Systemic constellations have developed over the past decades into a powerful tool in coaching, therapy, and personal development. They make it possible to visualize complex relationship networks and inner dynamics. There is not just one type of constellation. Rather, various systemic methods of constellations have established themselves – each with its own strengths, peculiarities, and fields of application.
In this article, we present the different types of systemic constellations, compare them, and show when each method can be useful. Whether with real people, on the system board, with animal figures, or large wooden figures in the room – the variety of approaches offers a suitable framework for almost every concern.
1. Constellation with real people (live constellation)
This form is considered the most classic and well-known method. It was popularized by family constellations according to Bert Hellinger, but today it is used in many variations.
Process
A constellation with real people usually takes place in a group setting. One person describes their concern, such as a family problem, a recurring blockage, or a professional decision. Then representatives are chosen to stand for specific roles (e.g., father, mother, the theme "success") and are positioned in the room.
The representatives report how they feel in their position. They often sense surprisingly precise emotions or bodily sensations without knowing the system being set up. Through movements, perspective shifts, and targeted interventions, a process emerges that reveals new perspectives and solutions.
Advantages
- Intense emotional depth and resonance
- Dynamics between people become visible and tangible
- Especially effective for interpersonal issues
- Group experience can be transformative
Limitations
- Requires several people to be physically present
- Organizational effort (space, group, facilitation)
- Rather unsuitable for very intimate or shame-laden topics
2. Setup on the system board
The system board is a compact, versatile method to visually and spatially map complex situations. Instead of real people, wooden figures on a board are used.
Process
A person describes their concern – such as a workplace conflict or a decision dilemma – and represents the relevant elements with figures on the board. The position, orientation, and distance represent relationships, dynamics, and inner states.
Through small changes and symbolic interventions, a process emerges that opens new perspectives. The person can gain clarity through perspective shifts.
Advantages
- Compact, discreet, and well usable alone or in coaching
- Ideal for analytical-rational people
- Well suited for business topics and decision-making questions
- Quick access to complex connections
Limitations
- Emotional depth limited by lack of interaction with real people
- Less suitable for people who work strongly physically-emotionally
3. Setup with animal figures
Animal figures enable a symbolically intuitive form of setup. This method is especially suitable for creative adults or children.
Process
The person selects animals that represent aspects of their system. For example, a lion for strength, a mouse for fear. The figures are positioned and imbued with meaning. The process can reveal inner images and metaphors.
Advantages
- Very accessible for children or creative thinkers
- High symbolic value – ideal for unconscious topics
- Archetypes can trigger deep inner processes
Limitations
- Less structured than other methods
- Symbolism is subjective and requires good guidance
- Sometimes perceived as too playful by cognitive people
4. Setup with large figures in the room
This method combines working with figures and spatial experience. Instead of people, large wooden figures are used, which can be freely positioned in the room.
Process
The person setting up places large wooden figures in the room, senses their impact, and can position or move themselves among the figures. The physical approach opens up new insights, even without a group.
Advantages
- Spatial experience without other people
- Good for individual work with or without a coach
- Combines symbolism and body awareness
- Reusable, durable materials
Limitations
- Less lively dynamics than with real people
- Emotional resonance develops more slowly
- Requires some practice or guidance
5. Other forms of systemic constellations
Structural constellation
Structured, linguistically precise, and ideal for complex topics – especially in professional or organizational contexts. Developed by Varga von Kibéd and Insa Sparrer.
Tetralemma constellation
Helps with seemingly unsolvable decision questions. Besides "A" and "B," "Both," "Neither," and "Something completely different" are also set up.
Inner team constellation
Based on the model by Schulz von Thun. Various inner parts such as "the critic," "the inner child," or "the doer" are made visible and related to each other.
Symbolic constellations
Working with colors, scaling questions, objects, metaphor cards, or intuitive forms. Especially creative and suitable for art therapy, vision work, or innovation processes.
Which constellation method fits which concern?
Systemic constellations come in many formats. Each method has its strengths – depending on the topic, context, and personal preference. The following table helps to get a rough overview and choose the appropriate method.
| Method | Special features | Advantages | Limitations | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live constellation with people | Real people take on roles in the space | - Deep emotional resonance - Direct group dynamics - Complex relationship issues become visible |
- Larger organization needed - Less suitable for sensitive or intimate topics - Requires experienced facilitation |
Family issues, relationship questions, systemic dynamics with high emotionality |
| System board constellation | Work with wooden figures on a system board or system cloth | - Clear presentation - Ideal for individual and business coaching - Also suitable for discreet topics - High-quality system boards in various versions available from us |
- Limited emotional depth - Less physically tangible |
Individual coaching, decision-making, organizational topics, professional concerns, Family issues, relationship questions, systemic dynamics |
| Animal figure constellation | Symbolic work with animal figures on table or board | - More emotional, playful approach - Activates unconscious images - Especially popular in educational contexts |
- Less structured - Symbolism is subjective and requires guidance |
Work with children, personality development, inner parts, alternative method to classic system board with figures |
| Large figures in the room | Spatial constellation with approx. 30–60 cm high wooden figures | - Physical-spatial experience - Also feasible without a group - Ideal for individual work with or without a coach |
- Emotionally less dynamic than with people - Requires initiative or guidance |
Self-reflection, individual constellations, flexible use in the practice room, Family issues, relationship questions, systemic dynamics |
| Structure/Tetralemma/Team constellations | Specialized systemic formats with clear models | - High methodological precision - Well suited for complex cognitive topics |
- Often more abstract - Requires experienced guidance |
Professional systems, decision-making processes, organizational development |
Note on professional implementation
Systemic constellations – whether with people, figures, or symbols – can trigger profound processes. It is all the more important that the facilitator is well-trained, experienced, and mindful in dealing with people and dynamics. This applies especially to live constellations with people, but also to individual settings with figures. A safe framework is a basic prerequisite for effective and responsible constellation work.
Our products, such as system boards, large wooden figures, and animal figures, are deliberately designed to support professional methods – in coaching, consulting, therapy, or educational contexts. They offer high quality, clear shapes, and versatile applications – ideal for anyone working with systemic constellations or just starting out.
