What constellation work can be depends not only on the chosen approach and focus but also on the background of the practitioner. Here’s an insight into what I, as a therapist, understand by constellation work and what you can expect from working with me.
As a designer, I learned early on the importance of observing closely. A comprehensive and penetrating perspective is not limited to the rational qualities of our left brain, which might be simulated by a machine. Instead, it includes emotions, internal and external connections, and, above all, our human capacity for resonance. This is precisely what constellation work is about. What is examined and “set up” in each case depends on the issue at hand.
If early life influences are the focus, it might be helpful to set up one’s family of origin. If unresolved grief is the issue, representing a deceased loved one can bring clarity. If the focus is on the effects of emotional trauma, internal psychological structures can be mapped out to facilitate working with them. The remarkable aspect of constellation work is that we can ask others to resonate with these systemic elements on our behalf. The less they know about our personal history, the more unbiased this resonance can be.
The goal of constellation work is to gain a new perspective and give space to previously suppressed or ignored aspects and their associated emotions. This process can be profoundly healing because only what we acknowledge and feel can we begin to change. In a group setting, this happens through the participation of “resonance givers,” often called representatives in family constellations. My experience as a therapist helps me recognize and interpret internal psychological dynamics. Ultimately, the aim is to dissolve blockages and allow internal and external energies to flow freely again.
What does constellation work look like in practice? As I now primarily work with groups, I’ll describe the group process here. Every session starts with a concern or issue brought by the person wishing to do constellation work. Identifying and formulating this concern in advance can be a critical part of the process and shouldn’t be underestimated. My role at this stage is simply to create space for the intention and ensure that it’s communicated clearly to the group, so everyone understands the focus and what they will resonate with. To make this explicit, the intention is written on the board.
Then, together, we decide how to proceed. As mentioned earlier, it’s often useful to start by mapping out internal psychological structures before addressing external factors or systems like family dynamics. The person initiating the constellation selects individuals from the group to resonate with these elements. In the initial phase, the aim is to depict the current state, making visible the structures underlying the intention.
As the constellation progresses, these structures can shift, and a new inner and outer order can emerge in alignment with the intention, to the extent possible at that moment. What makes this process unique is the collective emotional intelligence of the group, which can contribute to the work. I hold the space and offer possible interventions, but the inner dynamics and resolutions that unfold are always new and surprising, even to me. This ensures that the process aligns fully with the individual’s intention.
If you’d like to experience constellation work for yourself, feel free to join us. The next group session is Saturday, December 7th, from 12:30 PM. Please register in advance at praxis@gollmer.net or via WhatsApp at 0162-7267679.
Art by Rae Maté