Why use constellations?
We are all interconnected to others – our ancestors, our family, friendships, colleagues. Our connections give our lives meaning and belonging. However, these bonds can create entanglements which can affect our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well being. Energy becomes stuck making it difficult to change, heal or let go of patterns which are unhealthy or harmful for ourselves and others.
Constellation work can help us to explore the dynamics and entanglements, within these various systems, underlying our personal difficulties and give insights and new perspectives enabling us to move forward in our lives.
What happens in a constellation?
Every facilitator will have their individual way of working that is unique to them. However, most usually in a group constellation, people will bring an issue or problem which they want to work on. The facilitator will usually talk a little with the client to get clarity on what has brought them here and what they hope to achieve through the work in that session.
The facilitator will then ask the the client to choose group members of the group as representatives for people or other elements of the client’s system. The various feelings and physical experiences that arise in the representatives give the facilitator and client important information about the underlying hidden aspects of the situation/problem.
The representaives are not playing a role or acting a story. They are being affected by the energy field created during a constellation, known as ‘the knowing field’. Changes in this field have a deep resonance on an emotional level that are long lasting and can bring about radical change in the client’s life.
From insights gained and experienced during the constellation the client may feel the issue has been resolved or they feel their perception of the issue has changed. They usually feel clearer about how to move forwards.
Representatives and others who take part in the session are all important and essential to the work, whether they bring their own issue or not. They often find they experience insights into their own issues while representing and/or being witness to the work. The work benefits all present.
Because it is an organic process there is no set time for a constellation – it can take a few minutes or over an hour. In a day workshop there can usually be 4 to 5 constellations.
Testimonies from past workshop participants:
“I’m not sure what to say about the workshop except that as a first experience of Systemic Constellations I found it deeply moving and incredibly profound. I think that fact that it is so somatic means that it bypasses the conscious mind, and in doing so enables healing at a deep level to occur. I feel really excited the potential and healing possibilities of this modality and I can’t wait for the next workshop
I also loved the sensitive and skilful way Fiona facilitated, and the leadership she showed in terms of how she role-modeled showing-up, being present, authentic and vulnerable – which I think helped the group to engage with and commit to the process. R – Trainee Midwife
“I have attended two constellation workshops with Fiona which have been some of the the most powerful therapeutic experiences I’ve had. Each workshop has created a shift internally and in my family system. Fiona provides a safe and grounding space to do deep work. If your family is anything like mine (ie like most families!) then I recommend attending Fiona’s workshops. I’ve really enjoyed the workshops and I plan to attend more in the future” N
“I went to the workshop last weekend and it was brilliant. I was made very welcome by Fiona. We worked in a small group and did some very powerful work throughout the day.. I’ve done some constellation work before down south but I’m so pleased to find someone doing this amazing work in the north now. Constellation work really impacts the way you look at situations that are troubling you and gives you a new way of working through life’s difficulties. As a psychotherapist I have found it helpful with the complexities of my own past trauma. Will definitely be back for more.” Nina – psychotherapist
If you have an issue you want to work on then try this. The key difference for me between other types of counselling/therapies and constellation work is that constellation work allows you to see and experience change. Experiences are what change us. You come away from a workshop with insight into positive change which you could spend years working on in more conventional therapies. Plus Fiona is really nice and will guide you safely through. Maggie – Speech and language therapist