&constellations
definition: “a group of related ideas, things, or people”
Constellating is a method to understand & resolve issues, challenges, and patterns. Families, teams, organisations, and communities are all systems. It places the issue in the wider, seen, and unseen context of the system. Constellations look at the hidden architecture or principles that govern systems: time and place and inclusion, which gives a feeling of balance, flow, and well-being in all systems, whether families, teams, or organisations. This method was developed by the German philosopher and psychotherapist Bert Hellinger and gives us a solution-focused process that reflects other emergent thinking from MIT led by Otto Sharma and the brilliant Neuroscientist Sarah Peyton.
Method
Practically speaking most constellations start with a discovery conversation of what the issue is - the facilitator may delve into some facts and additional detail, and ask the magic wand question:
“if you had a magic wand, how would this change - what would it look like? “
There are then a few ways to constellate, setting dependent. Most typically, we work with people who represent either people or parts of a system. The approach is phenomenological - so relies on the direct experience and felt sense of the reps while the constellation is happening as information or data. The reps report back on how they feel as the constellation evolves - this could be how they feel as they stand there, and also in response to adding more reps or the reps moving in in the space. The reps give us a map of the issue, giving the issue holder insight into their challenge. The insight may be sufficient in itself, however, we can also work to a resolution if appropriate, effectively settling the system.
Organisations
Bringing this method to your organisation gives insight into what’s really impacting your organisation’s potential. I partner here with Chiara Gialardin through our organisation Wai Consulting.
Working and understanding your organisation, division, or team as a system gives a wider perspective. It creates space to uncover dynamics that may be creating challenges to embracing the purpose and potential you have.
We can work diagnostically to understand purpose, transitions, conflict, and next steps and develop an action-oriented approach to drive the meaningful change you & your organisation are waiting for.
Personal
We can work on specific issues on a 121 basis using this approach - whether work, social or family-related.
Alternatively, I co-facilitate workshops with my peer Ivo at Zen My Mind in Canary Wharf. These group settings are a great way to explore your own issues, or experience constellations for the first time. Time spent in a group is always rich in connection and as an experience, with most attendees finding use in all the constellations, not just their own.
Ivo also runs his own 121 sessions & is great to work with - his money constellation days will change you!