Meaning Making Through Family Constellation Work

Abstract

Constellation Work is a method that helps us see the invisible dynamics operating in our family system, giving us a glimpse into the spiritual life of the family. It is based on the premise that symptoms or negative patterns in the present often have their roots in unprocessed trauma or loss of previous generations. Shifting perspective through this method reduces shame, increases clients’ curiosity about their place and purpose in life, brings peace and understanding to client’s suffering and that of others in their family, aligns the client with the family soul, and allows love to live in the family lineage. Following a brief description of Constellation work and the historical context of its development, the author will explain how she became involved in this work. On her journey to heal herself from perfectionism and pleasing which resulted in chronic anxiety, physical symptoms and relationship problems, she confronted chapters in her family history through Constellation work that held both the source of shame as well as the seeds of personal redemption. The chapter will close with case examples that suggest how the theories and process of Constellation work may be integrated in a variety of clinical settings.