Family Constellation Therapy is a powerful experiential approach that allows us to explore unresolved dynamics in our family system. This healing modality, developed by Bert Hellinger, provides a unique opportunity to uncover the hidden patterns and entanglements within a family. By doing so, it helps to release blockages, restore balance, and promote emotional and psychological healing. But what can you expect during a Family Constellation Workshop, and what exactly happens?
What is a Family Constellation Workshop?
A Family Constellation workshop is a group process that allows participants to set up a “constellation” of their family system. The aim is to reveal and work through unconscious patterns or unhealed traumas that may be influencing a participant’s current emotional state, relationships, and life circumstances.
During a workshop, a person (referred to as the client) presents a specific issue or concern they want to explore. This could be anything from difficulty in relationships, patterns of self-sabotage, family conflict, or even health issues. The facilitator then helps guide the participant in setting up a constellation that will represent their family system using other participants in the workshop to represent family members or relevant elements in their life.
What Happens During the Constellation Process?
- The Issue is Stated
The workshop begins with the client briefly describing the issue they would like to work on. This is done with minimal information, as the emphasis is on the felt experience rather than intellectual analysis. - Setting Up the Constellation
The facilitator invites the client to choose representatives for various family members, such as their mother, father, siblings, or even abstract elements like “guilt,” “fear,” or “love.” These representatives can be other participants in the workshop or figurines if it is a 1:1 session. - Representatives Tune In
The representatives then stand in relation to one another, based on what “feels right” in the moment. Amazingly, the representatives often begin to experience sensations, emotions, or movements that reflect the dynamics within the family system. This phenomenon, known as “the Knowing Field,” allows the hidden dynamics within the family to be revealed. - Observing the Dynamics
The facilitator observes the body language, emotions, and interactions between the representatives, offering guidance and prompts when necessary. The goal is to identify where energy blockages or entanglements are located within the family system. - Healing Movements and Resolutions
Through a series of healing sentences, movements, and interventions, the facilitator guides the constellation to release blockages and restore balance. This could involve bringing in missing family members, shifting positions, or offering acknowledgments like: “I see your pain,” or “I honor your place in the family.” The process is deeply respectful and often results in a profound sense of release and reconciliation for the client. - Integration
After the constellation ends, the client may feel a variety of emotions ranging from relief, clarity, or even temporary sadness as they process the experience. This is a natural part of the healing process. The facilitator may suggest some gentle self-care practices to help integrate the experience.
How Can Family Constellation Help?
Family Constellation Therapy can help address:
- Unresolved Grief or Trauma: Family dynamics often hold grief, trauma, or pain that has been carried for generations. By bringing these hidden dynamics to light, we can begin to heal and move forward.
- Relationship Issues: Whether it’s romantic, familial, or professional, Constellation work helps in understanding the hidden loyalties and patterns that affect our interactions.
- Physical Health Issues: Some health issues can be tied to unprocessed emotions or unresolved family dynamics.
- Recurring Patterns: Family Constellations can help identify why certain situations, such as financial problems, repeated failures, or similar relationship issues, keep recurring.
What Can You Expect to Feel During a Workshop?
Most participants report a profound sense of clarity, understanding, and peace after a Family Constellation workshop. As the unconscious becomes conscious, many experience a shift in perspective and a newfound freedom. It is common for participants to feel a deeper connection to their family, even if the healing process initially brings up challenging emotions.
Why Choose a Workshop Over a 1:1 Session?
A workshop offers the unique benefit of group energy and the opportunity to work with the “knowing field” in a larger space. Participants often find that even if they are chosen as representatives for someone else’s constellation, the experience resonates deeply with their own family patterns, offering them unexpected healing and insights. It’s not uncommon to find that the issues of others in the group mirror our own in some way, leading to a collective healing process.
What Happens After the Workshop?
The effects of a Family Constellation workshop often continue to unfold long after the session ends. Participants may notice shifts in their relationships, new patterns of behavior, or a sense of peace that wasn’t there before. It’s recommended to allow yourself time to integrate these shifts gently.
Join a Workshop or Experience 1:1 Sessions with Abi Beri
If you’re curious to experience Family Constellation Therapy for yourself, I invite you to join one of my Introduction to Family Constellation Workshops in Dublin, Naas, Newbridge, or online across Ireland. My workshops are suitable for beginners as well as those who have experience with Constellation work. Alternatively, you can book a 1:1 session to dive deeper into your personal family dynamics in a private and focused setting.
I’m Abi Beri, a holistic therapist and Family Constellation facilitator. My goal is to support you on your healing journey and help you uncover the hidden dynamics that may be holding you back from living your fullest potential. You can find more about my offerings on my website or feel free to contact me directly to discuss your needs.
