What is a Systemic Constellation?

Written By: Gayle Bohlman, LCSW-C

When you look to the night sky and see a constellation such as the Big Dipper you are seeing individual stars that are all part of a larger system and that system is clustered together in a visible way. Systemic Constellations are a way to represent any system that we are one part of and visually represent all of the parts of that system.

I have been exploring this therapeutic method originated by Bert Hellinger. It offers so much insight that working with an individual client alone may not reveal. When we look in on things from the perspective of what is included in the system, what might be missing from the system, and how the parts of the system are oriented to and in relationship with the other parts of the system some clarity can arise in what systemic change might be needed to promote individual healing and growth.

For example, imagine a woman trying to find herself in her current life

circumstances. If she could constellate the women ancestors that came before her, what insight might she have from their experiences and wisdom, and what resources might she feel as she allowed herself to feel the support of those standing behind her?

Here is a constellation exercise you could try on your own. Imagine a problem you are seeking to solve, a decision or choice you are trying to make, or a repeating pattern you are trying to change. Choose 3 objects, each to represent a part of this system. One object represents the problem, issue or pattern. The second object represents that which supports or resources the resolution. The third object represents that which opposes or prevents resolution. As you sit with this constellation of objects allow yourself to feel into each of the objects and just notice what arises within. You may have a thought, a feeling, an association or image which will offer insight or possibilities. If we were working therapeutically, we might then make some movement or rearranging in the objects, or bring in some additional object to represent some resource that is needed, or something that has been left out that belongs to this system.