Healing and personal growth often require exploring patterns and beliefs that we carry from our families or within our subconscious. Two powerful approaches—family constellations and PSYCH-K—offer unique ways to release limiting patterns. Though they differ in focus, process, and purpose, both work on a deep, often unseen level to create change. Let’s look at how each approach works and which might be the best place to start.
Estimated read time: 4 minutes.
Family Constellations: Systemic Healing through Family Dynamics
Family constellations, developed by Bert Hellinger, are based on the idea that we’re energetically connected to our family systems. This approach explores how ancestral connections can impact relationships, mental well-being, and emotional health. By “setting up” a constellation, individuals can bring hidden family patterns to light, offering a way to heal unresolved trauma, release unconscious family loyalties, and gain a new perspective.
How Family Constellations Work
- Setting Up the Constellation
A facilitator begins by guiding the client to choose representatives for key family members or emotions. Representatives, often unfamiliar with the client’s family, position themselves based on the “family field” or energetic dynamic at play. - Revealing Dynamics Through Intuition
Representatives often feel drawn to certain positions, emotions, or movements. They may even express thoughts or physical sensations that mirror those of the people they represent, tapping into hidden family patterns the client may carry unconsciously. - Shifting Patterns to Release Burdens
Through movement, gestures, or words, the facilitator uncovers and shifts family dynamics. For example, by “returning” emotional burdens or honoring family pain, the client can experience a sense of release and emotional freedom.
Focus: Family constellations emphasize healing relational dynamics and intergenerational issues, addressing ancestral traumas and unconscious blocks.
Curious for the legacy of farming families and the deep roots and lasting impact those last? Read more.
PSYCH-K: Changing Limiting Beliefs at the Subconscious Level
PSYCH-K, created by Rob Williams, focuses on transforming limiting beliefs stored in the subconscious mind. By changing deep-seated beliefs, PSYCH-K helps individuals overcome self-doubt, limiting behaviors, and blocks to success or happiness. It combines psychology, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and energy principles to encourage shifts in behavior and mindset.
How PSYCH-K Works
- Identifying Limiting Beliefs
The process begins with identifying specific beliefs that hold the individual back. These beliefs often arise unconsciously, such as “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t deserve success.” Recognizing these is the first step toward change. - Aligning Conscious and Subconscious
Using muscle testing, PSYCH-K practitioners assess the alignment of beliefs in the subconscious and conscious minds. The facilitator then guides the client through exercises, such as affirmations, to “balance” the subconscious with new, positive beliefs. - Reprogramming the Subconscious Mind
PSYCH-K’s techniques reprogram the subconscious mind with empowering beliefs, so clients can pursue goals without the old mental blocks limiting them.
Focus: PSYCH-K emphasizes transforming individual beliefs, targeting self-worth, achievement, and well-being.
Similarities Between Family Constellations and PSYCH-K
Both family constellations and PSYCH-K use non-traditional approaches to address personal challenges. They reveal underlying causes of emotional or mental blocks, going beyond surface-level solutions for deeper healing.
- Energy and Awareness
Both methods focus on accessing unseen forces—either through the family field or subconscious beliefs—to reveal underlying causes of current issues. - Facilitator Guidance
A trained facilitator plays a crucial role in guiding the process, helping the client uncover hidden patterns and create change.
Key Differences Between Family Constellations and PSYCH-K
Despite shared goals, these methods have distinct differences in approach and application:
- Scope and Focus of Healing
Family constellations work on relational and family-based issues, while PSYCH-K focuses on shifting individual beliefs. - Techniques Used
Family constellations involve representatives in a physical setup, while PSYCH-K uses muscle testing and affirmation-based techniques to reprogram beliefs. - Best for Different Challenges
Family constellations excel in addressing family challenges, relational issues, and emotional entanglements linked to ancestry. PSYCH-K, on the other hand, is effective for shifting beliefs and improving self-worth.
Which Should You Start With?
Choosing between family constellations and PSYCH-K depends on your specific goals:
- If You’re Focused on Family and Relationships
Start with family constellations if you feel held back by family relationships, unresolved family trauma, or repeating family patterns. - If You Want to Change Beliefs or Self-Concept
PSYCH-K may be a better choice if you’re looking to improve self-confidence, overcome fears, or shift a specific belief that limits you.
For some, combining both approaches is beneficial—starting with family constellations to address family dynamics, then using PSYCH-K to strengthen personal beliefs.
Interested to find a PSYCH-K facilitator? Contact Gerdien from Stroming & Groei (Flow & Growth) or find a facilitator here.
