What happens in a Family Constellations workshop?
Workshops begin with a short grounding practice to help the group settle and attune.
Participants who wish to explore a personal issue may offer their name to be drawn as an issue holder. Typically, three to four constellations are explored over the course of a day.
Each constellation begins with a brief conversation between the facilitator and the issue holder. Other group members are then invited to stand as representatives for people or key elements within the system. As representatives take their place, a living map of the system emerges.
There is no acting or storytelling. Representatives simply notice and share sensations, emotions, or impulses as they arise. This embodied process helps bring unconscious dynamics into awareness and can support shifts towards resolution.
Workshops are held in a supportive, respectful environment, ensuring participants feel welcome and included. Everyone participates in some way — as an issue holder, representative, or witness .
Issue holder
Brings a personal concern to be explored within a constellation.
Representative
Stands in for someone or something within another person’s system. Many people find that representing offers unexpected insight into their own patterns and experiences.
Witness
Observes the constellation and the systemic movements as they unfold, often finding resonance and clarity through what is seen and felt.
All roles are valuable. While only a few people will explore their own issues, many participants find that their most meaningful insights arise through representing or witnessing others’ constellations.
Is a Family Constellations workshop right for me?
People are often drawn to this work when seeking a deeper understanding of long-standing issues. It may be particularly supportive for those open to an experiential, body-based approach rather than advice-giving or problem-solving alone, and who feel ready to engage with their inner process in a supportive and resourced way.
It is not right for you if you are in acute crisis, seeking quick fixes, or prefer a highly structured or analytical method.
Systemic Family Constellations may be supportive if you:
- Notice repeating patterns or difficulties in your family, relationships, or life that feel hard to shift
- Carry emotions, responsibilities, or ways of being that don’t feel fully your own
- Are navigating transition, loss, illness, or a significant life threshold
- Sense that family or ancestral history may be shaping your present experience
- Are a therapist, coach, or practitioner seeking a deeper systemic lens
You do not need to arrive with a clear question. You are also welcome to attend without bringing a personal issue, to participate gently, or simply to observe.
No previous experience is necessary, and there is no “right” way to participate. All that is asked is a willingness to engage with curiosity, respect, and care for yourself and others.
If you are unsure, you can get in touch to discuss whether this work is a good fit for you at this time.
Important Information
Constellation work can be deeply impactful. Please get in touch in advance if you have mental or physical health concerns that may affect your participation.
Family Constellations Cornwall 