What are Family Constellations and what are they for?

Family constellations are a therapeutic tool that allows us to identify and transform hidden dynamics within the family system that affect our emotional, physical or relational life. This approach is based on the idea that many of our current conflicts are related to unresolved experiences of previous generations. In this article we explore what family constellations are, how they are developed and how they can help you generate deep and lasting changes.

What are family constellations?

Family constellations are a form of systemic therapy that allows us to observe, from a new perspective, the links and patterns inherited within a family. Through an external representation of the family system, unconscious dynamics emerge that influence our current well-being. This methodology allows us to become aware of these patterns, integrate them and free the individual from burdens that do not correspond to him/her.

Many times, problems such as anxiety, guilt, isolation, repetition of failed relationships or certain physical symptoms do not originate in our direct experience, but are connected to the destiny of a family member. Constellations reveal how we act out of love and fidelity to our system, even taking on pains or roles that do not belong to us. By making this visible, we open the possibility of letting go of these identifications and re-establishing order within the system.

This work is based on principles such as the right to belong, the balance between giving and receiving, and respect for the hierarchical order within the family. When these principles are disturbed, conflicts arise that can be transmitted from generation to generation. The purpose of a constellation is to restore these orders so that love can flow more freely and without unconscious burdens.

What is a family constellation session like?

A family constellation session can take place as a group or individually, and is always guided by a trained facilitator. The process begins with the choice of a theme to work on, followed by the symbolic representation of the members of the family system. From this initial configuration, dynamics and emotions emerge, which the facilitator accompanies until a more ordered image of the system is reached. The objective is to generate an internal transformation through the understanding and liberation of unconscious links.

Choice of the theme to constellate

The first step in a constellation is for the client to identify an issue that generates conflict or discomfort. It may be an emotional, physical, relational, work or existential problem. A long explanation is not required, but a clear intention that serves as a starting point for the work. Often, a simple statement such as “I want to work on my relationship with my mother” or “I feel a constant blockage in my life” is enough.

The facilitator listens attentively and asks a few specific questions, focusing mainly on the family history of the client. The aim is not to look for logical causes, but to identify significant events such as losses, exclusions, secrets, miscarriages, early deaths or broken ties. This information helps to set the stage for what will unfold during the constellation.

Representation of the family system

Once the theme is defined, the family system is represented. In a group constellation, the client chooses people from the group to represent key members of his or her family as well as him or herself. In the individual modality, objects, figures or even papers are used to symbolize each member. The person places each representative in the space according to his or her internal perception of relationships.

This arrangement creates a three-dimensional image of the family system, where tensions, invisible loyalties or emotional distances begin to manifest themselves. The representatives, guided by a non-rational perception, express sensations and emotions that reveal deep dynamics. The consultant observes in silence and, many times, recognizes situations that he/she had not been able to see clearly before.

Movement towards a new image of the system

From what is manifested in the constellation, the facilitator begins to introduce therapeutic moves. He or she may propose changes in the placement of representatives, incorporate absent figures or invite phrases that acknowledge previously denied truths. Each action seeks to restore the natural order of the system and to free those who have been trapped in roles that do not correspond to them.

The process progresses until a more harmonious image is reached, in which each member has its place and the bonds are reconfigured from a new balance. This new image is not only observed, but also experienced on an emotional and corporal level. The client usually feels relief, clarity or a sense of inner closure, marking the beginning of a profound change that continues beyond the session.

What are family constellations for?

Family constellations serve to identify and transform personal conflicts that have their roots in the family system. By making visible the inherited unconscious dynamics, they allow to release emotional blockages, restore bonds and recover the vital force to move forward in life with greater clarity and balance.

• Resolve family conflicts: They allow addressing tensions with parents, siblings, children or partners. Many times these conflicts are linked to roles or invisible loyalties.
• Improve couple relationships: They make visible projections or repetitive patterns that affect the bond. This allows establishing more conscious and balanced relationships.
• Treat physical or emotional symptoms: They help to discover whether a bodily or emotional symptom has a systemic origin. By understanding its meaning, it is possible to alleviate or release it.
• Make important decisions: They bring clarity in moments of crisis or vital blockage. Seeing the system from the outside helps to choose more freely.
• Accompany processes of mourning or separation: They facilitate closing pending cycles with respect and gratitude. This reduces suffering and favors a new beginning.
• Overcoming professional or financial blockages: Many difficulties in the workplace are related to unresolved family dynamics. Constellation can unblock these processes.
• Strengthen self-esteem and sense of belonging: By taking our rightful place in the system, we regain our personal strength and value.

