About the Workshop

Ancestral trauma refers to the emotional and psychological wounds that are passed down through generations. These traumas can stem from various sources, such as:

• War and Conflict: Experiences of displacement, loss, and fear.
• Discrimination and Oppression: Impact on identity and self-worth.
• Loss of Loved Ones: Grief that remains unprocessed.
• Family Secrets: Hidden histories that create emotional barriers.

These traumas can manifest in our behaviors, relationships, and emotional responses, often without our conscious awareness. Recognizing and addressing these patterns is crucial for healing. 

Family Constellations will help individuals visualize and explore the relationships and dynamics within their family systems. This method allows participants to gain insights into how ancestral patterns affect their current lives, relationships, and emotional well-being.

How Family Constellations Address Ancestral Trauma

1. Visualizing Family Dynamics: In a constellation, participants can represent family members and their relationships, allowing them to see dynamics that may not be apparent in everyday life.
2. Identifying Patterns: This process helps reveal patterns of behavior or emotional responses that may originate from previous generations. For example, someone might discover that their fear of abandonment is linked to a grandparent’s experience of loss.
3. Facilitating Healing: By acknowledging these ancestral traumas and expressing feelings related to them, participants can begin to break the cycle of pain. This may involve finding new ways to relate to family members, forgiving past grievances, or simply acknowledging the pain without judgment.
4. Creating New Narratives: Family constellations can help individuals reframe their understanding of family history. By integrating insights gained during the constellation, participants can create healthier narratives      that honor their lineage while moving forward with their lives.

About Claes

Claes-Berend is a highly experienced leadership coach and organizational consultant from the Netherlands, specializing in family constellations and systemic insights. With over 20 years of experience, he has received systemic training from the Dutch Bert Hellinger Institute and has worked alongside esteemed practitioners in the field.

As the founder of the Centre for Organizational Constellations and Systemica, he trains other consultants in integrating constellations and systemic insights into their practices.