Frequently Asked Questions
What are Family Constellations and how do they work?
Family Constellations are different from star constellations. Think of the word constellations as a configuration.
They are a very powerful solution-focused process that reveal unconscious entanglements that we have with our family of origin which are affecting us today. Once these hidden dynamics are brought to our conscious awareness, they are shifted and we feel a sense of freedom from issues that were holding us back before.
When we set up a constellation, the seeker will briefly state the issue they want to work on, without getting into their story about why or how it happened. He or she will be asked to choose representatives of family members or aspects of the issue and place them spatially in relation to one another according to what feels right to them.
They are a very powerful solution-focused process that reveal unconscious entanglements that we have with our family of origin which are affecting us today. Once these hidden dynamics are brought to our conscious awareness, they are shifted and we feel a sense of freedom from issues that were holding us back before.
When we set up a constellation, the seeker will briefly state the issue they want to work on, without getting into their story about why or how it happened. He or she will be asked to choose representatives of family members or aspects of the issue and place them spatially in relation to one another according to what feels right to them.
What does “representing” mean exactly?
Representatives will stand in as the family members or aspects of an issue and after a while, they will begin to experience feelings, sensations or urges to move that are coming from the seeker’s family system and through them. Simply by intention, they connect to the energy field of the seeker’s family, or the Family Soul and allow themselves to flow with what emerges. This is very useful in order to illuminate hidden dynamics that the seeker is entangled with and move towards the solution.
How long does it take to do one?
A constellation in groups may take anywhere from around half an hour to an hour and a half.
How often should I do constellations?
When a constellation is set up for you, it takes time for you to integrate the full effects, which can vary between seekers. Therefore, it is recommended that you allow for this to happen without interrupting the process.
I would recommend that you wait at least a month before setting up another constellation. If you would like to deepen your process, it is recommended that you participate in as many workshops as you feel drawn to as an observer or a representative. Constellations in groups don’t just benefit the seeker, but the entire group present.
I would recommend that you wait at least a month before setting up another constellation. If you would like to deepen your process, it is recommended that you participate in as many workshops as you feel drawn to as an observer or a representative. Constellations in groups don’t just benefit the seeker, but the entire group present.
If I have an issue, what’s the best way to work on it with Family Constellations, in groups or individually?
The first step, if possible, is attending a Family Constellations Workshop in a group setting. The constellations set up in groups are for everyone present and their family systems. There is a resonance that happens in groups among members and their family systems and it is not a coincidence that this group of people have come together on that particular day. By observing and representing in other’s constellations you begin to make shifts and gain insights that will allow you to deepen your own constellation in the future, whether in a group or in private.
Keep in mind that we don’t talk a lot about your issue because this work focuses on the subconscious rather than on the story we tell about the issue. Also, the group commits to confidentiality.
Individual sessions are suggested for people who are uncomfortable in a group setting or who feel they need extra support after a constellation.
Keep in mind that we don’t talk a lot about your issue because this work focuses on the subconscious rather than on the story we tell about the issue. Also, the group commits to confidentiality.
Individual sessions are suggested for people who are uncomfortable in a group setting or who feel they need extra support after a constellation.
What happens if I do not know much about my family?
It does not matter for this work since all the information we need is within you and emerges through the representatives, who connect with your family field during this process.
Does my family have to come to a workshop with me?
No, because the representatives stand in for your family members.
What do I do after setting up my own constellation?
In order for the work to have its greatest effects, if you have set up your constellation, it is recommended that you:
- Do not go over the steps of your constellation; in doing so you will try to interpret them through analyzing what happened and this work goes far beyond the realm of the mind.
- Keep the last image observed in your heart as a seed that has been planted within you and will grow with time.
- Trust that you got what you needed and were ready for and that you picked the right constellator and experience for you.
- Refrain from talking about the steps of your own constellation to others as this may dilute the soul work done. Wait at least 40 days if you feel the urge to talk about it.
- If the constellator has suggested you do some activity after the constellation, focus on it with the intention that was mentioned for you. Honour the process.
- Allow for time to integrate what has been experienced. Hellinger has mentioned that sometimes constellations take up to two years for its full effect.
- Allow yourself to feel and release the emotions that come up after a constellation. For a while after a constellation some people may feel worse, before feeling better.
- Do not set up another constellation right away. Although it is beneficial to participate in workshops and represent or observe, it is advised that you wait some time before setting up another constellation.
- Do not ask other constellators about the constellation you did. They were not there.
- If your constellation has not reached a “happy ending” do not think it did not work. Constellations will continue to process through time at the level of the soul and sometimes a constellation that seems unresolved will generate the strength you need to continue the process in real life.
