We have started a series of articles bringing you inspiring and credible case studies on the application of constellations in different sectors around the world. We draw on both research articles and documented experiences from practitioners.

The first article in the series focuses on the use of constellations in the legal system. “Organisational constellations in business and management” and “The constellation method in mental health and health care” will follow shortly.

Constellations in the legal system

Family constellations (a systemic therapeutic method created by Bert Hellinger) and its further developments, including organisational constellations, have been applied in recent years in many fields around the world.

Argentina (Mendoza province):
2023. In Argentina, in 2007, a justice of the peace in the province of Mendoza attracted attention for his use of alternative “systemic law” techniques to resolve family problems. For example, he directed parents who were not complying with their school attendance obligations to participate in reflection-based workshops (including biocoding) instead of the usual punishments. [1].
This approach yielded significant results – it is estimated that in around 80% of cases, children were successfully reintegrated into school, while fines were of no benefit. [1].

Although this judge mainly used biocoding (opening up the links between emotional patterns and illnesses) and biodanza (bodywork and movement therapy), this is part of a wider trend: alternative systemic practices, including family constellations, are increasingly prominent in the legal system. In Argentina, the term “systematic law” (Spanish: “systematic justice”) has even been introduced. Derecho Sistémico), which stands for the application of the principles of family constellations in legal practice. [1].

The University of La Plata has launched a diploma course in “Legal Coaching and Systemic Law”, aimed at lawyers in 2020, which teaches how to resolve disputes using family constellations. [1]. According to the promoters of the course, the aim is to achieve a “more humane justice”, focusing on healing the real root causes of conflicts, rather than just legal resolution. [1].

Similar practices are gaining momentum in Europe, where, for example in Spain, family constellations are increasingly used in the context of succession and divorce proceedings to help parties reach meaningful and lasting agreements. [1].

Brazil:

Family constellations have been most widely implemented in the legal system in Brazil. A judge there Sami Storch started using the Hellinger method in family law cases in Bahia as early as 2006 and became a pioneer of the “systemic law” movement. [2].

2012. By 2020, the use of family constellations had been formally introduced in Brazilian courts, in particular for mediating cases of domestic violence and custody. [3]. Storch achieved a remarkable result – almost all conflicts were resolved by agreement between the parties, applying Hellinger’s systemic principles. [4].

His innovative approach was awarded a Brazilian Judicial Committee Prize in 2014, recognising the application of systemic regularities, such as ‘love routines’, to the administration of justice.” [4]. In practice, this means that, as part of the judicial procedure, the following are organised. constellation session, where the parties and volunteers are put in roles to reveal the deeper familial and psychological patterns of conflict. This approach has been used successfully, for example, in divorce and custody disputes, where a traditional court trial could only exacerbate the conflict. [4].

Although several Brazilian judges have reported positive results (faster agreement, better cooperation in the best interests of the child, etc.), this approach has also generated controversy. Critics – including academics and victim support professionals – warn that the compulsory use of family constellations in courts can have a retraumatising effect on victims. For example, there have been cases where a woman who has suffered domestic violence has been forced to constellation confronted with their abusive partner and even encouraged to “forgive” their abuser – a situation that can be extremely traumatic for the victim. [3]. Brazilian sceptics say family constellations in court “pseudoscience”, which harbours a patriarchal ideology and could threaten the neutrality of justice ([3]). Despite criticism, Brazilian systemic law continues to be used and is seen as part of a broader system. restorative justice (restorative justice), which seeks to resolve legal disputes through conciliation and understanding, not just punishment. [2] .

Thought spot

The use of constellations in the justice system opens the door to a new perspective – one that does not only focus on finding blame and punishment, but seeks to understand the deeper roots of conflict and support real healing.
This approach invites us to think: how can there also be space in our communities and relationships for deeper listening and healing of invisible patterns?

At Belong, we believe that even the smallest shift in consciousness can make a big difference to the whole system.
If the possibility of systemic work in the service of justice, healing and human dignity appeals to you, you are always welcome to discover more on our platform – whether to learn, experience or inspire.

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Sources

📗 [1] Newspaper “Tiempo Argentino” 2024a articleBiodescodificación y constelaciones: un “código de época” que llegó a la Justicia

📗 [2] Journal “Research, Society and Development”, article Systemic Law Practice: Importance in the Brazilian judicial context and influence on Restorative Justice.

📗 [3] Portal “The Skeptic”, 2022a article Family Constellation: the pseudoscience retraumatising victims at the approval of Brazilian courts – The Skeptic

📗 [4] International constellations community publication “29 – The Knowing Field“

📗 In addition, a research paper on “Family constellations in the judiciary: an issue for psychology?” has been prepared in 2023:
Moreira, LE, Soares, LCEC, & Beiras, A. (2023). Family constellations in the judiciary: a topic for Psychology?. Psychology Studies (Natal) , 27 (1), 68-80 . https://doi.org/10.22491/1678-4669.20220007.