In this two-part lecture, Heiko Kleve will first introduce the theory of systemic constellation work. He will present the methodological foundations that have become established in the tradition of classical family constellations, such as clarifying the client’s request, gathering information sparingly in the preliminary conversation, and the procedure of systemic constellations, including positional and process work. In addition, Heiko Kleve will introduce a theoretical model that explains the fascinating phenomenon of so-called representative perception.

In the second part, Christina Hunger-Schoppe will present research findings considering the psychological and social system functioning from a randomized controlled trial (1) on the short-term efficacy of family constellations compared to a wait-group 2 weeks and 4 months after participation in the intervention (Study 1, n = 208), (2) on the medium-term efficacy for the intervention group after 8 and 12 months (Study 2, n = 104), and (3) on the long-term efficacy after 5 years cumulated for the intervention and wait-group (Study 3, n = 137).The results point to  the short-, medium-, and long-term efficacy of family constellations and encourage further qualitative and quantitative studies. Ideas for future research in the private  practice and institutional research will be discussed with the audience.