Main concepts of family constellations

The systemic approach to family constellations is based on a set of principles that explain how a family system is organized and what happens when those orders are disrupted. Understanding these concepts is key to understanding how and why this therapy works.

• Orders of love: Each member of the family has the right to belong and to take his or her place. When these orders are broken, imbalances arise that affect the following generations.
• Morphogenetic field: It is an information field that connects all members of the system. Through this field, the representatives access emotions or data without knowing the history of the consultant.
• Transgenerational impact of trauma: Unresolved pain in previous generations can be unconsciously transmitted. This generates repetitive patterns of suffering in descendants.
• Invisible loyalties: We often take on roles or burdens out of love for members of the system. These unconscious loyalties can limit our decisions or well-being.
• Excluded members: When someone is forgotten or rejected within the family, another can identify with him. Including all members helps to reestablish the balance of the system.
• Movement towards life: The constellation seeks to reconnect the person with his or her vital force. Freeing oneself from the weight of past histories allows one to live with more presence and fullness.

History and origin of family constellations

Family constellations were developed by Bert Hellinger, a German therapist and former priest, from his experience with African communities and his training in various therapeutic currents. In the 1980s, he began to systematize this approach, integrating elements of systemic therapy, psychoanalysis, phenomenology and existential philosophy. His proposal revolutionized the field of therapy by introducing the notion that personal conflicts are not only individual, but respond to broader family dynamics.

Hellinger observed that many people were unconsciously linked to the destiny of ancestors who had been excluded, forgotten or who had experienced deep traumas. According to his view, the family system tends to seek balance, and if someone is not recognized, another member – out of love and fidelity – may try to compensate for that loss, even with his or her health or well-being. Thus, what was not resolved in the past tends to repeat itself in the present, until it is given a proper place.

Since their emergence, family constellations have evolved and spread throughout the world, taking different forms depending on the facilitator and the cultural context. Although initially controversial, they are now recognized as a valuable tool in the therapeutic field, with applications in the emotional, relational, educational and organizational fields.

Types of family constellations

Family constellations can be performed in different formats, adapting to the needs of each person. The two main modalities are individual and group constellations, both equally effective, but with particular characteristics. The choice depends on the level of intimacy sought by the client, the availability of the facilitator and the type of experience desired.

Individual constellations

In individual constellations, the work is done between the consultant and the facilitator, using objects, figures or anchors in the space to represent the members of the family system. This modality offers a more private setting, ideal for those who prefer to maintain confidentiality or do not feel comfortable participating in groups. Although there are no human representatives, the systemic field is still activated and the experience can be just as profound.

Group constellations

Group constellations are developed in workshops with several participants, in which one person works on his or her theme and the others act as representatives. This format allows observing family dynamics from the outside and offers a powerful collective experience, since many times the movements that occur in a constellation also resonate in those who only observe or participate as representatives. In addition, the group brings an emotional and energetic dimension that enriches the process.

At what time is it advisable to constellate?

Constellation is recommended when a person is going through a conflict that cannot be resolved by conventional means or when he/she feels that he/she is repeating patterns without understanding why. Situations such as emotional blocks, difficult relationships, physical symptoms without apparent cause or important decisions that generate confusion may be signs that there is something deeper that needs to be seen. The constellation helps to access that hidden information and generate movement where there is stagnation.

It is also useful to constellate in times of transition or life crisis: a separation, the loss of a loved one, job changes, difficulties with children or the desire to start a new stage. These situations are often accompanied by intense emotions that may have roots in the family system. By looking at the broader context from a systemic perspective, it is possible to better understand what is at stake and find a clearer direction.

However, you don’t need to be in crisis to constellate. Many people do it as part of a process of personal growth, to know themselves better, to strengthen their self-esteem or to review their link with their family lineage. Any time when you feel the need to look deeper into what you are living can be suitable for a constellation. The important thing is to approach with an open and receptive disposition.

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