How does taking part in a family constellation work?

A family constellation session takes place in a group, led by a professional facilitator. As a participant you bring in a question or theme. Setting an intention for what you want to explore is the first step. The facilitator will guide you through the process of creating a visual representation of the system you’re exploring. This could involve placing representatives for yourself, family members, colleagues or things in specific positions in the room. You’ll explore the underlying patterns and dynamics within the system with the facilitator’s guidance. As you do so, you may start to gain new insights into the root causes of your personal or professional challenges. After the session, you’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your experience and integrate any insights you’ve gained into your daily life.

1. The pre-session conversation

This conversation will take place before the actual family constellation session to discuss the questioner’s intentions, expectations, and personal history. As a facilitator I will also ask systemic questions to better understand your situation and determine how best to approach the session.

2. The constellation

During this next step, the questioner will choose people to represent themselves and other members of their family or organization. These people are known as “representatives” and will stand in specific positions to create a visual representation of the system and dynamics being explored. This process can be powerful and illuminating, as it allows the hidden dynamics and interrelationships within the system to become visible.

3. The representatives

Representatives in a family constellation session stand in for someone or something in the family system. Anyone can be a representative, as there are no specific requirements. All that is asked is an open, respectful, and integral attitude. As a representative, you may feel physical or emotional sensations that are not your own, but rather a representation of the person or thing you are standing in for. Communicating these sensations is important for gaining valuable insights into the underlying dynamics of the family system. Being a representative provides a deeper understanding of how family relationships affect you and other people on a subconscious level.