Family Constellations: A Practical Guide to Uncovering the Origins of Family Conflict Hot

This slender guide gives a succinct outline of family constellations work—the method for family conflict re-solution developed by German psychotherapist Bert Hellinger. Typically carried out in groups, with one person having their family issue “constellated” by the other participants (who are called representatives), family constellations are inherently experiential. So, while it is useful to have a book outlining how the constellation is set up and carried out, it’s one of those experiences where you really have to be there to get it.

You have to be there partly because the work unfolds in an unknown energetic field that seems to be outside of time and space, which sounds pretty flaky until you stop to consider that we are continually being bombarded by energy that we don’t know about and can’t see. Every family is a field of energy in which the members are held, each in our own unique position. Genes, beliefs, values, and behavior patterns are passed on through the generations, and our particular family field either enhances or limits our capacities for happiness, harmonious relationships, success and achieving goals, health, freedom of choice, and well being.

Family constellation work seems especially useful for personal concerns that seem long-standing and immovable, despite therapeutic or spiritual tools that may have been used previously to loosen their hold. Author Joy Manne presents case histories that help illuminate the ways that family constellation work offers clients and participants an opportunity to learn about life and relationships at a deep and profound level. Greater self-respect and wholeness are often what participants experience after having their constellation done, as well as healing within the family system; the benefits seems to ripple throughout the family system over time and in ways that are both subtle and obvious.

Family Constellations is a useful guide for those new to the method. Bert Hellinger, the founder of this therapeutic method gives a glowing endorsement saying that this is the best introduction to his work he’s read. It doesn’t get much better than that.

I have personally attended, participated, and trained in family constellation work and I can attest that it is an extraordinarily powerful, moving, and fulfilling method for re-solution of personal issues, family systems and ancestral appreciation.