Family Constellations is a therapeutic approach expanded on and made widely popular by the innovative and at times controversial German psychotherapist Bert Hellinger. In this unique model of transgenerational healing, the members of the Circle are given the opportunity to explore the deeper, unconscious dynamics which occur within their family systems. In so doing they become aware of how these can often contribute to the challenges they experience in their everyday lives. A wide range of problems, which go beyond family issues, can be addressed successfully through constellation work.
These include:
relationship difficulties illnesses and diseases dealing with the effects of abusefeelings of not belongingdepression and anxietycareer issues and many othersFamily Constellations
For more information:
Involvement in a Family Constellation workshop happens at 3 levels:
As a member of the Circle you will experience the unique healing energy that is created, and witness other people's constellations. It is an "eye- opening" experience, and you will probably never look at the nature of family relationships the same again.
You may "represent" a member of someone's family in their constellation. Without doing anything - simply through intention - you will take on the thoughts and feelings of the family member or ancestor you are "representing". Through your feedback, the facilitator will be able to move the constellation towards a healing resolution.
You may do a personal constellation dealing with an issue that is of concern to you. This is probably unlike anything you may have experienced, and is literally "beyond words".
At a Workshop
Before Attending a Workshop
Before your first visit to The Family Healing Circle, it may be helpful for you to know some basic facts about your family background. For example:
Were there any special circumstances surrounding your birth? Were you in hospital at any time during your first seven years? Where are your parents and grandparents from? How many siblings do they have? Have there been any early or unusual deaths in the family? Have there been any adoptions, miscarriages or abortions? Does any family member carry a heavy sense of guilt for some reason, or has there been any injustice that you know of in the family? Has anyone become the “black sheep” of the family? Have there been any crimes committed by family members or to a family member? Did your parents or grandparents have any previous significant relationships, marriages or engagements prior to getting married? Were there any noteworthy circumstances? (e.g. emigration, injury, births out of wedlock, adoption, etc.) Have there been any blows of fate in this extended family structure? (e.g. suicides, car accidents, wartime deaths etc).
When booking for a workshop you will be sent a questionnaire containing these questions. This is filled in as far as possible and returned to me before the workshop. I am then able to do some preparation for your constellation, and to keep the details of your family private from the group, should that be desirable.
Please be sensitive when enquiring about these matters as they are often associated with traumatic memories. And also remember that we attend a Family Constellation workshop with the intention of offering a healing opportunity to our own Soul. We do not have the right to interfere in the affairs of anyone else - including our own family members.
Shamanic Constellations Training Intensive
Bert Hellinger, who developed and grew Family Constellations into the widely recognized modality that it has become worldwide, was strongly impacted by the 16 years he spent in South Africa. As a Catholic missionary priest based at Marionhill in Natal, he was exposed to the Zulu language and culture. Hellinger became intrigued by some of the parallels between the Catholic Mass and some of the indigenous rituals - as well as the close relationship the Zulus enjoyed with their ancestors. This proved to be one of the catalysts that encouraged Hellinger to leave the priesthood and to explore a wide range of therapeutic interventions and systems in the decades that followed.
From its early days, therefore, Family Constellations has been strongly rooted in its Shamanic context. Thie modality also lends itself to incorporating the unique strengths and interests of the individual facilitator. Two international facilitators who have brought their ancestral and shamanic wisdom and experiences to the work are Francesca Boring-Mason and Daan van Kampenhout. Having experienced both of them at work, I could feel the natural synergy that exists between Family Constellations and traditional Shamanic rituals. Our experiences with different tribes during the Shamanic Weekends at Matlapeng also exposed us to this understanding.
My own interest in and studies of Shamanism during the last 10 years - and in particular the Shamanic Death experience outlined in my editorial - now strongly inform the direction in which I want to take my own work. I am therefore going to be calling them Shamanic Constellations.
It seems appropriate that the first opportunity to experience this new expression of my work be given to my colleagues and clients in South Africa.
I am therefore offering a three day Shamanic Constellations Training Intensive in Johannesburg in October this year. This Intensive will primarily be for those who have experienced Family Constellations before; are facilitators who would like the space to do their own processing, learn some new ideas and notch up some training hours; those who feel drawn to Shamanic wisdom; and anyone who has the courage and sincere desire to move through the Threshold into a new understanding of themselves.
As we no longer have Earth Walk, I am awaiting confirmation of the venue, but it will probably be in the northern area of Johannesburg somewhere.
I have kept the cost below the traditional pricing for training workshops, in an effort to keep affordable for everyone. If you would like to participate but don't have the necessary funds at this time, please chat to me about an alternative arrangement.
I really look forward to working with you again!
Here are the available details:
Mon 17th to Wed 19th October 2011
9.30 for 10am to 5pm daily
Venue in JHB to be announced
Fee: R2700
Photo by Bridget Corke
The name "Family Constellations" sometimes leads people to think they have to attend a workshop together with the family members with whom they have issues. This is NOT the case. The name simply refers to the focus of the work, and most people attend workshops on their own. Of course, family members and couples are most welcome to experience this work together, and it can have a profoundly healing effect when they do. Sometimes other family members are requested to leave the room during a person's constellaton, if the client requests that option.
It's impossible to say how many times it is necessary to attend. Some people come once and are able to shift the issue they have presented, while others have deep traumas which may take several constellations to heal. It is best to experience one constellation and then allow some integration time before returning. For some this may be weeks, while for others it may be months. Occasionally someone finds the work too challenging, or they are not yet ready to embrace the new "picture" that is presented. It takes a determination for real change, and courage, to do this work - but the rewards are truly tremendous.
Family Constellations Workshops
Date: Saturday 15th October 2011 - Fully booked
Saturday 15th October 2011 - Fully bookedVenue:Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South AfricaFee: R600 for constellators
R600 for constellators R200 for representativesDate: Sunday 16th October 2011 - Fully booked
Sunday 16th October 2011 - Fully bookedVenue:Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South AfricaFee: R600 for constellators
R600 for constellators R200 for representativesDate: Saturday 22nd October 2011
Saturday 22nd October 2011Venue:Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South AfricaFee: R600 for constellators
R600 for constellators R200 for representativesShamanic Constellations Training Intensive
Date: Mon 17th to Wed 19th October 2011
Mon 17th to Wed 19th October 2011Venue:Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, South AfricaFee: R2700
R2700An indepth training experience for both new and experienced facilitators.
Telephone: +44(0)1242 580608
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