Constellating


I was introduced to systemic work and constellations when I had a life question myself. One that I could not answer by going to regular therapy. I got the answers I needed by doing a constellation.     

I was thoroughly impressed. Not only did constellation work bring me the insights I needed to move forward, it did so in a surprisingly simple and intuitive way.    

Shortly after, I started to represent in other people’s constellations. But I wanted to know more. Which is why, over the course of multiple years, through education and extensive experience, I specialized in guiding constellations. And now I host constellations myself. It is truly humbling to be able to support other people’s processes and connect them with the knowledge they need to continue on their life’s path. 
   

colorful pieces of chess positioned at random on a red table with a light blue background
Image shot from below, with five people holding each other's forearms

Technique


Constellations are based in what we call systemic phenomenological work. In doing so, we enable participants to acces the knowing field. let’s take a closer look at these concepts. 

Systemic means that the relation between people and events is center stage. Not the individual, but the bigger picture is up for examination. Secondly, constellations are phenomenological , which means that we work with that which presents itself. Rather than to question everything and use are rationale, we work with whatever emerges. Everything that needs to show itself will show itself, at exactly the right time. This also means that it is impossible to hold a timer next to a process. It is finished when it is finished. 

By embracing this logic, we get access to what is commonly known as the knowing field . The knowing field is the consciousness of the system we tap into, which enables us to channel information. 

Process

1. Roles


There are three main roles when it comes to constellations. The client has a question or a theme they would like to examine. A representative represents someone or something in the constellated system of the client. And then there is the guide, who is the process leader.

2. Preparation


Before a constellation day, the guide has an interview with each client. During this conversation, the theme of the constellation is specified, as well as the elements of the starting constellation. 

Two people sitting at a white table while one is interviewing the other

3. Check-in


On constellation day itself, the guide checks with the client if the theme and the list of elements to be constellated is still up to date. If need be, changes are made. This happens in front of the group and is the starting point of the technique. 

4. Starting constellation


When all is well, the client will, one by one, start to appoint representatives. The client stands behind them, with hands on the shoulders, while saying the words: “You now represent …” and then moves them intuitively to their place in the room. This will continue until all the relevant elements are constellated. 

5. Motion


Now the process of gaining information can begin. As of this moment, the client has a passive role. The guide’s role is to ensure the process is carefully managed. It is quite common that motion appears. The guide will check with the client regularly. The process will continue until the main theme of the client is addressed, and sufficient insight has been obtained. 

Stars in the sky right after sunset captured with a slow lense
Group of diverse people, placing their hands on top of each other, shot from above

6. Closing time

When finished, the client discharges the representatives. With the hands on the shoulders, the client says: “thank you for representing …, now you are … again”. If someone had multiple roles, they would have to be discharged for every role.

Then everyone walks it off and sits down. The session finishes with a short round of closing statements. 
 

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