The new guest of our “Conversations on the Path to Happiness” series is yoga expert and family constellation practitioner, Yöntem Yurtsever. With his theoretical knowledge and practical experience, Yöntem Yurtsever stands out in his field and works as a true healing ambassador. We talked about the unknowns of family constellations with him.

Interview: Özge Zeki

Yöntem Yurtsever began his career in contemporary dance, later dedicating many years to yoga instruction and training yoga teachers. Since 2008, he has specialized in family constellation work, completing his training in the field. Since then, he has been practicing family constellations both in group and individual settings while also pursuing studies in psychology in English.

The family constellation retreats he organizes offer a holistic healing, deep transformation, and lasting liberation experience by skillfully integrating movement with family constellation work in a natural setting. These retreats include activities such as morning yoga, mindfulness meditation, breathwork, and nature walks, helping participants cleanse and balance both their bodies and minds. In family constellation sessions, participants are guided to compassionately face their past, understand deep-rooted traumas, and enhance their self-awareness.

Does family constellation bring happiness?

Happiness is a vast concept, influenced by many factors in our lives. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that family constellation helps us on the path to happiness, but it does not directly make us happy. That would be a misleading perspective. However, family constellation serves as a guiding tool, helping us discover the resources we already have to achieve happiness.

Family Constellation has gained popularity, partly due to its portrayal in TV series, but for those unfamiliar with it, what exactly is family constellation?

In its simplest definition, family constellation is a therapeutic technique, but its impact extends far beyond conventional therapy—it is a holistic practice. Successfully applied across various disciplines, from classical therapy to personal coaching, this method helps individuals untangle complex issues that seem impossible to resolve. By addressing the root causes of problems, it provides clarity and deeper understanding.

This approach is not only about personal struggles but also closely connected to inherited patterns passed down from our ancestors, often unconsciously. It helps us recognize that many recurring issues in our lives—those we can’t seem to break free from—may originate from unresolved traumas, unfinished stories, and lingering emotional burdens within our family lineage. Family constellation work sheds light on these hidden aspects of our lives, offering a path toward greater awareness, emotional security, and personal freedom. It provides invaluable insights not only into our individual struggles but also into how our spiritual inheritance shapes our character, behaviors, and life choices.

How is a family constellation session conducted?

Family constellation is a highly flexible and multifaceted therapeutic method that can be adapted to individual needs and preferences. The most commonly used techniques include group therapy, object-based work, and one-on-one sessions.

In group therapy, participants gather in a safe space where they take on roles representing different aspects of the client’s life or family dynamics. Without prior preparation, they instinctively embody these roles, relying on their emotional and bodily sensations in the moment. This spontaneous process quickly reveals hidden family dynamics and unresolved conflicts within the system.

The object-based technique involves using symbolic objects—such as small figurines, natural stones, or colored cards—to represent significant people, events, and emotions in the client’s life. By positioning and adjusting these objects, the client reconstructs their family system, gaining new perspectives and identifying potential solutions.

Individual sessions offer a more introspective and personalized experience, where the client works directly with the therapist. With the therapist’s compassionate guidance, the client may close their eyes and deeply connect with the energy of their family system. Through careful listening and intuitive exploration, the therapist uncovers hidden patterns and unresolved traumas, helping the client gain meaningful insights.

Despite the differences in approach, all these techniques share a common goal: to help individuals identify the true source of their recurring struggles, understand inherited traumas, embrace them with compassion, and ultimately break free from limiting cycles. More than just a therapeutic method, family constellation is a profound journey of self-discovery, healing, and emotional liberation.

How Should We Choose a Family Constellation Practitioner?

Before starting family constellation therapy, selecting a competent and experienced practitioner is crucial for the therapy’s long-term success and the well-being of the client. Family constellation is a deeply personal and sensitive exploration of the subconscious, making the therapist’s expertise, ethical values, and ability to build trust essential for a safe and transformative experience.

First and foremost, it’s important to ensure that the therapist has received sufficient theoretical training and hands-on practice under the supervision of an experienced instructor. Their credentials, completed training programs, attended seminars, published articles, and client testimonials should be carefully reviewed to assess their expertise and qualifications.

Secondly, the therapist should possess strong communication skills and the ability to establish a safe, supportive, and empathetic relationship with the client. They must listen without judgment, criticism, or condescension, making an effort to truly understand the client’s emotions, thoughts, and experiences while offering unconditional acceptance and support.

Lastly, a therapist must adhere strictly to ethical principles, maintaining clear professional boundaries and upholding confidentiality with the utmost care. They should never disclose personal information or experiences shared in therapy, always respecting the client’s privacy and autonomy.

Choosing the right practitioner is not just about credentials—it’s about finding someone who creates a secure and compassionate space for self-exploration, healing, and growth.

What Does Family Constellation Change in a Person?

Family constellation emerges as a powerful, effective, and transformative therapy method that guides us on our journey of individual and societal healing. This ancient technique helps us make sense of the complexities of the past, understand the present, look to the future with hope, and deeply grasp the meaning of life. Family constellation not only resolves issues but also helps us get to know ourselves better, discover our inner strengths, unlock our potential, live in harmony with our true selves, and enjoy every moment of life.

Let us not forget that the key to true happiness lies in the wisdom of the past and the awareness of the present. By compassionately confronting our past, learning from our mistakes, and forgiving ourselves, we can live today with greater consciousness, responsibility, and love. And by valuing every moment of the present, enjoying the small things, and showing compassion toward others, we can look to the future with hope, courage, and enthusiasm.

Family constellation is not just a therapy method; it is a philosophy of life, a worldview, and a way of being. By adopting this philosophy, we can become more responsible, conscious, compassionate, merciful, just, and loving individuals toward ourselves, our families, society, the world, and all living beings. Through this, we can build a more beautiful, livable, and hopeful future.

You can watch a more comprehensive and detailed version of the interview on the Türkiye Haber Portal YouTube channel.