If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns that seem to repeat—whether in relationships, emotions, or even career—Constellations Therapy might hold the key to deep and lasting change. But how does it actually work? Is there real science behind it? Let’s take a look.

“What we don’t consciously process, we unconsciously pass on.” – Unknown

What Is Constellations Therapy?

Constellations Therapy, also known as Systemic Constellations or Family Constellations, is a therapeutic approach that explores the hidden dynamics within a family or system. It’s based on the idea that unresolved traumas, conflicts, or loyalties in our ancestral line can unconsciously affect us today.

In a typical session, a person sets up a “constellation” of people or objects to represent key family members or elements of an issue. Patterns and relationships are then explored in a spatial way, often revealing surprising insights.

The Science Bit: How Does It Work?

While Constellations Therapy can seem intuitive or even mystical, there are several psychological and neurological theories that help explain its power:

Systems Thinking

Constellations Therapy is grounded in systems theory, which suggests that individuals are best understood within the context of the systems they belong to—families, workplaces, communities. When one part of the system changes, the whole system can shift. This mirrors how therapy can lead to healing not just for the individual, but for their wider relationships too.

Transgenerational Trauma

Scientific studies in epigenetics show that trauma can be passed down through generations—not just psychologically, but biologically. Research on the descendants of Holocaust survivors and others affected by historical trauma shows how stress responses can be inherited. Constellations Therapy helps surface these buried patterns so they can be acknowledged and released.

The Power of Representation

When someone sees their family or issue physically represented in a session, the brain engages in embodied cognition—a process where we make sense of complex emotional information through physical experience. This can lead to powerful shifts in awareness and behaviour.

Group Resonance

In group sessions, participants often report feeling emotions or sensations that match the roles they’re representing. While this may sound mysterious, it’s likely connected to mirror neurons and our innate capacity for empathy and emotional attunement.

A New Way to Heal

Constellations Therapy bridges ancient wisdom and modern psychology. It’s not about blaming parents or digging up the past for the sake of it—it’s about seeing the bigger picture and finding your rightful place in it.

Science is just beginning to catch up with what many clients already feel: this work can be life-changing.