What happens in Family Constellation?

In an in-person Family Constellation workshop with me, we start with introductions. Everyone shares their name and where they’re from, creating a sense of community right from the beginning. I like to have a mix of participants—some who are experienced in constellation work and others who are new. Often, students attend to gain experience and observe different facilitators' styles.

Next, I provide some background on Family Constellations, including insights into Bert Hellinger, the founder of this transformative approach, and his life’s work. I encourage questions and may discuss relevant theories to set the stage for our exploration.

We then engage in a practice of representation, which is a key aspect of constellation work. This may feel unfamiliar at first, so I guide participants through a few exercises. For instance, in pairs, one person represents a family member while the other uses their intuition to position them in relation to themselves. This process allows the representative to embody the family member’s experience, following their instincts and emotions. After a few minutes, they’ll share their feelings, and then we switch roles.

Following this practice, participants may have questions, and we might conduct additional mini-constellations to deepen our understanding and comfort with the process.

Once everyone feels relaxed and connected, we can begin the actual constellations. I invite participants to raise their hands if they feel ready to explore their own constellation. I trust my intuition to choose someone to work with, knowing that each constellation resonates with everyone present—and often extends to those not in the room. Many participants report that simply being part of the holding circle has a profound healing effect, as we connect in a quiet, intuitive way without overthinking.

The client and I will work together to identify their longings and intentions for the constellation. This foundational step can take time, but it’s crucial for a meaningful exploration.

I’ll suggest representatives for various elements, often including family members but sometimes concepts like money or even a country. As the representatives inhabit their roles, they move according to their instincts and may interact or remain separate. This dynamic often reflects the current reality of the client’s situation.

We acknowledge the truths expressed in the constellation through short sentences spoken by the representatives and sometimes by the client. This acknowledgment can initiate shifts in the representatives’ movements or emotions.

By recognizing what is true in the moment, we create space for change, allowing the client to gain new insights and perspectives on their situation. We trust the field of awareness we’re working within to reveal the information necessary for healing, including those who may have been forgotten or excluded from family systems. An experienced facilitator knows how to navigate this field, focusing on what is, rather than interpreting.

Sometimes, I may suggest ways for the client to honor their experience, like lighting a candle in memory of an ancestor revealed during the constellation. Exploring family history can also be vital for acknowledging the influences of past events on present lives.

This overview offers a glimpse into what you can expect at a workshop with me. I invite you to join us—there's no better way to truly understand the process than to experience it in person!