The systemic constellation with animal figures
Systemic constellation therapy is a profound method in the field of psychological counseling, coaching, and personal development that aims to better understand and optimize interpersonal dynamics and structures. Through the use of animal figures that represent individuals or characteristic role patterns, this method enables a creative and emotional approach to understanding complex relationships.
The role of animal characters in team development
Animal figures in systemic constellations allow for a deeper and often more intuitive understanding of team dynamics. Each animal brings its own symbolism, allowing for a multifaceted reflection of the various team roles. The selection and positioning of the animals—such as a tortoise, tiger, cow, lion, or giraffe—creates a visual and tangible representation of the group structure and promotes discussion about individual contributions and relationships within the team.
Application in education
Especially in educational work with children, animal figures such as cats, ducks, sheep, or monkeys offer a playful bridge for exploring group relationships and promoting social skills. Their representation and the associated role-playing allow children to access complex topics in an age-appropriate manner. Even more difficult topics can be easily accessed with children using animal figures – however, it is absolutely necessary to have training and psychological expertise to conduct a constellation with children.
Creative impulse in systemic coaching
In addition to their classic use in team development and education, animal figures bring a lively and creative element to systemic coaching. Interaction with figures such as foxes, roosters, or rhinos inspires new perspectives and helps break established patterns of thought and behavior.
The advantages of animal figures over classic wooden figures
Compared to traditional wooden figures, animal figures such as the dirty pig, the proud hippo, or the sociable llama offer a deeper emotional resonance and can be more metaphorically rich. They facilitate access to complex emotions and promote a holistic perspective on group processes.
Summary
Systemic animal constellations are a valuable asset for anyone working in teamwork, education, and personal development. They enable a dynamic and vivid exploration of roles, relationships, and group structures. This approach offers a refreshing alternative to traditional methods and supports people in developing a deeper understanding and new appreciation for the complexity of their social environments.
