Catherine VanWetter

Family Healing: Explaining Systemic Constellations and the Soul of a Family



Posted: Saturday, May 30, 2009

by Catherine VanWetter
To The Heart Of The Matter

I would like to introduce you to a different way of looking at inherent problems and solutions within family systems that was introduced to me in 2000. This dynamic approach is called systemic constellation work founded by Bert Hellinger more than 50 years ago in Germany .

Systemic constellations is an intergenerational healing process that restores the flow of love and strength from our ancestors, those who came before us, to us. It honors the very source of our lives which originate from our parents, grandparents, great grandparents and on down our family lineage. This giving and receiving of life creates an intricate web of connection and relationships. These connections and bonds continue to affect us, and our children, long after we have forgotten them. Constellation work creates an experiential model of the family system so that we can literally see the "invisible" entanglements, the love, and the solutions.

All of us are born into a family that has a conscience or "collective soul". This collective creates behaviors, attitudes, beliefs and traits that are often passed on from one generation to another. These patterns become so ingrained into one's belief system that they are often not challenged. Thus, belief systems become part of who they are. These belief systems or patterns are invisible and hidden dynamics in people's family system that may unconsciously drive them towards the problems that they have. So, coming from this perspective, the soul of the family has us, we don't have it. And so, we are born with "entanglements" or burdens that we carry. Many times, these burdens are not ours to carry. These entanglements or burdens may show up as addictions, chronic pain, disease, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or illness, just to a few. Anything that encumbers us to live a full and joyful life. All this again, is done on an unconscious or soul level. It happens out of a deep and hidden loyalty of the secret law that will not allow anyone of a family system to be denied the right to belong. This phenomenon also occurs in order to atone an injustice that has been done in the family. It is a love so deep that a family member may unconsciously choose to die, rather than "betray" the family bond.

Through systemic constellations, a person is shown the true origin of the stated problem and new opportunities for disentanglement and resolution. The client can see and feel love flowing again in his or he family system, and will no longer sacrifice personal health or well-being. The experience of truth, loyalty, and love unfold before the client.

By working gently, honestly and directly with facts, rather than beliefs, or our story, we can uncover previously hidden dynamics, making the unconscious conscious, observe them, acknowledge what is, and allow a dynamic resolution which results in healing on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual level.

Constellation work is a powerful tool in sourcing the origin of our problems and finding a resolution steeped in deep healing within the complex and often tragic systems of the individual and their family. This work truly allows us to come home to ourselves, our family our source.

I have been amazed with the results that I have experienced both on a personal and professional level regarding the power of constellation work. As I witness an individual during a constellation, doing their personal work, the depth of transformation is apparent. It's as if they are awakened into a new way of looking at their life's situation. The truth is unveiled and they are at a cross roads of sorts as to whether they will continue to carry the story that they thought was true or choose a different path. At times this truth may be hard to grasp though with gentleness and time, the deep healing will occur from the inside out. The truth truly sets us free.

"When we understand the systemic laws that allow love to unfold, we may help suffering families and individuals to find solutions, even after a lifetime of hate, anger, and abuse". Bert Hellinger

Words from others ~

I didn't get what I needed growing up. I was emotionally and physically abandoned, and abused in every way except physically. Consequently, as an adult I've struggled to take care of my own emotional needs and to feel any semblance of inner peace or happiness. I've held strong to the story in my head (and heart) that my life would always be filled with pain and sadness that just doesn't go away, because of certain facts' in my life. I've done plenty of talk therapy in my adult life, and it's helped in some ways but the pain and sadness remained. Fortunately I decided to try a Systemic Constellation workshop. I was skeptical, but not anymore. I don't know exactly how, but I know it's allowed me to get out of the storyline in my head and get a glimpse of new possibilities in my life and the way I feel. Catherine is an excellent facilitator and leader of these workshops. I highly recommend it.

D.K., technical writer/project manager

Catherine is remarkable and I have done this work with her and with a couple other practitioners over the years. It is DEEPLY powerful and lasting. I still see evidence in my life from pieces I learned in a session 10 years ago. The magic is that no one needs to know your story to do the work, you don't even have to know the story, and yet you get information in a way that is deeply shifting and freeing. I encourage you to come check it out and either come as an observer or do a constellation. BOTH are powerful and invited. Kathy P. Realtor

Catherine VanWetter, MSW is a Holistic Family Healing Practitioner trained in a variety of techniques that help people come to a place of peace within themselves. She offers Inner Healing Circles, Inner Family Healing Workshops and Deep Healing Retreats. Her newest book and meditation CD, "The Soul of the Heart", offers inspiration, deep healing and hope. Catherine invites you to listen to her Morning Meditation, Welcoming A New Day, Free at http://www.ToTheHeartOfTheMatter.com.

Visit Catherine's blog: http://totheheartofthematter.com/blog.html

Interact with Catherine: Twitter: @SouloftheHeart Facebook: Catherine VanWetter

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