Text Box: Ancestral Family Constellation is a form of group therapy based on the work of Bert Hellinger, a systemic psychotherapist and psychoanalyst. This modality is an experiential process through which an individual reveals the hidden dynamics of his/her family. In every family system each member has a profound and lasting effect on other members. This system extends over several generations, constantly seeking to create balance so that love can flow freely from one generation to the next. We are not only affected by our current family members, but also, equally by the unfinished business and transgressions of our ancestors that have remained in the family “field.” This phenomenon can be found in the work of renowned author and physicist, Dr. Rupert Sheldrake. This field of energy, called the morphogenetic field, connects people, places and even animals, and has memory and influence. Therefore, events in previous generations such as the premature death of a parent or sibling, miscarriages, stillbirths, abortions, suicides, lost loves or former relationship partners, tragic accidents, the exclusion of a family member, a murder of or by a family member, or victimization of others by a family member would create disharmony in the greater family system and someone else (often in a later generation) will feel the systemic pressure to attempt to finish the original unfinished business and acknowledgement of the original holder of the issue. This unconscious attempt may result in different psychological and/or physical problems in future generations such as feelings of isolation, depression, chronic diseases, accidents, and even suicidal thoughts or attempts. Ancestral family constellation work shows how we unconsciously take over grief, guilt and pain from our ancestors, and helps us find solutions. A re-creation of the family energy field happens when the client selects representatives from the group to represent the members of his/her family and places them in a space in relationship to each other. As soon as these people are set, they begin to tap into the family “field” and experience the feelings, thoughts and even sensations of the persons they are standing for. With my guidance as the facilitator, more representatives may be added to the constellation until resolution is achieved by acknowledging the unacknowledged and handing back the carried energy to its original holder. Each constellation session is 90 minutes long and requires at least 8-10 participants.

 

Body, Mind, and Spirit Psychotherapy:

 A Synergistic Approach

Farinaz Amirsehi, LPC, NCC, RN

Licensed Professional Counselor