Family constellations workshop

Cost: Issue Holder           £50
          Representative       £10

It's not easy to describe this powerful systemic approach; it frequently makes a real difference where years of personal, individual therapy has failed to move things along. Constellations help to reveal and resolve problems (entanglements) within the family system. They are invaluable for a range of concerns, children and teenager troubles (the parent can come along alone and do the work) chronic health problems, difficult relationships with a partner or family, or simply 'I'm not happy and I don't know why'.

You are not required to share yourself and reveal your concerns unless you come as an issue holder, hence it's a great way to 'safely' get to see what this approach is about, and what it can offer you. We work on only four issues in the day. Having said this, however, of course the more you feel able to share and participate, the more you and others will benefit.

Participants generally find the approach moving and inspiring, and even if you don't book to work on your own particular issue, you'll almost certainly be touched and enlightened by the in-depth work of others. If you want to discuss whether this is a good workshop for you, you're welcome to call and talk to me before committing to attend.

If you bring along a stamped addressed envelope I'm happy to send you a CPD certificate.

What happens at the workshop?

The group sit in a circle of chairs and, with guidance, the space in the centre is used to set up the constellation. A constellation creates a 'living map' of the issue, and allows for hidden dynamics and fresh solutions to surface and be explored. The new look at challenging problems often quickly leads to remarkable insights, and hence possibilities for resolution.

To begin each piece of work, the person who is bringing their issue briefly describes the difficulty they are facing. We clarify the concern, and what they long for, and I'll then suggest they choose group members to represent various elements of the system being explored. 

Without speaking, the issue holder guides each representative to stand in relationship to one another in a way that resonates with their deepest inner sense of the relationship dynamics. As a result a pattern is created, an external picture of an inner, often unconscious, image. This is the start of a constellation and, even at this early stage, often reveals fresh insights and perspectives. The form of the rest of the constellation depends on the issue, the representatives feedback, my observations as facilitator, and the kind of solution available within the system.

During the constellation I gather information and insights from the representatives - they will often experience distinct and precise sensations. As the dynamics gradually become clearer, I am able to work with the representatives to bring reconnection and resolution to the whole system. This new image of resolution often provides the issue holder with new information and, more important still, with the energy and impetus for change.

As part of the group, you may bring an issue, or you will be invited to take part in other peoples constellations as a representative. Participants are invariably moved by the work and find that, even if they don't bring their own issue, they nonetheless bring more insight and clarity to their personal concerns.

Each constellation can take just a few minutes or over an hour, depending on the issue. 

Some feedback from participants:

I was part of the holding group and the effect was still very profound. A sense of unity and resolution had evolved by the closure of each issue. The potential for healing and growth is limitless with this unique work. Cathy J

I knew I wanted to go, but I didn't know what I wanted to bring to the session. However by taking part, the issue uncovered itself and I was truly amazed at how deeply the acting of it out affect me and helped me to release and face parts of myself I had forgotten about. Although I had not met any of the people attending the day, by the end I felt a bond with what we had shared and provided each other with. Jess

I absolutely loved working with you. Your quiet strength, love and insight contained each of us individually, and left me touched and changed by others' experiences. I loved it - and look forward to the next chance to work with you - perhaps on one of my issues next time. MA