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 the discipline's founding principles, 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 will the 2024 Constellation Circle work?
Join our exclusive, transformative peer-support group designed for those seeking ongoing healing and growth over six months starting in May 2024. Building on the success of our family constellation workshops in 2023, we've heard your desire for continued support and community beyond a single day. Introducing our closed constellation circle, a unique opportunity for 20 dedicated individuals to come together five times throughout the year at the esteemed Siobhan Davies Dance Studios. By being part of this group, you'll experience a consistent and nurturing environment, fostering deeper connections and trust among participants. We will guide you through a supportive journey, enabling you to delve even further into your personal healing process. Each participant will have the chance to be a story-holder during one of the five workshop days. Mark your calendar for our 2024 Constellation Circle, scheduled to take place over five Sundays from 10.00am to 17.00pm on the following dates: May 19, June 9, July 14, September 29, and October 20.
During each workshop day, we'll engage with 4 unique stories, referred to as "story-holders." You will be invited to share a concise overview of their family narrative, highlighting key events and essential facts that need attention. This sharing takes place in the supportive presence of the entire group. Following this, a captivating live movement ritual unfolds. Participants in the group step into roles, embodying various elements and characters from the story. This immersive experience gradually brings the story to life in a dynamic and meaningful way. Throughout this process, we'll observe what emerges and provide targeted interventions to support any stuck or challenging aspects. Our aim is to facilitate the system's healing and enhance its natural flow and completeness.
As part of the constellation cohort experience, we're excited to introduce story-interviews conducted via email between our sessions, as a form of continuing support. This allows us to delve deeper into your background, family narrative, and your intentions for personal growth during our workshops. Through these interviews, we aim to assist each participant in refining the particular issue or aspect of their life that they'd like to explore within the constellation workshops. Our goal is to ensure everyone feels ready and confident to take on the role of a story-holder at some point during the year.
Are you a Representative or a Story-Holder?
We equally value the roles of representation and story-holding, and thus, we've chosen not to differentiate pricing between these two forms of participation in the workshop. Furthermore, every participant will have the opportunity to experience both the roles of Representative and Story-Holder. Some of the most profound experiences arise when asked to represent in someone else’s story. These moments often deeply resonate, evoking feelings, sensations, and offering insights and gifts that reflect one’s personal life and story. Whether you identify as a story-holder or a representative, your presence is warmly welcomed. We invite you to bring an open heart and mind to engage in an emotionally and intellectually stimulating workshop program with a creative focus on belonging.
If you feel that you're at a point in life where you're ready to address a personal or family issue, take some time to meditate and reflect on your current longings. What is your deepest heart's desire? What internal movement are you seeking?
We will initiate an exchange with each participant to explore the issues you might want to address during the workshop(s). If you've already secured a place and are contemplating something, feel free to initiate the conversation by emailing us at heldfromtwoends [@] gmail [.] com. Please provide a couple of paragraphs describing the issue you would like to work on.
We prioritise the safety and confidentiality of our community container. Rest assured, anything you share with us will be held with the utmost respect, care, and confidentiality.
Cancellation Policy
All ticket registrations and sales are final, there is no refund policy for this workshop series.
Accessibility
If you have any physical or mental health accessibility requirements that might impact your participation in the workshop, please don't hesitate to inform us via email at heldfromtwoends [@] gmail [.] com. This way, we'll strive to accommodate your needs and address any queries or concerns you might have. We kindly request all participants to be mindful of the content shared during the day and to commit to absolute confidentiality. This ensures that we cultivate a generous and secure environment for our work together.
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