When we look closely at life, it is revealed that there are many systems that inter-link to each other. An obvious example would be the way our physical bodies work. We have many interrelated systems – a skeletal system, digestive system, circulatory system, musculature system and neural system that depend on each other.
In this same way, we have communications systems between people. From a problem-solving, enhanced-communication, or healing perspective, it is useful to understand the relationships within and between our communication systems. The difficulty is how to explore these communication systems without our personal biases. We need a method for looking at any particular system to understand how it works with the biases removed.
The Bert Hellinger method of family constellation is a process for doing that. His phenomenological approach offers a way to look at any system and reliably reveal patterns and predict the actions of families, teams and communities. It is a method of bringing out objective truth and often reveals information contrary to our expected beliefs or values – one of the reasons it is called phenomenology. This process also proposes an opportunity to resolve longstanding violations within the system being examined.
A family, team, or community may consist of people that operated well individually but do not integrate well as a system. Consequently, the whole family, team or community may suffer from this lack of integration. Systems Thinking helps people view the world, including its organizations, from a perspective of structures, patterns, rather than as isolated events. This perspective helps to identify the root causes of issues that affect the entire system and can determine how to change them with lasting resolution. A constellation is a here-and-now spatial display of a system with people who each represent part of that system.
About Ed
Ed Ferrigan, M.A., SEP, CPCC has been facilitating individuals, couples and teams since 1985. He has been mentored and certified by some of the best in the psychology-personal development field including: Antioch University; The Hendricks Institute; Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute; Human Systems Institute; Michael Grinder; 4 Winds Shamanic Training; and various Mantek Chia’s Healing Tao certifications.
Ed is a Kriya Yoga practitioner and has a refined intuition. He is known for quickly identifying core challenges while using the best models out there to resolve your block permanently. The Illumination process, is the ideal solution for removing energy stuck in your luminous energy field and the chakra system that may be contributing to your ailments.
He is often referred by doctors and other therapist across the USA.
You Can Benefit From The Family Constellation Process
The family constellation can provide you something that no other healing modality can provide - A Systemic Perspective of what is keeping you or your loved ones stuck. Participating in the family constellation process can give you insight in minutes that can take years to uncover in other processes. Oftentimes participants report that it was like someone lifted a curse in the family or a relationship. The Family Constellation process now has facilitators across the globe. The process is used to discover hidden energy signatures that run across human systems from generation to generation. Even companies use them to uncover hidden dynamics. The possible insights and healing you can gain from a family constellation are priceless. See below to when the next constellation will be. Consider getting on the notification list.
Patterns that don't stop even after years of therapy
Constellation phenomena are so contrary to our common assumptions about how we have been conditioned to believe, that they can seem unbelievable. To fully empower the potential of systems thinking and the constellation approach we must adopt the posture of stepping out of our current beliefs or theories and staying open to whatever is possible. We must take the posture of being open to other possible phenomena that cannot be explained. It requires us to embrace the experience rather than the why. This posture moves us above belief and scientific level thinking into open-end inquiry, and the love of truth - often taking us beyond the explainable. It de-fragments our thinking, leaving open possibility to full resolution in whatever form it needs to show up. It paves the way to being open to the vastness that systems-thinking offers us, knowing that we cannot always find comfort in knowing why something occurred. In practice, embracing this postures often allows us to expose false beliefs, assumptions, values and stories we carry that holds us back. 1. phenomenological - solutions from direct observation rather than interpretation, or speculation from past stories of beliefs.
How It Works
Imagine a large circle of people, who may or may not know one another, gathered sitting in chairs. At one end is a facilitator sitting next to an empty chair. When a person is ready to do a constellation s/he will sit in the chair and discuss only the facts (not interpretations) of the problem s/he is having. The problem is typically related to issues that are showing up in relationships but is not limited to this. (For example you may also want to use a constellation to map out a tough decision you are trying to make or a sickness you are encumbered with.) It is helpful to know as much about your genealogy as possible. The facilitator will begin to form one or several hypotheses to explore and test based on the information given. The facilitator will then instruct the client to select people from the group to represent members of the constellation about to be formed possibly including a representative for him/herself. Once representatives are selected the client will then place the individuals in their relationship to each other as the client perceives the issue being looked at. This is an intuitive process that requires the client to be tuned in and present in the moment. This configuration forms what is known as the field. There is emphasis on facts because we want to create a field that is not contaminated with speculation, conjecture or false beliefs. The facilitator wants as natural a field as possible to emerge so the hypothesis can be tested with as little interference as possible. The more story you provide, the further it takes us away from possible truth that may emerge in the field once the constellation is set. We want to influence the people playing the roles as little as possible. The less they know the better. (continues below)
What To Expect
People standing in as representatives of the system will experience bodily reactions. Typically, representatives are clear that these feelings and sensations are not from their personal life experience but rather are part of the dynamics operating from the system they are representing. Sometimes, you, the representative, can have a parallel situation in your own life. This is a great opportunity to possibly gain insight into your own issue. The goal of the facilitator is to create resolution where the Hellinger Orders of Love have been violated in the system. When resolution is complete healing begins across the system. This points to another systemic benefit to phenomenology in that it is not uncommon for change to occur to affiliate members not present at the constellation. Facilitators often hear later reports from participants that a person being represented in the system suddenly changed in a way that supported how the constellation played out in its resolution of the dilemma.
What can I expect after the Family Constellation?
Participants report many experiences. Maybe a relative, parent or long lost sister suddenly shows up to make amends. While there is no guarantee, I've actually had people report back that their illnesses completely disappeared. In general, you may feel a sense of completion or relief that something that was encumbering you is no longer there.
Do I need permission from relatives to be used as representatives in the constellation?
It is a good idea if you think it would make the constellation flow more smoothly. However, we are all connected in this universe, so if you go in with loving intentions, I suspect that permission is not always essential.,
Is there a difference between doing a live session versus a remote session?
Both are powerful. Energy doesn't care about time and space. I prefer the field when its in close proximity to me as the facilitator. Many people that want to do constellations, also have early developmental trauma. When we are in close proximity, I find the work of constellations, along with focused attachment processing, can create a permanent shift faster.
Can multiple family members attend?
Absolutely. Often, we find that when family members, partners and even relatives are present and see what is happening they have far more empathy for the situation. The more the better.
What It's Not
Constellation phenomenon is not therapy. It is not a catch-all solution that replaces therapy. It is a method of bringing out objective truth so reality can be dealt with and healed when possible. We find to reap the most benefit it is best to let the experience permeate in your nervous system for a few weeks before being discussed. There is more happening in the system than what we can possibly discuss and find words for. Allow this full spectrum of knowledge to take on the form it needs to without trying to shape it with our words or excitement.
