Family constellation is a therapeutic approach that explores the dynamics and relationships within a family system, aiming to reveal how these dynamics influence individuals’ behaviors and emotional well-being. Developed by Bert Hellinger, this method involves representing family members and their relationships through a physical arrangement, often with the help of trained facilitators or group members. Participants can gain insights into underlying patterns, unresolved conflicts, and transgenerational traumas that may impact their lives. By bringing these hidden dynamics to light, family constellation therapy can foster healing and reconnection within the family system, allowing individuals to move forward with greater clarity and understanding (Hellinger, 2001).
Eco-psychology, on the other hand, emphasizes the interconnectedness of human beings and the natural environment, exploring how our psychological well-being is influenced by our relationship with the Earth. This field posits that many psychological issues stem from a disconnection from nature, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Eco-psychologists advocate for practices that reconnect individuals with the natural world, promoting healing through nature-based interventions (Buzzell & Chalquist, 2009). In the United States, approximately 70% of adults report experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, underscoring the importance of therapeutic approaches like family constellation and eco-psychology to address the impact of trauma on individuals and their relationships (Kessler et al., 2010). At Illuminate I train therapists in both modalities of eco-psychology and family constellation.
References:
Buzzell, L., & Chalquist, C. (2009). Ecopsychology: Science, soul, and the planetary crisis. Sierra Club Books.
Hellinger, B. (2001). Family constellations: A practical guide to the methods and techniques of family constellation therapy. Zeig, Tucker & Theisen.
Kessler, R. C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E., Hughes, M., Nelson, C., & Kendler, K. S. (2010). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52(12), 1048-1060.