Family constellations are a form of therapy that has gained popularity in recent years, especially in the field of psychology and emotional well-being. However, there are conflicting opinions about the effectiveness and scientific validity of this therapeutic approach. In this article, we will explore in detail what family constellations are, how they are carried out, what theoretical foundations support them and what criticisms have been made of them from the academic and scientific field.
Origin and foundations of family constellations
Family constellations were developed by Bert Hellinger, a German philosopher and therapist, at the end of the 20th century. Hellinger observed and participated in rituals of Zulu tribes in Southern Africa, where hierarchies and family dynamics were clearly displayed through the spatial arrangement of the participants. These observations led him to develop the family constellation technique, which proposes that a person's emotional and psychological problems have their origin in the family genealogical tree.
According to the theory of family constellations, each individual You are strongly influenced by your family members, both present and past, and by the patterns of behavior, beliefs, and traumas that have been passed down through generations. It is postulated that, by identifying and reorganizing these invisible family dynamics, people can heal traumas, overcome emotional obstacles and achieve greater well-being.
What does a family constellation session consist of?
A typical family constellation session is usually carried out in a group, although they can also be carried out individually. The therapist, known as a facilitator, invites participants to represent the members of the client's family, as well as to place them in the space according to the family dynamics being explored.
For example, If a person is exploring conflicts with their parents, the facilitator will ask participants to represent the parents, the client, and other relevant family members. Next, participants arrange themselves in the space according to their sensations, emotions or intuitions, which supposedly reveal hidden patterns or underlying conflicts in the family.
The facilitator guides the session through questions, emotional movements and explorations, with the aim of identifying and releasing possible invisible loyalties, unresolved traumas or dysfunctional patterns in family dynamics. It is expected that, by bringing these hidden dynamics to light, the consultant can generate positive changes in their life and relationships.
Criticism and questioning of family constellations
Despite Due to their popularity and dissemination, family constellations have been the subject of criticism from the scientific community and various mental health professionals. One of the main questions that has been raised is the lack of empirical evidence that supports its therapeutic efficacy. Most of the studies that have been carried out on family constellations lack a rigorous methodological design and adequate control, which makes it difficult to objectively evaluate the results of this therapy.
Ethical aspects and potential dangers
Another point of controversy around family constellations is the vulnerability of the participants and the possibility of generating false memories or distorted interpretations of reality. As it is a therapy that is based on intuition and symbolic interpretation, there is a risk that clients will be influenced by sessions that are not properly guided by an ethical and competent professional.
In addition, some Criticism suggests that family constellations can promote victimization, by attributing all of an individual's problems to family dynamics without considering other social, cultural or psychological factors. This reductionist vision of human problems could prevent a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to people's emotional and psychological difficulties.
Evidence-based therapeutic alternatives
Given the controversy surrounding family constellations, it is important to consider other therapeutic alternatives that have scientific support and that have proven effective in the treatment of different mental and emotional disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapies, evidence-based psychotherapies, and integrative approaches that incorporate research-tested and validated techniques may be safer and more effective options for addressing people's psychological problems.
In summary, constellations Family members constitute a controversial and questioned therapeutic approach from a scientific and ethical point of view. While some people have experienced benefits from participating in family constellation sessions, it is essential to be critical and cautious when evaluating the validity and effectiveness of this practice in the field of psychology and mental health.