Imagine a constellation in the sky – a grouping of stars that depicts each of your ancestors arranged around you. Each ancestor has an invisible string of energy connecting one to another and to you.

In your aliveness on this earth, you are tethered to these people in your family tree.You’ve inherited some of their characteristics: Grandma’s love of baking, your dad’s eyes, Aunt May’s red hair… 

But there’s more.

You also have inherited their joys and sorrows, and you may be carrying pain, loss, anger, guilt, illness or other burdens from past generations that negatively impact your life today – even if you do not know exactly how or why.

The “Ancestors, Constellations and Healing” groups at Lake House Health & Learning Center are a new and profound way to help you connect and correct the past so that you can move forward with a sense of freedom, inner peace and love. 

Each participant may be involved as much or as little as they are comfortable with, sharing general issues, not details. 

Whether you merely observe or actively participate in this safe and confidential setting, you’ll learn a lot about yourself and how you are a part of those who came before you.

What happens in a family constellation group?

A person identifies a personal issue and selects group members to represent certain family members and others who are placed in the group space. The positioning reveals the dynamics – both hidden and evident – within the family system.

The facilitator repositions the members to restore respect, dignity and love, especially to those who’ve been excluded or forgotten. As reconciliation is achieved, the genuine love and strength in a family can begin to flow.

Each person who attends a constellation session, whether participant or observer, can experience the profound effects of this change.

To learn  more about constellations and how they help with relationships, career, opportunities and children, see this link.

To find out how to do pertinent family research about your family tree, see this link.

To create a family altar to honor your roots, see this link.

For an updated schedule of "Ancestors, Constellation & Healing" groups, see events calendar.

How does it help?

Many people have found these groups extremely helpful to address emotional distress, relationship difficulties, chronic physical illness and unexplained misfortunes and trauma.

Will my health insurance cover the fee for these groups?

Most insurance is accepted. Please call Karen Carnabucci at (262) 633-2645 to discuss your insurance plan. If you do not have insurance, the cost of the typical group is $25. Longer groups, including all-day retreats, have different fees. At times, partial scholarships may be available.

Do I need to register for these groups?

Yes. We recommend early registration by calling (262) 633-2645.

Who is the facilitator?

Karen Carnabucci, LCSW, TEP, is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in non-traditional healing and body-mind therapies. She has been involved with this innovative healing process since 2002 and is certified in this method by Heinz Stark, an internationally recognized constellation trainer from Germany.

She is the co-author of Integrating Psychodrama And Systemic Constellation Work: New Directions For Action Methods, Mind-Body Therapies And Energy Healing with Ron Anderson.

Karen Carnabucci will be presenting at the U.S. Constellations Conference

Claiming Our Roots ~ Embracing New Growth

Oct. 28-30, 2011

San Francisco, Calif.

Where does this process come from?

This unconventional healing process was developed in Germany about 30 years ago by Bert Hellinger, a family therapist and philosopher, and is rapidly spreading throughout the world.

What if I don't yet know what problem I wish to address?

People who attend a group constellation session may participate in a number of ways:

• Some simply observe.
• Some take opportunities to serve as representatives, agreeing stand in for family members, conditions or goals that relate to the issue that is to be explored.
• A person also may volunteer to “work,” having identified a suitable issue that he or she is ready to address.

Do you offer individual sessions?

Constellations are most effective in group settings. However, there are times when individual sessions may be helpful to introduce the process to the person, gain specific information about family history and heritage or address concerns that may be initially difficult to discuss in a group setting.

How can I learn more?

Here are several links that explain more about Family Constellation Work, sometimes known as Systemic Constellation Work:

Family Constellation, a therapy beyond words

Healing in groups

Systemic underpinnings of youth suicide

The roots of ethnic conflict

A conversation with Hella Neumann about ancestral roots and the family soul