What are Family Systemic Constellations?
Systemic Constellations form a unique blend of somatic therapy and phenomenological approaches, often practiced both in group settings and one-on-one sessions. Picture it as a fusion between a profound spiritual ritual and a living, story-based family tree map at a significant crossroads. The classic Family Constellations practice was established by Bert Hellinger in the 1980s, drawing inspiration from his experiences within the Zulu culture in the 1950s and 1960s, alongside the contributions of the Palo Alto Group, Virginia Satir, Hunter Beaumont, Jacob L. Moreno, and others. His practice later became recognised as the Movements of the Soul.
In our facilitation of constellation work, we adhere to many of the discipline's founding principles, particularly emphasising the cultivation of healthy relationships in life and guiding individuals towards claiming their rightful place. This journey, often termed the Orders of Love, encounters obstacles and breaches, leading to imbalances, symptoms, diseases, and recurring behavioural patterns that persist across generations until the original breach in contact is mended.
Constellations serve as a means to infuse kindness and compassion into the intricate systems we are part of, bringing hidden aspects into the light and restoring balance within our relationships with our families of origin. Moreover, they offer ancestral healing, fostering a deeper connection to the land and ecosystems from which we come from. Through the cases we explore, we glean deeper insights into how our unresolved family narratives impact our present lives, opening pathways for embracing the richness life holds for us.
How Does a Constellation Work?
Our group will be limited to 24 people, including the facilitators. Throughout the day, we will work with 3 to 4 stories, depending on time. These stories will come from the "issue-holders," or as we prefer to call them, "story holders." Each story holder will briefly outline the key events and facts of their family story to the facilitators while the group witnesses.
Following this, a live movement ritual will take place. Participants from the group will represent and embody different elements and characters from the story, bringing the narrative to life. We will observe what unfolds and support the movement needed to encourage the system's return to wholeness and flow.
Are You a Representative or a Story Holder?
We value both roles equally and do not differentiate pricing between them. Profound experiences often arise when representing in someone else’s story, as participants frequently gain deep insights and emotional revelations. Whether you see yourself as a story holder, a representative, or are simply curious, we welcome you. Bring your openness to feel and participate in an intellectually and emotionally stimulating day focused on belonging.
If you are ready to share a personal or family issue, take some time to meditate and reflect on your deepest desires and the movements within you. Then, email us at heldfromtwoends[@]gmail[.]com with a couple of paragraphs describing what you would like to work on by September 20th, 2024. This will allow us to hold your story in our awareness leading up to the workshop.
We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful community. Rest assured that anything you share with us will be held with the utmost respect, care, and confidentiality.
Concessionary Tickets
A limited number of concessionary tickets are available for this workshop. To apply, please email us at heldfromtwoends[@]gmail[.]com explaining your current economic circumstances and why participating in a constellation is important for you at this time. Consider the following questions when applying:
- What is your access to income and financial wealth, both current and anticipated?
- How easily could you earn more income compared to others in your area?
- Do you have retirement savings or a pension?
- Do you expect to receive an inheritance?
- Are others dependent on your financial support?
- What are the socio-economic conditions of your locale relative to other places in your country?
Accessibility
If you have any physical or mental health accessibility requirements that may affect your participation, please email us at heldfromtwoends[@]gmail[.]com. We will do our best to meet your needs and address any concerns. All participants are asked to maintain confidentiality to ensure a safe and generous environment.
Cancellation Policy
- Full refund for cancellations made with more than one month's notice.
- Half refund for cancellations made within 3 weeks of the workshop.
- No refund for cancellations made with less than 2 weeks' notice.
Getting to the Studios
Siobhan Davies Studios has been part of the contemporary dance landscape since the 1980s. The studios have historically represented a place to play, question and experiment within the field of contemporary dance. The studios were built in 2006 by British award-winning architect Sarah Wigglesworth, and the unique design was awarded a prestigious RIBA award in 2006. Our constellation workshop will take place in the stunning Roof Studio on the 2nd level of the building.
By public transport
Nearest tube: Elephant & Castle, London South Bank University exit.
Follow directions to the Imperial War Museum.
By bus: All to Elephant & Castle: 12, 53, 148, 344, 360, 453 or C10 to Imperial War Museum
The studios are also walking distance from Lambeth North and Waterloo stations.
Cycling/Santander Cycle Hire
There are two docking stations near our Studios – on Geraldine Street, and St George’s Road between Garden Row and Gaywood Street.
There are good cycle routes to and from Elephant and Castle and our Studios. Visit the Transport for London website to help plan your cycle route to our Studios. Additionally, the studios provide an area to the side of our building for visitors to lock their bikes securely while at the Studios.
Accessibility
Siobhan Davies Studios is mostly accessible to wheelchair users, with lifts to all floors. Please note that the main door is not power assisted.
There are two accessible parking spaces available on site which can be booked in advance. Blue Badge parking is also available nearby on West Square and Garden Row (for a full map visit the Southwark Council website).
Amenities at the studios include:
-Changing facilities*
-Communal showers*
-Lockers
-Toilets / wheelchair accessible toilets on the ground floor and first floor*
-Kitchen: tea and coffee making, fridge, dishwasher and a not fully accessible microwave
* Please note that the disabled toilets may not be suitable for all users (the toilets in the disabled toilets are 42cm high) and the changing facilities and showers are not fully accessible. The closest publicly available and fully accessible changing facility is at The Castle Centre, a leisure centre 0.3 miles away from the studios. You can find full details of their features here.
If you would like to talk about your access requirements in advance of visiting please call Siobhan Davies Studios on 0207 091 9650.
We look forward to welcoming you to the space, to the collective field that we will hold, and dive into constellation work together.
Stefan + Mahab