and criticize that the results depend heavily on the subjective interpretation of the positioning manager. In addition, the intensive emotional effect of the method is occasionally criticized, which can lead to excessive demands for sensitive people. Despite these criticism, many people appreciate family constellation as a valuable tool for self -knowledge and to solve deeply sitting problems.
Conclusion
The family constellation is a powerful one methodto make the invisible dynamics visible and dissolve within family systems. It offers the possibility of recognizing and transforming deeply rooted emotional problems, which can lead to a more fulfilling and more balanced life. Even if the method is not without controversy, many people have gained important insights through family constellations and experienced healing changes in their lives.