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Family Constellations & IoPT
What are Family Constellations and Identity-oriented Psychotrauma Therapy (IoPT)?
In my work, I use Family Constellations and Identity-oriented Psychotrauma Therapy (IoPT) as two distinct approaches, each with its own theoretical foundation, understanding of human experience, and method of working.
Although they are different approaches, both work phenomenologically and systemically.
Both methods use representatives or resonators to help make hidden dynamics, unconscious processes, and inner experiences visible.
What are Family Constellations?
Family Constellations were developed by Bert Hellinger and are based on the understanding that we belong to larger family systems that continue to influence us throughout our lives.
Many emotional difficulties, relationship problems, recurring patterns, or feelings of being stuck may not only arise from our own personal experiences but may also be connected to unresolved experiences within our family system.
Hellinger observed that family systems appear to follow certain natural principles, which he described as the "Orders of Love". These include the right to belong, the balance between giving and receiving, and the natural order between generations.
Every member of a family has an equal right to belong. When individuals are excluded, forgotten, rejected, or not spoken about, later generations may unconsciously identify with them or carry emotions, burdens, or destinies that do not originally belong to them.
Experiences such as war, migration, suicide, miscarriage, abortion, adoption, violence, abuse, addiction, family secrets, or significant losses can continue to affect later generations. These influences may appear as relationship difficulties, recurring patterns, anxiety, feelings of guilt, emotional burdens, or a sense of being stuck.
Family Constellations help bring these hidden dynamics into awareness. By looking at the wider family system, individuals can gain new perspectives and a deeper understanding of the influences affecting their lives.
What is Identity-oriented Psychotrauma Therapy (IoPT)?
IoPT, developed by Professor Dr Franz Ruppert, is a method of Self-encounter that focuses on trauma, attachment, identity, and psychological splitting.
IoPT is based on the understanding that overwhelming experiences can interrupt our natural psychological development and our ability to establish a healthy connection with ourselves and others.
When experiences become too painful or overwhelming, particularly during childhood or other traumatic events, the psyche may split in order to survive. According to IoPT, this can lead to the development of healthy parts, traumatised parts, and survival parts.
Traumatised parts continue to carry the original pain, fear, helplessness, or overwhelm. Survival parts develop to protect us from these painful experiences and help us function in everyday life. Healthy parts retain the capacity for self awareness, perception, understanding, and connection.
The central method within IoPT is the Sentence of Intention. Through resonance, inner processes may become visible, allowing individuals to encounter their own inner reality.
More recent developments within IoPT place increasing emphasis on direct contact with the traumatised part that presents itself during the process. This allows individuals to explore more directly the part that carries the traumatic experience and the feelings, perceptions, and memories connected to it.
The intention holder remains at the centre of the process and determines its pace and direction. The aim is to strengthen contact with one's own identity and support the integration of traumatised experiences.
Below is an insightful interview with Professor Ruppert, where he discusses the profound importance of understanding our own childhood traumas and how they shape our emotional and psychological well-being.
How do I work?
Every person and every presentation is unique. Depending on your individual situation and what you would like to explore, I work with either Family Constellations or IoPT. Together, we decide which approach may be most suitable for you.
In individual sessions, floor markers are used to represent family members, significant relationships, or elements of the family system when working with Family Constellations.
In Identity-oriented Psychotrauma Therapy, floor markers are used within the Self-encounter process to resonate with the Sentence of Intention. Through resonance, healthy parts, traumatised parts, and survival parts may become visible.
Both approaches can also be experienced in group workshops.
In group workshops, participants may represent family members, relationships or other elements of the family system. This allows hidden family dynamics, systemic entanglements, and transgenerational influences to become visible. Working with IoPT, participants act as resonators for the Sentence of Intention or for the traumatised part that emerges during the process. This supports Self-encounter and allows individuals to gain insight into their own inner reality.
Whether working individually or in a group setting, the aim is to create a safe space for greater understanding, self awareness, and movement towards healing and integration.
Difficulties that may be explored
- Relationship difficulties between partners, parents, children, or siblings
- Family conflicts and unresolved family relationships
- Feelings of not belonging or being excluded
- Repetitive relationship or life patterns
- Family secrets, exclusions, or hidden family histories
- Transgenerational trauma and inherited burdens
- Questions of identity and self connection
- Attachment difficulties
- Childhood trauma and developmental trauma
- Anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm
- Grief, bereavement, and significant losses
- Separation, divorce, or relationship breakdown
- Experiences of emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Violence, neglect, or traumatic life events
- Miscarriage, abortion, adoption, or early loss
- Difficulties with self esteem or self worth
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or responsibility for others
- Life transitions and difficult decisions
- Feelings of being stuck or unable to move forward
- Questions around purpose, direction, or one's place in life
Appointments and Fees
If you would like to book a private family constellation session, please use the online booking form below or contact me by phone or text: Katherina Kavungu +353 (0) 861957734.
Sessions are available from Monday to Saturday, either online or in person.
The initial session lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours and the fee is €150.
Depending on your individual needs, follow up sessions can be booked as:
60 minute session: €75
90 minute session: €100