Bert Hellinger and His Unique Approach
Family Constellations, a therapeutic approach known for revealing hidden dynamics in family systems, was developed by German psychotherapist Bert Hellinger. His journey to creating this groundbreaking method was anything but ordinary. Hellinger combined his deep interest in psychology, philosophy, and spiritual practices with influences he gained from his time spent as a missionary with the Zulu people in South Africa. This rich blend of experiences formed the foundation of the Family Constellations method, which he used extensively across Germany and Austria and beyond.
Hellinger’s Early Work and Influence of the Zulu Tribe
Before developing Family Constellations, Bert Hellinger had a diverse career that shaped his future work. After serving as a German soldier in World War II, he spent several years as a Catholic missionary in South Africa, living and working with the Zulu people. During his time with the Zulus, Hellinger was deeply influenced by their communal way of life and their focus on respect for ancestors. The Zulu’s strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of family and community resonated with Hellinger and planted the seeds for his later work on systemic relationships.
One of the key aspects of Zulu tradition that Hellinger observed was the importance placed on honoring ancestors. The Zulus believe that the unresolved issues of ancestors can affect the well-being of current and future generations. Hellinger saw this belief as parallel to the Western psychological concept of transgenerational trauma—where emotional and psychological issues are passed down from one generation to the next. He incorporated this understanding into the foundation of Family Constellations, emphasizing the need to heal family dynamics not just for the individual, but for the entire family system, including previous generations.
The Development of Family Constellations
Upon returning to Europe, Hellinger shifted his focus to psychotherapy, studying under various psychological disciplines, including psychoanalysis, Gestalt therapy, and family systems therapy. These methods, along with his time in South Africa, shaped Hellinger’s emerging belief that individuals are deeply affected by unresolved family issues, even if they are unconscious of them.
In the 1970s, Hellinger began to formulate what would become Family Constellations therapy. The method involved bringing family members or representatives of family members into a therapeutic setting, where they physically and emotionally represented the dynamics of the family. These representatives, sometimes participants in a group session or objects in one-on-one settings, would reveal hidden or unspoken emotional entanglements through their bodily sensations, emotions, or movements. By creating a living map of the family system, Hellinger believed that unresolved traumas and entanglements could be addressed, and healing could begin.
Popularization in Germany, Austria, and Poland
Hellinger’s work gained significant traction in Germany, where he began to conduct workshops and trainings. Family Constellations quickly spread across Austria and Poland, countries where the effects of generational trauma from wars and displacement were still deeply felt. His workshops were particularly well-received in these regions because of their long histories of political upheaval, war, and family separation. The idea that the unresolved traumas of previous generations could still be influencing current family members resonated with people seeking healing from these legacies.
Throughout his career, Hellinger continued to refine his methods, exploring various forms of constellations, including those dealing with organizational structures and broader societal issues. His work expanded beyond the family unit to examine the way larger systems operate, a development that birthed what we now call Systemic Constellations. This broader application allowed individuals and organizations to explore the unconscious dynamics at play in business, communities, and society at large.
Hellinger’s Legacy
Bert Hellinger’s work remains influential today. Though controversial at times due to the unconventional nature of the approach, his Family Constellations method has been embraced by therapists, coaches, and individuals across the world. Many practitioners have expanded upon Hellinger’s original ideas, integrating modern psychological and neuroscientific insights into the practice.
In summary, Family Constellations are the result of Hellinger’s diverse experiences—his time with the Zulu tribe, his study of psychotherapy, and his understanding of the deep connections between family members across generations. His work has provided countless individuals with insights into their family dynamics and has led to profound healing for those dealing with the effects of intergenerational trauma. Through his workshops in Germany, Austria, Poland, and beyond, Hellinger’s legacy continues to impact the world of therapy and systemic healing.
