Systemic Constellations
Reducing Complexity and Creating Clarity
Systemic constellation is a powerful method for making complex situations or relationships within teams and organizations visible. Using a system board, figures or objects can be placed as representatives for people, projects, or topics, showing their relationships to one another. Systemic constellations help identify hidden dynamics. Through system board coaching, participants are enabled to reflect on their positions and develop sustainable solutions. Working with the system board allows for gaining clarity.
Situations, Roles, and Patterns
A systemic constellation reveals how people, projects, or topics interact and which unconscious patterns are at play. With the help of an experienced systemic coach, participants can better understand their own positions and their relationships with others. This leads to a new perspective on a situation and helps in collaboratively deriving specific steps for action.
Why is a Coach Necessary?
In a systemic constellation, the coach ensures that participants share their insights in a respectful manner. The coach’s role is to guide reflection through thought-provoking questions. In coaching, working with the system board enhances the ability to identify one’s own options for action and consciously direct them. Since all participants view the same board, a nuanced and unbiased discussion about the situation can take place. The coach observes and supports the process without making value judgments.
Simple Tools: Blocks, or Even Just Pen and Paper
A system board can consist of wooden blocks, Danish building bricks, or similar objects. In a direct dialogue, even drawing a shared picture can be very insightful and aids in aligning perspectives.
Materials for Systemic Constellation: Simple and Effective
Various materials can be used for working with the system board. Wooden blocks, small figures, or even simple symbols on paper can represent people or topics. The goal is not to create precise depictions but to offer an abstract, clear visualization of relationships and processes. Even drawing a shared picture can improve communication and foster understanding. Systemic constellations are so effective because they engage participants not only verbally but also visually and emotionally.
Constellations with Real People: Handle with Care
While constellations using a system board are abstract and therefore more neutral, constellations involving real people carry greater emotional depth. When people act, portray themselves, or are represented by others, intense emotions can arise. That’s why it’s crucial that such constellations are always guided by an experienced coach. In a business context, however, the focus is on understanding structures, not stirring up emotions. The goal is to discuss why and, more importantly, to what end a situation is the way it is.
Systemic Constellations in the Business Context
Systemic constellations also have a place in the corporate world. They are often used as organizational or structural constellations to reveal hidden problems or conflicts within teams and departments. System board coaching helps to unravel complex dynamics and derive clear, solution-oriented actions. Therefore, working with the system board is not only a valuable method in family therapy but also in personnel development and project management, helping to foster lasting change.
Virtual Reality and Systemic Constellations: A Glimpse into the Future
The question of whether systemic constellations can also work in virtual reality (VR) is currently being explored in a research project at the University of Witten/Herdecke. Early results show that emotional and systemic dynamics can also be felt in VR. This method could become an interesting alternative to traditional systemic constellations in the future, particularly in times of remote work and global teams. However, it remains to be seen whether VR constellations can achieve the same depth and impact as physical ones.
The research project “Effectiveness and Experience of Systemic Constellations – a Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study” is a collaborative project funded by the WIFU Foundation at the University of Witten/Herdecke. It is led by the Chair of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy III, Christina Hunger-Schoppe (Faculty of Health), and the WIFU Foundation Chair for Organization and Development of Entrepreneurial Families, Heiko Kleve and Thomas Druyen. Results from the research project are not expected before 2026.
Conclusion: More Clarity and Options for Action through Systemic Constellations
Systemic constellation, combined with system board coaching, offers an excellent way to identify and address hidden dynamics in teams, projects, and organizations – live aswell as online. Working with the system board opens up new perspectives and enables solutions for complex problems. It is a method for conscious and collective structural change.
If you want to experience working with the System Board live online, you can sign up for the next workshop:
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 PM (CET)
Together, we will work on a situation in a complex international project. Alternatively, an individual or an entire team can bring in their own case. If you would like to participate as a team, please send an email to receive a code that allows all team members to register with a ticket.
Are you interested in systemic constellations, or would you like to experience working with the system board yourself? Schedule a non-binding conversation now to learn more about how this method can help you gain clarity and achieve lasting changes in your environment.
