Family Constellations

A constellation is an exercise where a deeper awareness can arise regarding your own position in a larger whole. This larger whole can be the family (of origin) but also, for example, a work environment. In a constellation you are looking for the intersection where the larger whole – the family system – and the personal – you yourself – meet. A constellation is primarily a method of looking at a certain question or problem in a different way. During a constellation, the therapist makes use of what metaphysicians refer to as the morphological field. That is a formative and ‘knowing’ field where energetic creation takes place. Science journalist Lynne McTaggart has written a book about it; ‘The Field’ (2003).

Mutual relationships

There is such a thing as a system soul. The family system, or any environment for that matter, is seen as a living organism where mutual relationships are the central focus. These relationships balance each other out and have a natural order. If the inter-relationships in a system are disturbed, problems arise. This happens, for example, when people start to emulate each other’s emotions or behaviour or if someone is singled out due to conflict. It can also happen when peace can’t be made with the passing of a loved one, or when parental changes occur in a newly formed patchwork family.

Mutual connections

We are all part of a family system. Each individual is deeply connected to his or her family and the destiny of the family is closely linked to one’s personal destiny. The position that a child takes in the family affects their behavior, emotions and perception. If this position is not the natural one then confusion occurs. It may be that a child, out of love for the parents, is going to ‘bear’ their unresolved problems or sorrows. The child felt that it had to take care of the (emotional) well-being of the parent. Then confusion of position has arisen because the child took the parent position and violated the ‘law’ of the natural order. Children can no longer be their child-self and don’t learn to develop – or take care of – their own feelings and needs. If parents do not carry their own emotions themselves, they lose the respect and authority over their children. This distorted relationship can cause disturbed self-esteem and its adverse effects can be felt much later in life. Also, unprocessed traumas of the past can negatively work through generations afterwards through behavioral patterns and beliefs.

Potential for change

The moment of the constellation is transitory and the issues raised are not the whole truth but only certain aspects of it. It is a method that appeals to feelings, intuition and emotions, rather than the rational. A constellation has the potential to bring about changes on the subconscious level. The purpose of a constellation is to explore your situation from a place of balance. Together with the therapist, you take a look at the layers underneath a problem. It is a process on soul level. You can do a constellation at Natural Health Curaçao, as part of a therapy trajectory. You can, therefore, gain insight into your questions or relationships and what your place and part has been. That way, a constellation may pave the way to solving a problem.