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Family Constellations
Family Constellations is an approach for revealing the hidden dynamics in a family so that they can be worked with and healed. Developed by Bert Hellinger, Family Constellation technique involves family representation through the use of others. People are strategically positioned into family roles, including a person in place of the client, in order to bring the family dynamic to fruition. Through non-verbal communication, each member is engaged in a form of cohesive and independent communication that serves to represent the true nature of the family. The representatives are instructed by a facilitator to act on the emotions (including fears and wants), of each person involved. By doing this, light is shed on the dysfunctional aspects of the family unit. In a startlingly real way, the family dynamic is accurately depicted and is oftentimes recognized by the members of the family for the first time. Each person is intrinsically linked by what is referred to as a morphongenic field. This sense of connectedness is felt telepathically and is acutely present in family situations.
Roles in Family Constellations
Although none of the representatives in Family Constellations actually speak, the sense of knowing is apparent and the seeker--the client who seeks to resolve a family issue--watches from the outside to gain new perspective. None of the members of the constellation are aware of the underlying issues, yet they often feel and sense specific emotions and feelings that are directly related to the situation. The facilitator may ask members to explain what they are feeling, specifically in their relation to other members of the family. This may shed light on specific emotions and relational aspects that have clear implications for the issue at hand.
The facilitator strives to find a resolution by repositioning the members and occasionally asking them to speak their feelings aloud. If a member feels uncomfortable still in their new place in the constellation, they are moved until they find a place or verbal statement that elicits a feeling of comfort. Oftentimes the process continues without a fully developed resolution, even though immense levels of insight are achieved.
Effects of Family Constellations
Throughout your entire life, you maintain an emotional and energetic connection to your family, regardless of how physically distant you may be from them. This method of enlightenment creates a very powerful and moving experience. People who participate in this technique often find themselves unearthing surprisingly emotional reactions regardless of their age. Each member of a family, whether adult or child, longs to feel significant and find their place within family construct.
Resources Related to Family Constellations:
Family Constellations with John Payne
Wikipedia's Page about Family Constellations
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Last updated: 05-14-2013
