Family system constellations

Family system constellations

• Developed by German psychotherapist Bert Hellinger in the mid-1990s
• Recognises the individual as part of a wider system, not just an isolated being
• Originally focused on family dynamics, but applicable to all systems and groups
• My approach is rooted in Hellinger’s principles and broader systemic practices

My approach

• This approach can be adapted to work with any system e.g. teams, communities, families. Our behvaiours in the diffferent systems we navigate are often linked to our family systems, our life experiences, attachments and trauma. Our past impacts the present.
• I integrate systems theory into my theraputic work and meet the client where they are

What is Systemic Constellation Work?

• A method used to explore hidden or less obvious dynamics within systems
• Allows us to identify our role in our system
• Highlights intergenerational trauma and how it impacts a system
• Recognises we all belong to systems such as families, workplaces, friendships, and communities
• Acknowledges life experiences such as childhood attachment issues, trauma, and difficult relationships shape how we think, feel, and behave.  These experiences influence our role within a system and how we respond to others.  How we behave affects the system, and the system in turn affects us.  Difficult situations often reflect unresolved past experiences.  E.g. feeling undervalued by a colleague may relate to a past relationship with someone who didn’t make you feel heard or respected.  These moments can trigger emotional responses that influence our current thoughts and behaviour
• Systemic constellation work allows us to feel more empowered by understanding how we relate the systems we are in and how we can better navigate our role in those systems

Systemic Constellations and Trauma

• Especially helpful for those affected by personal or intergenerational trauma
• Trauma can be carried through generations and deeply affect how systems function
• By understanding the system and your place within it, you can feel more empowered
• Offers the chance to rewrite your personal and relational story

What to Expect:
Whether individually or in a group, you’ll explore your system and the relationships within it. This process helps identify where shifts or changes are needed to create a healthier dynamic. It is a deeply transformative method that allows for insight, emotional release, and resolution.

How It Works:
Group Constellations: In a group family constellation, the client may choose to briefly share the issue they wish to explore, though they are not required to explain it in detail. The client then personally selects other group members to act as representatives for key people or elements within their family system (such as mother, father, siblings, a former partner, or even something abstract like an illness). The client intuitively positions these representatives in the room according to how the situation feels to them, creating a living spatial map of their internal picture of the family. Once placed, representatives pay attention to their bodily sensations, emotions and impulses to move, often reporting experiences that reflect underlying relationship dynamics. The facilitator observes what unfolds and may suggest small adjustments, include previously excluded members, or introduce brief acknowledgement statements to support balance, belonging and appropriate hierarchy. As the constellation develops, the arrangement often shifts towards a calmer and more ordered configuration, symbolising a potential systemic resolution, while the client witnesses the process and integrates the experience afterwards.
. This helps reveal underlying emotional patterns and shifts in perspective.

1-to-1 Constellations: In a 1to1 family constellation, the client may choose to briefly share the issue they wish to explore, though this is not required. Instead of using other people as representatives, the facilitator uses objects, figurines, chairs, or markers to stand in for family members or elements of the system, such as parents, siblings, deceased relatives, or abstract factors like illness or conflict. The client intuitively positions these objects in the space to reflect how the situation feels to them, creating a physical map of their internal perception of the family system. The facilitator then guides the client to notice sensations, emotions, or impulses that arise as they interact with or move the representatives, helping to reveal hidden patterns and dynamics. The facilitator may suggest adjustments, include previously overlooked members, or introduce brief acknowledgement statements to restore belonging, balance and hierarchy. As the session progresses, the arrangement often shifts toward a calmer and more ordered configuration, symbolising a possible systemic resolution, while the client observes and integrates the experience afterwards.

Why It Works:

• Gaining a Fresh Perspective: Systemic constellations help identify patterns that may be holding you back, particularly helpful for addressing trauma or intergenerational patterns.
• Revealing Hidden Patterns: By looking at a system from the outside, underlying dynamics and emotional triggers are identified, leading to greater understanding.
• Navigating Trauma: Especially useful for those who have experienced trauma or carry intergenerational trauma, providing an opportunity to rewrite your story and find peace.
• Finding Balance: The goal is to restore balance and harmony in your system, empowering you in your relationships and interactions.
• Clarity and Tools: If you’re feeling stuck or struggling with relationships, systemic constellation work offers clarity and tools to shift old patterns and find balance.

Group Systemic Constellation Work

• In a group setting, the client is invited to create a constellation representing their system, such as their family
• Group members may stand in as representatives of people or elements within that system
• The group is dynamic, and movement is encouraged based on what individuals are sensing or feeling in the moment
• The energy and interactions within the group often reveal hidden dynamics, this is where meaningful insight can arise
• This method allows the client to explore how they feel within the system and how the system impacts them
• Helps identify the client’s role in the system and where shifts may be needed
• Often leads to deep emotional insight and a clearer understanding of what changes are necessary for transformation
• Many experience a sense of release, clarity, or emotional shift through the process
• Contact me to book a bespoke group constellation session

 Integrating Trauma Informed Principles

• Choice and Consent
  • The client chooses whether to share the issue or remain silent.
  • The client selects which family members or elements to include.
  • Participation is voluntary at all times; no one is forced into a role.
• Safety and Boundaries
  • A safe physical and emotional space is maintained.
  • The facilitator clearly explains the process beforehand.
  • Representatives are reminded they can step out or pause if they feel overwhelmed.
• Pacing and Gradual Exposure
  • The constellation unfolds slowly, respecting the client’s tolerance.
  • Only as much of the system is explored as the client can manage.
• Grounding and Stabilisation
  • The client is encouraged to notice bodily sensations and breathe deeply.
  • Grounding techniques are used before, during, and after the session.
• Empowerment and Choice
  • The client actively makes decisions about positioning and inclusion of representatives.
  • The facilitator encourages self-agency rather than imposing interpretations.
• Acknowledgement and Validation
  • Emotions and experiences of both client and representatives are recognised without judgment.
  • Hidden or excluded members are acknowledged respectfully.
• Predictable Structure
  • The facilitator maintains a clear beginning, middle, and end to the session.
  • Rules and steps are communicated to reduce uncertainty.
• Integration and Aftercare
  • Time is given at the end to reflect on insights and feelings.
  • Support strategies (journalling, therapy follow-up, grounding exercises) are suggested.
• Avoiding Re-traumatisation
  • No forced role-playing of traumatic events.
  • Symbolic or representational approaches (objects, figurines) are used when necessary.
• Cultural and Systemic Sensitivity
  • The facilitator is aware of cultural norms, family structures, and systemic values.
  • Intergenerational and social context is considered in interpretations.