Foundation

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.

After a successful launch, the next programme will start in February 2025 and explore 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 constellations, family ancestry, ancestral Indigenous traditions and personal healing rituals over two modules. There is an optional third module in October 2025 will be an Intensive Learning Immersion over 5 days 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 ancestral perspective which is at the ‘root’ of the systemic constellations method. Notably concepts on health, emotional well-being and the role of the ancestral and ancestors in family and transgenerational life. The main intention of the programme is to fill a gap in learning in therapeutic training courses with a focus on Diaspora Transgenerational Lives.

The training is designed for those new to, or at an intermediate stage of knowledge in systemic constellations work. It 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 and 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 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

A 5 Day Learning Immersion in South Africa, an opportunity to continue the work on African soil and learn more about ancestral family traditions.

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 six-weekend workshops in London in 2025. 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, beliefs and concepts about mental health and emotional wellness. Both personal openness to learning about your family lineage and professional interest in using this framework within your 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. You will create a toolkit that can be used for one-to-one therapeutic practice and/or integration into your professional work specialism. It is recommended that you begin practising 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 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 of 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 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, counsellors, trainers, holistic practitioners, 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 the ancestral constellations into their individual or family practice
• Are interested in understanding more about African and Indigenous approaches to transgenerational health and healing
• Want to experience a unique approach to transformation and change in the company of other like-minded people