Constellation work is one of the most efficient methods in holistic counselling and has been used for over 35 years, initially only for families, but now also for companies and organizations, in health care, in the legal system and also in the field of education.
In systems different forces are at work, which influence the behavior of each individual member. Each system is also subject to certain principles which secure the limits of a system and provide stability. If these principles (basic principles of order) are disregarded for a long time, this leads to difficulties in the system. The aim of constellations is to visualize forces and obstructive patterns and make them tangible with the focus on the questions:
- What could support the system?
- What resources are available?
- Which changes are possible?
In a structured interplay between theoretical input with strong practical relevance, demonstration, own practice and subsequent reflection, students are prepared to facilitate constellations effectively and in a helpful way, "without side effects".
Since the 1970s, constellation work in a counselling and therapeutic context has occupied a special place in German-speaking and international countries. We find its roots in the family sculpture after Virgina Satir as well as in the psychodrama of Jacob Moreno. Both methods were further developed by Bert Hellinger, later supported by his wife Sophie, and at the beginning of the 21st century the Original Hellinger® Family Constellation was able to establish itself.
Constellations with teams and for organizations are now often used to clarify complex issues and for some years now there have also been body constellations in the health sector which have proven to be very effective.
In family as well as professional systems different forces are at work, which influence the behavior of each individual member. A systemic-constructivist approach for the benefit of the client is therefore in the foreground. Constellation work requires a deep understanding of the needs and behavior of individual system members. It supports in finding one's own position in the system, contributes to increased role awareness and resource expansion. In the best case, after a constellation, clients may be able to understand and manage the system on the basis of new insights, and it having found a sense of purpose.