Dear Colleagues,
Would be interested to receive your comments about this article.
Kind regards,
Dr David Schwartz
Colloquium: (WJH Auditorium 1 - Basement level)
Prof. Robert Wagner, PhD
Mar
16, 2013
4:00p - 5:00p
Description Prof. Robert Wagner, PhD
Head of Family Therapy Research Laboratory - Harvard University
Visiting
Fellow - University of California, Berkley and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Title:
The Practice of Family and Systemic Constellations in Hungary
Abstract:
Graduate Department
Family
Constellations developed by Bert Hellinger is a promising, relatively new
approach to family and general therapy. By all accounts it is gathering
increasing acceptance in the US, Europe and around the world. What were your
impressions during your recent visit to Hungary?
Prof.
Robert Wagner
In
the case of Hungary it is perhaps helpful to consider the practice of Family
Constellations within a social and historic context. Hungary has a long and
unhappy history of wars, invasions and oppression. Economic conditions in
present day Hungary are difficult for a very large segment of the population.
On
a social scale its people are talented, educated and to varying degree
traumatised. Centuries of authoritarian rule is deeply embedded in the national
consciousness.
Graduate
Department
Today
the practice of Family Constellation seems to be developing along two major
trend lines; humanistic, knowing field centred where clients and
representatives are supported equally and where the facilitator moves with the
group energy, and the authoritarian, oppressive, know it all facilitator
centred approach. With its historic background what is the trend in Hungary?
Prof.
Robert Wagner
During
my visit I have participated in 14 different constellation workshops. Some were
facilitated by rank amateurs and some by respected local professionals. In all
cases, without exception, I regret to say an arbitrary, authoritarian,
oppressive approach prevailed. The workshops were completely devoid of warm up.
Awareness of the significance of establishing trust in the group was lacking.
Two
of the more professional and educated facilitators in Budapest who also run a
local training organisation, were outstanding examples of not only ignoring the
wisdom and healing flow inherent in the field but actively prohibiting and
oppressing any flicker of spontaneity in the group. They were enforcers
demanding
compliance. In my observation these facilitators largely replaced the healing
flow with theoretical explanations, opinions, promises and admonitions, not as
a matter of choice, but as the result of deeply held personal / social
predilections.
Graduate
Department
How
do you see the evolution of Family Constellations in Hungary?
Prof.
Robert Wagner
Notwithstanding
the attraction and sense of illusory safety inherent in the presence of
authoritarian leaders, ultimately it is the results that count. As usual
evolution
will take time. There is good scope for improvement in Hungary. In the medium
term I expect the humanistic trend to gather momentum. People who have
experienced or witnessed personal breakthroughs and deep systemic healing
through
the humanistic, field centred approach will increasingly turn away from
oppressive
models.
Web site: gallantlab.org
Contact name: Peter Brown
Contact e-mail: pbrown@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Contact phone: 617-495-3800
Source Calendar: Psychology Department Calendar
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