Family constellations are a form of therapy that has become increasingly popular in recent years. They emerged thanks to the work of German therapist Bert Hellinger in the 1990s, and have since generated debate about their validity and effectiveness. Some people claim that family constellations are a powerful tool for addressing family and personal problems, while others consider them controversial and lacking scientific basis.
Origin and fundamentals of family constellations
Family constellations are based on the idea that each family has a system of relationships that follows certain unconscious dynamics that can affect its members. Bert Hellinger developed this theory from his observations with families and communities, and it is based on concepts from systemic and phenomenological psychology.
According to this perspective, a person's emotional and behavioral problems can be related. with conflicts and unconscious family loyalties that are passed down from generation to generation. These conflicts can manifest in repetitive patterns of behavior, physical illnesses, or difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
The family constellation process
In a family constellation session, the client chooses representatives for different members of your family or system, and places them in space intuitively. Through this process of "constellating" the situation, hidden patterns, unresolved conflicts, and unconscious loyalties at play can be identified.
The therapist facilitates the exploration of family dynamics through interaction between representatives, and helps the client find new perspectives and solutions for problems that are arising. It is hoped that by shedding light on hidden dynamics, the family system can be freed from tensions and conflicts, thus allowing members to live healthier and fuller lives.
Controversy and criticism
Despite the popularity of family constellations, this therapeutic practice has been the subject of various criticisms and controversies. One of the main points of criticism is the lack of scientific basis that supports its supposed foundations and effectiveness. Many psychologists and therapists question the validity of family constellations, arguing that their results are due more to placebo factors and suggestion than to a genuine therapeutic intervention.
Another common criticism is the esoteric and mystical nature of the constellations. family constellations, which often involve elements such as "energy fields" and invisible connections between family members. These metaphysical concepts may be difficult to accept for those who prefer more evidence-based and logical therapeutic approaches.
Warnings about family constellations
In addition, some people warn about the risk to address deep emotional problems in a poorly regulated environment, such as a family constellation session. Without proper supervision and training from the therapist, unresolved traumas or conflicts may be relived, which could have negative consequences on the client's emotional health.
On the other hand, has noted that family constellations can often oversimplify the complexity of family relationships and reduce emotional problems to general patterns, which could lead to inadequate treatment of individual difficulties.
Are they real? family constellations?
The question of whether family constellations are "real" is complex and does not have a definitive answer. From a strictly scientific perspective, family constellations lack solid empirical evidence to support their effectiveness and validity. The mechanisms through which family constellations are supposed to operate are not well understood from the point of view of conventional psychology and psychotherapy.
On the other hand, many proponents of family constellations argue that Its value lies in its ability to address aspects of human experience that go beyond the cognitive and the rational. The systemic and phenomenological therapy on which family constellations are based also focuses on the experiential and emotional experience of individuals, and on the interaction between the different members of a system.
The importance of the approach and Preparation
It is important to note that the effectiveness of any therapeutic approach, including family constellations, can depend largely on the training and ethics of the therapist, as well as the client's willingness and openness to participate in the process. An ethical and trained family constellation therapist should be able to guide the client safely through the process, respecting their boundaries and emotional well-being.
In conclusion, family constellations are a controversial therapeutic tool that has generated mixed opinions in the psychological and therapeutic community. While there is no solid scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, many people have experienced significant benefits from participating in family constellation sessions. As with any form of therapy, it is essential to approach this practice with caution and seek appropriate professional guidance to ensure a safe and effective experience.