There's a major distinction between licensed and unlicensed Constellation
facilitators. No one needs a license to practice Constellation work, but if
you have a professional license you are bound by the ethical and legal
limits that come with that license. For example, Chris is a psychiatrist.
Even though he's not practicing psychiatry when leading a Constellation
workshop, he's can't leave his professional credentials at the door. The
licensed professionals have to answer to Boards and insurance providers and
don't have the luxury of passing risk to the clients.
For unlicensed facilitators the liability issues are easier. In
Massachusetts, a practitioner can basically do anything (that's not
expressly illegal) as long as it's not called "therapy" and the practitioner
does not refer to him/herself as "therapist."
When I work, I begin with a disclaimer that I am not a therapist and the
work is not therapy. I make clear that I am not entering into a
professional relationship with the participants and that they are
responsible for their reactions to the work. If they find that they need
professional care afterwards, I instruct them to contact their therapist or
other healing professional for follow-up care.
I've heard Bert Hellinger speak to this question several times. He points
out that the conventional therapist/patient relationship elevates the
practitioner. The patient is the one with the problem and the therapist is
trained to determine the solution. In Constellation work, this dynamic is
not present. The facilitator is a "layman" who does not posses the answers.
As this relates to the question of professional liability, I've found that
if I do not take or accept the mantle of authority, the clients retain their
ability to stand whatever comes.
We see this clearly with clients who are suicidal. A licensed professional
may have a liability risk if they let an actively suicidal client go their
merry way. An unlicensed practitioner can refuse to take any responsibility
without imperiling client's life.
A good place to research this is on the websites of Constellation
practitioners. For example, Hellinger Institute of DC www.hellingerdc.com
has a registration form that includes a Release of Liability. My website
www.HiddenSolution.com has a links page that can serve as a staring point.
Dan
-----Original Message-----
From: ConstellationTalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ConstellationTalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Trish Ball
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2005 3:13 PM
To: ConstellationTalk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [ConstellationTalk] Responsibility and Liability
Thank you all for your candor concerning non-psychologists who are
drawn to this work; as am I. A psychologist with whom I trained in
constellations told me that anyone can do this work, but it appears
some opinions on this matter may be less restrictive than others. I
have my first "presentation" (not yet a workshop) in 2 weeks and my
concern is that I have not the professional (therapeutic) training
of others, i.e., psychologists/therapists.
However, I am encouraged by the idea that destiny leads us to do
what we will, and I simply can't set this work aside without
attempting to find my place. I have had preliminary training in
Boston but not to any comparative extent with the qualifications
listed among other professionals. I devour reading materials and
all that I can find on the net. I also believe that life experience
and desire play their part so I am, as I said, encouraged.
Could you say something, or direct me to links, which address
responsibility and liability toward providing a safe atmosphere for
clients? I have derived so much wisdom from Bertold Ulsamer on this
topic, and I'm certain many of you have valuable input as well. It
certainly relieves me to know this work will find its own
resolution, but I want to be prepared and responsible insofar as my
contribution to that end.
Finally, I read on the posting site a section which referred to Bert
Hellinger stating that if this work stays in the medical field, it
will die. Do you know where I may find further writing on this
issue? I would appreciate any direction and reinforcements at this
very early stage.
Many thanks!
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