Exploring a Unique Approach to Healing
When it comes to therapeutic approaches, Family Constellations stands out as a distinctive and often intriguing option. But is it a legitimate form of therapy? To answer this question, we need to delve into what Family Constellations is, how it works, and what experts in the field have to say.
a 3-D Healing Exploration
Family Constellations are a way of three dimensionalizing elements of a question or problem, where the full system can be seen and experienced. This modality is often used for ancestral recovery, and allows the person receiving the constellation, the Issue Holder, to take unprecedented giant steps toward clarity and resolution of past wounds.
We often do this work when we are together in a large circle, but the work can also be done on-line, with drawings showing the layout of the issue, and with the on-line participants each holding a different element of the question that is under review.
Sarah Peyton: A Neuroscience Educator and Master Constellator
Before we explore the legitimacy of Family Constellations, I’d like to introduce my teacher and mentor Sarah Peyton. She is not only a neuroscience educator but also a master Constellator and author. Peyton’s unique background allows her to bridge the worlds of science and healing in a profound way.
As a neuroscience educator, Peyton delves into the intricacies of the brain and how it shapes our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Her expertise provides a solid foundation for understanding the human mind and what helps us heal from trauma, abuse and tattered threads of broken relationships. And also what the scientific research actually says works for our healing. She runs a monthly webinar on Constellations and Neuroscience. https://sarahpeyton.com/product/monthly-neuroscience-and-constellations-series-2022-2023-supporting-clients-with-diagnoses-with-constellations/
On the other hand, Peyton is also a master constellator. This means she has extensive experience and skill in facilitating Family Constellations sessions, in person and online with huge groups. Her mastery of this therapeutic approach enables her to offer insights into its effectiveness and legitimacy.
Family Constellations: More Than Therapy
Family Constellations, often simply called Constellations, or Systemic Constellations, is not your traditional form of therapy, I don’t call it therapy. Instead, it’s a unique method for gaining insights into your family system and personal challenges. It originated with Bert Hellinger, a German psychotherapist, and has since evolved into various approaches practiced worldwide.
Here’s a crucial distinction: Family Constellations is not therapy in the conventional sense. Instead, it’s a therapeutic tool. It doesn’t seek to diagnose or treat specific mental health disorders. Instead, it helps individuals map out their thoughts, beliefs, and family patterns to gain new perspectives and insights.
So, is it legit? The answer depends on how you define “legit.” If you’re looking for a traditional therapeutic approach for diagnosing and treating clinical conditions, Family Constellations may not fit the bill. However, if you seek a unique and experiential way to explore your life’s challenges and gain profound insights, Constellations could be incredibly valuable.
The Therapeutic Value of Family Constellations
While not therapy in the traditional sense, Family Constellations can be profoundly therapeutic. Here’s why:
- Exploring Family Dynamics: Constellations allow individuals to explore their family dynamics in a three-dimensional, experiential way. By representing family members or elements, participants gain insights into hidden dynamics and unresolved issues.
- Gaining New Perspectives: Through the constellation process, people often see their challenges from different angles. This shift in perspective can be transformative and provide solutions to long-standing issues.
- Healing Past Wounds: Constellations can bring to light unresolved family traumas or wounds that continue to affect the individual. Acknowledging and healing these wounds can be profoundly therapeutic.
- Uncovering Belief Systems: Many of our beliefs and behaviors are rooted in our family systems. Constellations help uncover these hidden belief systems, allowing individuals to choose more consciously how they want to live their lives.
- Building Empathy: When participating as representatives in others’ constellations, individuals often report feeling deep empathy and compassion. This can be a therapeutic experience in itself.
The Role of Neuroscience in Understanding Constellations
Sarah Peyton’s background in neuroscience education adds a valuable layer to the understanding of Family Constellations. While Constellations may seem mysterious and esoteric, neuroscience can shed light on why this approach can be so transformative.
Neuroscience teaches us that our brains are highly adaptable and capable of forming new neural connections throughout life. When individuals engage in Family Constellations, they are essentially rewiring their brains. By experiencing new insights and perspectives, participants create the potential for lasting change.
Moreover, the power of mirror neurons in our brains suggests that when we witness and engage with others’ experiences during Constellations, we can develop a deeper understanding and empathy. This aligns with the therapeutic value of Constellations.
In essence, Family Constellations align with principles of neuroplasticity and empathy that are well-supported by neuroscience.
In Conclusion
So, is Family Constellations therapy legit? It’s not therapy in the traditional sense, but it undeniably offers therapeutic benefits. This unique approach, with its roots in understanding family systems and its potential to rewire the brain and foster empathy, has gained popularity among those seeking profound personal insights and healing.
Sarah Peyton’s expertise as both a neuroscience educator and a master constellator highlights the legitimacy of Family Constellations as a tool for self-discovery and transformation. While it may not be for everyone, those who have experienced its effects firsthand often find it to be a profoundly valuable and legitimate approach to personal growth and healing. Lucy Ascham has trained with The Centre for Systemic Constellations on the Foundation and Applied, and is an Associate with The CSC since 2020. She runs individual Constellation Explorations, workshops and groups.
