Systemic Constellations Workshop

“A living system is defined not by the individual parts, but by the relationships between them. The flow of energy. The flow of love.”

- Bert Hellinger

Systemic family constellations as a method was developed by Bert Hellinger in Germany.

The basic premise of Systemic Constellations is that our families are ‘systems’, and that we are all connected to our ancestors and other parts of the system, and their experiences, in some way. Sometimes, we can become entangled in patterns of behaviour and emotions that are not our own, but rather have been passed down to us through our family lineage and wider system.

These entanglements can manifest as difficulties in our relationships, career, health, or even in our sense of purpose or identity. They may appear as symptoms of anxiety, depression, addiction, or chronic illness. Regardless of the form they take, these entanglements can hold us back from living our lives to the fullest.

Systemic Constellations are based on the idea that by revealing and acknowledging these patterns, we can begin to untangle ourselves from them. This process can help us to gain a greater understanding of our own lives and the lives of those who came before us. It can also help us to release any burdens or traumas that we may have been carrying that are not our own.  We can be the ones that can break the cycle.

The workshop will begin with time for setting up a safe space for all participants, a whole group ancestral meditation and opening circle.

There are different ways to participate in the workshop. As a witness, as a representative, and as an issue holder. Through representing in and witnessing other people’s constellations we participate in our own personal work, as well as developing systemic insight and understanding.

Issue holders are invited to share their issue with the facilitator and to choose representatives from the group for different parts of the system they will explore. Their willingness to bring their own personal family issues enables the whole group to engage with their personal work and learning.

Members of the group may become representatives and asked to stand in for family members, ancestors, or even emotions or aspects of the issue-holder.  It’s not ‘role play’ or acting, and no experience is needed. In a constellation circle we learn how to listen to our bodies through representing, we learn to be in the present moment with what is and without any judgement or interpretation of what is happening. As facilitator, I will guide the process.

During the workshop I may also incorporate some Systemic Ritual - Systemic Ritual combines systemic family constellations method with shamanic ritual to create a healing and resourcing process that allows us to connect with wider ancestral fields, their resources, strength and gifts.

There will be no guarantee that everyone wanting to work as an issue holder will be able to have a personal constellation on the day. As facilitator I will see who wants to work and aim to so 4-5 constellations throughout the day. It's usually the case that even if you bring an issue that we do not tend to on the day, the workshop space will still provide a profound and healing experience.

"I had the amazing opportunity to sit with Justine as an issue holder in a family constellation session she offered last year. I didn’t know what I was stepping into but knew the love and support being received by Justine, all would be okay. Well it was more than okay it was an incredible experience. Lots of tears, lots of understanding of my family and what came before me that was no longer mine or my children’s to carry. The magic of the field and how accurate the chosen participants were who represented family members was amazing. Justine had a very empathetic and inquisitive way of asking the right questions." - Lorraine Ironside

The day will run from 10am- 5pm with breaks - bring a packed lunch or there are local eateries right at the venue.