Family Constellations is an experiential approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy by visually and emotionally mapping your family system. Developed by Bert Hellinger, it is rooted in systemic and multigenerational family therapy, yet introduces a unique way of uncovering hidden family bonds and dynamics.
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How Do Group Sessions Work?
How Do Individual Sessions Work?
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In a group setting, participants act as representatives for your family members. You, as the client, place them in relation to one another, creating a living “family image.” This image can reveal hidden patterns, unconscious loyalties, or unresolved conflicts that may underlie emotional pain, relationship difficulties, or repetitive life challenges.
During the Family Constellation, we may explore events from the past few generations—such as early deaths, adoptions, separations, or other significant experiences—as well as the natural orders that shape family systems.
By acknowledging and bringing these dynamics to light, clients often gain new insights, clarity, and a deeper understanding of possible resolutions to the challenges they face.​​​
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In one-to-one sessions, instead of using people as representatives, we work with figurines/objects, and visualisation exercises. You select and place figurines to represent family members or elements of your situation, creating a symbolic map of your system.
As we explore the positions, movements, and interactions of these figurines, hidden dynamics begin to surface—just as they would in a group setting.
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You remain actively involved in the process, guided step by step to connect with your own insights and inner knowing.
This private format allows for a deeply personal exploration, and can be especially helpful for those who prefer privacy, want to go deeper after a group constellation, or are new to the work.
The “Knowing Field” in Family Constellations
Bert Hellinger's Phenomenological Approach
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One of the most fascinating aspects of Family Constellations is the “knowing field.” This is the phenomenon where representatives—people chosen to stand in for family members—begin to experience emotions or sensations, connected to the person they represent, often without knowing anything about their history.
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How can we feel what is not our own?
While this phenomenon has not yet been scientifically explained, the empirical evidence from Family Constellations shows that the knowing field can reveal meaningful patterns, hidden loyalties, and opportunities for healing by acknowledging and accepting what is.​
Bert Hellinger, the founder of Family Constellations, worked with the knowing field using a phenomenological approach—simply observing what unfolds without imposing theories or judgments. In a constellation, the facilitator guides the process, paying close attention to representatives’ feelings, movements, and expressions.
Clients consistently recognize their own family dynamics reflected in what arises, even though representatives have no prior information. Through this process of careful observation, hidden patterns and loyalties often become clear—allowing the root causes of emotional or relational difficulties to surface and creating space for healing , awareness and acceptance.
Scientific &Conceptual Perspectives
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1. Epigenetics
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Epigenetics studies how trauma or stress exposures can influence gene expression across generations, affecting stress responses, emotions, and overall health.
Importantly, epigenetics also emphasizes plasticity—these changes are not fixed but can be reversible when environments or circumstances improve, highlighting human resilience and adaptability.
From a Family Constellations perspective, this research may help explain why unresolved traumas or family histories can continue to affect descendants. At the same time, it offers hope: even inherited patterns can be acknowledged, understood, and transformed.
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2. Morphogenetic Fields (A Conceptual Framework)
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Morphogenetic fields, a concept proposed by biologist Rupert Sheldrake, suggest that invisible patterns guide how systems behave. Sheldrake proposed that new members of a system can “tune in” to these fields—what he called morphic resonance—connecting with the memory of past forms, behaviors, or patterns. This idea may help explain intuitive or collective experiences in group Family Constellations.
While Sheldrake’s morphogenetic fields are not scientifically proven, they offer a metaphorical way to understand how representatives in Family Constellations may resonate with hidden family patterns."
A Personal Perspective
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Through countless Family Constellations—when guided with humility and care—I have witnessed hidden truths emerge, opening the door to reconciliation and offering a pathway to healing that touches not only the individual but also the wider family system.
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I see Family Constellations as a space where deeper truths can surface and a step toward acceptance and healing can begin. People experience this process in different ways—some through psychology, some spiritually, and others simply as an experiential method of gaining insight.
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I welcome clients of all backgrounds and beliefs, and the work is inclusive and open to everyone.
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While I work with people from all walks of life, I personally approach this practice as a Christian, and my faith informs the compassion and care I bring to this work. This means that my practice does not involve spiritualism, energy channeling, mediumship, or esoteric rituals.
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*For those who wish to incorporate prayer into their constellation, I am happy to hold space for that as well.
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