What is Family Constellations?
Family Constellations is a family systemic, solution focused approach developed by Bert Hellinger. It uncovers the hidden dynamics within family relationships that contribute to challenges like relationship struggles, low self-esteem, financial issues, chronic health issues and repeating negative patterns within relationships.
At its core, this method recognises that many of our struggles stem from unresolved past issues or trauma—whether from our own childhood or passed down through generations. While these imprints can create pain, they also offer opportunities for profound growth. By addressing and reframing these wounds, leaving difficult experiences in the past where they belong so we can then move forward and live a fullfiling life and maximising our potential and that of our children’s.
Family constellations is a powerful method that can take place within a group session or a one to one individual session that requires you to attend once. In this single session, you are assisted to investigate an issue that leaves you feeling stuck and unresolved in your life and is affecting your work, sense of self or relationships with loved ones.
Constellations helps you look at how old patterns of behaviour are playing out in your life, what is out of order or not in balance, and what is needed to bring back the natural order back to your family system through the constellation process that helps you release the blame, fear, shame, hurt, judgement and bring back the natural flow of love and connection in your relationships especially the relationship within yourself so you can live your life fully.
How Does a Family Constellations Group Session Work?
Family Constellations sessions offer a unique opportunity to explore unresolved family dynamics affecting areas such as relationships, career, and personal fulfilment. Here’s what to expect:
- Opening Meditation: Sessions begin with a grounding exercise to prepare participants for the process.
- Identifying a Theme: The facilitator invites someone to share an issue they wish to address.
- Role Selection: Participants engage in one of three roles:
- Client: The person having their own constellation done will present their issue to the facilitator for exploration. The clearer the client is about their issue, the deeper the constellation practice can be.
- Representative: The client will select their own participants from the group to represent the people or things involved in their situation and step away to observe the dynamics of their issue and allow the constellation to unfold.
- Observer: Supporting the process by witnessing and holding space. The observers help to contain what is happening during the course of the constellation.
Once the representatives are chosen, they are placed in the space, and from there, the constellation comes to life in such a way that the representatives will start to experience the hidden dynamics of the client’s situation by beginning to feel the emotions, desires, and fears of those they represent. This phenomenon is known as the ‘knowing field’. The facilitator will help guide the constellation to a resolution that is tangible and helps release the client from the old pattern.
It is important to note that sessions can evoke strong emotions. For those new to therapy or spiritual healing, the experience may feel intense. Facilitators provide follow-up resources to ensure ongoing support.
What Can Be Constellated?
Family Constellations can address a wide range of issues, including:
- Persistent patterns (e.g., recurring relationship & family issues).
- Family conflict or estrangement.
- Emotional and self esteem issues
- Divorce and separation issues
- Health issues
- Parenting, family conflict or estrangement
- Financial or Business issues
- Behaviours that you no longer want
- Feelings you can’t explain or move past
What Cannot Be Constellated?
Family Constellations focus solely on the participant’s experience. While your personal growth may indirectly affect others, including your family system, the work cannot change another person.
After a Family Constellation
It is normal to experience a range of emotions after a family constellation session. These emotions may include relief, sadness, joy, anger, or a sense of release. Participants may also feel emotionally drained or physically tired.
Self-care is essential during this time, and our facilitator is available for follow-up consultations to support your journey.
“I truly enjoyed being a participant and an observer of this workshop. The way Devi held space and guided each person through our journey was incredible. The discoveries we made individually and as a group was insightful and at times mind boggling. I truly love the experience and would look further into this style of facilitation. (KS, Melbourne)”
Why Choose Family Constellations?
Family Constellations is a brief, solution-focused therapy, meaning most people find that just one session may be enough to achieve profound breakthroughs. Unlike traditional therapies that may require months of work, Family Constellations takes you straight to the core of an issue, offering rapid resolution for long-standing challenges.
If you’ve tried various healing methods but still feel stuck—whether it’s unresolved emotions, repetitive patterns, or lingering pain—Family Constellations could be the key to finally letting it all go.
This transformative approach empowers you to release what no longer serves you, paving the way for healing, balance, and a renewed sense of freedom.
How a family system works within a Group
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Experience the transformative power of Family Constellations at The Family Systems Hub in Melbourne. See what Family Constellation events are coming up here, or book a 1:1 consultation with our Systemic Coach & Family Constellator, Devi, here.
Benefits
The method is also suitable for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their family system. It’s not just for those facing specific challenges but can be a powerful tool for gaining insight into how past family dynamics shape our present experiences—and how we can move beyond those influences.
Family Constellations have been found to be effective in addressing a wide range of issues, whilst it is not a replacement for medical treatment, it can serve as a valuable complement, offering insight and support alongside traditional therapeutic approaches.
