Hello All.
Well done Chris for getting this off the ground. Already it has stimulated loads of info it seems. I'll add my bit here about individual work.
Like you Patrick I spent 4 years working individually with the constellations before leading groups (4 over the last year) with some good successes. I have to admit that it is now a conscious shift to work 'normally' rather than systemically when I see a client! I now prefer to have the group setting but that is not always possible (fear of loss of privacy, cost, time between the workshop not fitting the individual client's needs, exposure etc.) I guess I am starting to trust all these pros and cons of when the client is ready to 'see' too.
I keep the number of representatives as few as possible, use coloured pieces of felt or cushions, and usually share the representative space with the client. If the client is unsure, I might represent most of the positions until he/she has grasped the work and can 'drop into' the systemic space. Almost always a perception is made by the client and of course it is quite profound in 'honouring and bowing' - a great depth usually is reached. I do assess the readiness of a client more now. It seems to me that some more experienced clients who have been in touch with systemic work can use the individual session to greater advantage though. I think that as facilliators we have to guard carefully of wanting an outcome. BH is so fearless in this area.
Re the trance issue: Daan van Kampenhout has written a book IMAGES OF THE SOUL - The workings of the soul in shamanic rituals and family constellations with a forward by Bert Hellinger (Carl-Auer-Systeme Verlag). Kampenaut who is both shaman and a fc facilitator talks extensively about Family Constellation group whereby all participating are in a light trance or timelessness which according to him, is similar to the shamanic ritual. My own experience is that depth of silence which movements or appropriate talking does not disturb.
Warmest wishes,
Bubula Lardi
On Saturday, February 22, 2003, at 12:57 PM, Chris Walsh wrote:
Constellation Talk now has 23 people subscribed. So we are ready to go.
When therapists are introduced to Hellinger's constellation work, they often wonder how they can adapt it to individual therapy. Recently at a workshop in Perth Libby Nottle & I were asked to give a presentation on this topic. The outline of our discussion is included below.
Maybe it will stimulate discussion either of theoretical considerations or people might just want to share their experiences.
Hellinger’s Order Of Love Within Individual Psychotherapy
How The Work Affects And Informs Normal Therapy
1. History gathering.
2. Thinking systemically.
3. Theoretical ideas
i.e.: guilt and bonding
4. Appreciating who is present in the room.
5. Rituals and language i.e.:
Honouring & Bowing
Leaning back
Hands on the shoulders
Grief
Handing over to parents
6. Increase respect for other members of the family especially those who have been vilified. We are especially curious about how their motivations may arise out of love.
Doing A Constellation in One to One Therapy
Preparation
· Need a very clear focus
· Fewer elements in the constellation
· Patient needs to be ready and open
· The therapist needs to be centred, still, well rested and energised.
· Need adequate time, usually ½ hour.
Different Approaches
· Markers
o Cushions, Dolls, Shoes etc
o Should they be neutral?
· On the floor as per a normal constellation OR on a table
· Does the client or the therapist
hasta la vista
Chris Walsh
My Website:
www.constellationflow.com
or
www.cwalsh.com.au
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