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What is family constellation therapy? - Family constellation therapy is a therapeutic approach that aims to explore family dynamics and hidden patterns in order to address psychological issues.

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Who should engage in family constellation therapy? - Families or individuals who are struggling with family traumas or concerns should consider family constellation therapy.

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How is family constellation therapy helpful? - In family constellation therapy, stressors such as generational family ideals and how your family might impact your personality, goals, and thoughts are explored. This can help you to be more at peace or work through these topics.

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History of family constellation therapy - Alfred Adler - Alfred Adler first used the terminology of a family constellation when referencing the bonds and sense of belonging that might exist within a family.

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Bert Hellinger’s work and research - Though Alfred Adler used the term first, Bert Hellinger developed the family constellation theory through a combination of early works in therapy and his own life experiences.

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Is Bert Hellinger’s work supported by research? -

Though many therapists today use the family constellation method, there are only a few studies that prove it’s effective. Many mental health professionals still criticize his work.

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Criticisms - Hellinger wrote the original books in his native German language and many who have read it feel it’s very controversial. It’s said that his views are patriarchal, homophobic, and even anti-Semitic.

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Multigenerational impact of trauma - It is assumed in family constellation therapy that the events in your family’s history may impact the way you think, feel, and behave currently. Additionally, one family member’s grief or fear might influence others because the family is considered a connected system in the morphogenic field.

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Morphogenic field - The morphogenic field, used in constellation work, is an energy field believed to store memories and energies of a group, such as a family. It helps uncover the root of issues by tapping into shared knowledge, even if those details haven’t been communicated directly.

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Orders of love - Hellinger said there were two orders from which love follows, and those are, “Everyone in the group has the same right to belong and always belongs,” and “Everyone who belongs must be given their specific rightful place.”

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Excluded family - Sometimes there are family members who are excluded whether by choice or circumstance. Even though a member is excluded they can, and often do, still affect the family.

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Excluded family examples - A few examples of excluded family members include babies who were lost, ex-spouses and past partners, as well as family deaths.

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Drive to belong -

The desire to belong is one of the most significant factors in family constellation therapy. If an individual feels left out then they may misbehave, act out, or start a conflict.

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Hidden loyalties - According to family constellation theory, hidden loyalties to past family members may influence our behaviors and choices in ways we don’t fully understand. These unconscious connections can lead to repeating unhealthy patterns.

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How family constellation therapy helps - Family constellation therapy helps individuals uncover these hidden dynamics to make more informed, balanced decisions. For example, a parent may discover they have favored one child and work to restore balance within the family dynamic.

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Uses for family constellation therapy -

According to Betterhelp, a trusted therapy source, family constellation therapy can address numerous physical, mental, social, and even spiritual concerns.

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Additional uses for family constellation therapy -

These concerns can include depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, unhealthy habits, failures at work, negative relationship patterns, grief, and obsessive thoughts.

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Family constellation therapy methods - Within a typical family constellation therapy session, there are three main participants: a seeker, a facilitator, and possibly other family members.

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The seeker’s issues - The seeker is the client who originally came to therapy with an issue they want to resolve. Whether it’s nail-biting, smoking, or depression, the seeker is there for help.

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Embodying the family constellation in a group -

In a family constellation session, if others are present, the facilitator or therapist may ask participants to role-play as different family members from various generations. Each person represents an ancestor to explore hidden dynamics and relationships.

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Group facilitation -

The facilitator will then arrange the therapy participants in meaningful ways and ask the seeker if a certain arrangement feels true for them.

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Making adjustments -

Adjustments will be made until the seeker thinks it feels correct. Once this occurs, it can be helpful to think about why and what emotions have arisen.

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Re-grouping - After, the facilitator may have the different participants in the group say various sentences. If at this point, they don’t feel true for the seeker then the facilitator can try again.

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Resolving emotional distress - After a family constellation session, the seeker may explore the source of their issue by learning more about the person or past event. If the individual is unavailable, then they can seek alternative ways to understand and heal from the unresolved concerns.

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Family constellation therapy settings -

Family constellation therapy can occur in individual therapy sessions or group workshops.

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Workshops - Within a workshop, individuals will take turns alternating between being the seekers and a participant. This gives people a turn to both explore and discuss their issues as well as help others do the same.

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Individual counseling -

Individual family constellation therapy can take some imagination as there are no other actual participants involved. The therapist could play one family member but otherwise using your mind creatively is needed.

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Alternatives - There are various therapy options for addressing family dynamics, traumas, and stress, including CBT, DBT, and exposure therapy. Online therapy has become a popular alternative, offering flexibility and success in managing symptoms.

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Internet-based CBT -

Research shows that internet-based CBT is particularly effective, with studies indicating significant improvement in anxiety and family-related issues.

Sources: (BetterHelp) (Verywell Mind)

See also: A third of Americans would consider doing therapy with AI. Would you?

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