- Experiencing depression
- Relationship Issues
- Overcoming addictions
- Chronic Illnesses
- Experiencing anxiety
- Trauma
- Loss and Grief
- Phobias
This dynamic and embodied method helps individuals find their place in the present moment, release their burdens and reclaim their vitality and health.
- Cognitive insight into toxic behavioural patterns
- Powerful emotional releases
- Positive behavioural change
- Healthier communication & relationships
- Creating space for processing past events
- Improved understanding of how families impact personal decision-making
- A better understanding of the dynamics between different family members
A profound and deeply transformative experience, that helps us discover old problems in a new light, offering a fresh perspective on conflicts we’ve been unable to resolve. Family Constellations broadens our understanding, uncovering solutions in places we might never have thought to look. This is an in-person event in Melbourne.
Are you a therapist, healer, or mental health professional seeking deeper self-awareness and alignment in your practice? Family Constellations for Therapists is a transformative group experience that uncovers hidden systemic influences shaping your personal and professional life.
What are the origins of Family Constellations?
Bert Hellinger, in his spiritual, systemic, and transgenerational approach, maintains that many of the repeated difficulties we experience in our life could be related not only to the person who suffers from them but also to their ancestors.
Our belief is that human beings are full beings and due to various situations, we identify with a traumatic imprint that occurs in our childhood, or even come from generations before our existence, causing a distance from us and our being. Further to this, we believe that wounds or trauma in our lives are a profound opportunity to grow, and by embracing them and reframing them, we are granted the possibility of living integrated with our pain.
Transgenerational trauma, a fundamental concept in Family Constellations Therapy, explores the notion that unresolved pain and suffering from previous generations can resonate across time, impacting the psychological, emotional, and even physical well-being of descendants. This idea is based on the understanding that traumatic experiences—such as war, persecution, loss, or other forms of emotional turmoil—can leave a lasting imprint on a family’s collective psyche. Transgenerational trauma is frequently sustained by unspoken stories and concealed family secrets. Our Ancestors who faced significant hardships might have suppressed their pain or felt unable to openly share their experiences. As a result, their descendants may unknowingly bear the weight of these hidden stories, which can manifest as unexplained anxieties, fears, physical symptoms or behavioural patterns.
For example: A parent who experienced childhood neglect might unknowingly replicate similar patterns in their parenting. Family Constellations aims to raise awareness of these cycles, equipping individuals with the tools to break free from destructive behaviours and choose healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
In some instances, transgenerational trauma is linked to unseen loyalties to the suffering of ancestors. Family members may unconsciously align themselves with an ancestor who faced hardship, feeling a sense of loyalty to their struggles. This loyalty can impede personal growth and success, as individuals unknowingly carry the weight of ancestral pain.
This systemic and somatic approach is key to rediscovering this path and preventing our traumas from being passed on to other generations.
What happens after a family constellation?
It is normal to experience a range of emotions after a family constellation session. These emotions may include relief, sadness, joy, anger, or a sense of release. Participants may also feel emotionally drained or physically tired. Engaging in self-care practices after a family constellation session is vital to support your emotional well-being.
- Hydration, Rest and Relaxation: Keep yourself hydrated. Prioritise rest and relaxation to replenish your energy. This may involve getting enough sleep, taking breaks, and engaging in activities that help you unwind and recharge.
- Emotional Expression: Allow yourself to express and process your emotions. This can be done through journaling, talking with a trusted friend or therapist, or engaging in creative outlets such as art or music.
- Grounding Techniques: Engage in grounding practices to reconnect with the present moment and your body. This can include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, or activities in nature.
- Self-Compassion: Be gentle and compassionate with yourself as you integrate the insights and experiences from the constellation session.
Testimonials
The family constellation group session was a revealing and healing experience. Devi was very nurturing and held us in a beautiful way. I learned how important is to recognise how connected we are with our past generations and the importance to put light in that to move forward. Thank you The Family System Hub! Definitely will be in the next one! (Candela, Melbourne)
I truly enjoyed being a participant and an observer of this workshop. The way Devi held space and guided each person through our journey was incredible. The discoveries we made individually and as a group was insightful and at times mind boggling. I truly love the experience and would look further into this style of facilitation. (KS, Melbourne)
I felt very held by you Devi and by the whole group. I ended up crashing and having a sleep that afternoon. I feel like things are still percolating and I’m still digesting, (and dreaming a lot). It was a beautiful experience. thank you! (TM, Melbourne)
I enjoyed the provocative nature of constellations. It was a unique experience on Saturday – it conveys how amazing things can happen when you listen to your body. A brilliant connection with self, and unthinkable connection with others. (Sue, Melbourne)
I was in awe at how powerful this modality was. Similar yet also different from the family therapy training sessions I’ve done before. The use of somatic principles showcases this modality in an uncannily accurate way. It was incredibly moving simply being witness to the magic unfolding. I can’t wait for more. (Nikki, Melbourne)