TRAINING

OUTLINE

Ancestral Constellations in collaboration with BAATN has developed a new Foundation training programme in Systemic Constellations with a focus on the Transgenerational Lives of Black and Brown Diaspora Communities. Our vision is to provide a pathway for people from diverse backgrounds to train in transgenerational family work from an African and ancestral-centred perspective.

This is the first training of its kind and runs from March – October 2024.

This new training programme explores Transgenerational Family Life from a Diaspora perspective. It grounds participants in the principles and practice of Ancestral Family Constellations, a process that draws closely on an integration of both Western systemic and Indigenous ancestral family traditions.

The learning will incorporate, systemic coaching, family constellations thinking, ancestral indigenous traditions and personal healing ritual over two modules. There is an optional third module which will take the form of a retreat to experience the work in South Africa.

The Ancestral Constellations approach draws on the systemic constellations method developed by Bert Hellinger, who was a German catholic priest and missionary for over 17 years in South Africa. He observed African Ancestral family traditions and integrated them into a Western therapeutic model which became family constellations.

The training draws heavily on the African perspective which is the ‘roots’ of the systemic constellations method. Notably concepts on health, emotional wellbeing and the role of the ancestral and ancestors in family and transgenerational life. The training is designed for those new to, or at an intermediate stage of knowledge in systemic constellations work.

The main intention of the programme, is to provide learning about the Ancestral and African approach. This programme is not designed to train participants to become systemic constellations facilitators leading groups. It has been developed for participants who already have a field of practice that they can integrate their learning into.

MODULAR PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Module 1 – Introduction to Ancestral Constellations & Systemic Practice
The focus is on the principles and practice of systemic and family constellations to create a strong foundation of learning. We will look at the the concept of ‘orders of love’ that Hellinger developed ad the principles that lie behind the model including the ancestral overlay deep in its roots.

MODULE 2 – Introduction to African Centred Therapeutic Practice
We will delve deeper into African ancestral traditions, especially those that emphasise community, to explore how this holistic approach can support Diaspora family life. This will include the work of elders like Malidoma Some and we will also examine the indigenous concept of ‘Rites of Passage’ alongside the more familiar concept of stages of the life cycle.

OPTIONAL MODULE 3 – Currently being develop as an Ancestral Constellations and Transgenerational Retreat, with a focus on South African Sangoma Traditional Healing. Dates to be confirmed in Spring 2024.

MODULE 1 OVERVIEW

6 Day In-Person

Module 1 – gives the participant an overview of the Ancestral Constellations approach and consists of both theory and practice. This is an In-Person module taking place over three weekends workshops in London in spring 2024. It gives an introduction to the ancestral and African roots of the method and provides an African centred overview of the process, drawing on indigenous traditions and beliefs and concepts about mental health and emotional wellness. Both personal openness to learning about your own family lineage and professional interest in using this framework within your own practice will be required.

MODULE 2 OVERVIEW

6 Days Online and In-Person

Module 2 – contains both theoretical and experiential components that extend on the information presented in module 1 and is primarily focused on the application of the Ancestral Constellations model for Black and Diaspora individuals, families and communities. This will be a combination of theory and practice and we will utilise a range of creative methods to build a toolbox that can be used for one-to-one therapeutic or coaching practice and/or integration into your own professional work specialism. It is recommended that you begin practicing with non-family members.

NOTES: The two modules of this programme are designed for people who want to integrate ancestral constellations into their field of competence. This is a foundation training that will not teach you to become a facilitator of family constellation workshops. To reach that level of competence you will be required to take an advanced training and have at least 3-5 years experience in constellations work.

7 BENEFITS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME

1. Learn the core skills of transgenerational family work from a Diaspora perspective
2. Learn from a senior facilitator with over 20 years experience working with systemic modalities.
3. Explore some of the key issues that impact Black transgenerational lives and communities of colour
4. Learn the fundamentals of the systemic constellations method
5. Learn in a gathering of like minded people of colour
6. Assess how you intend to use your learning in your field of competence
7. Prepare for a longer accredited course with with a foundation at an affordable price

WHO THE PROGRAMME IS FOR

The programme is for people from Black/African/Asian/People of Colour who are interested in exploring systemic work and how it can support transgenerational families and communities within a Western Diaspora context. This is a path that can lead to family research and a greater connection to older cultural and wisdom traditions.

The practice element of the course will focus on family dynamics and entanglements as they impact Black/communities of colour. This entails creating a framework that looks at family within a social and community context, exploring the principles of systemic constellations from both a Western psycho-social and African/Indigenous perspective.

You can explore the learning from a personal or professional perspective. The programme will be especially valuable for therapists, coaches, counsellor, trainers, holistic practitioner’s, nurses, social workers and other professionals who ……

• Work with multi-identity families and communities and are looking for new perspectives on complex family systems 
• Want to integrate systemic thinking and constellations into their practice
• Want to understand more about ancestral family knowledge and its relevance for the families that they work with
• Want to experience a unique approach to transformation and change in the company of other like minded people