EFTA Research Café: Theory and Empirical Research on Systemic Constellation Work

With Heiko Kleve & Christina Hunger-Schoppe

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.

Heiko Kleve, Prof. Dr. phil., holds the WIFU Endowed Chair of Organization and Development of Business Families at Witten/Herdecke University, specifically at the Witten Institute for Family Business (WIFU), where he also serves as Academic and Managing Director. He is a sociologist and social pedagogue, as well as a systemic consultant (DGSF), supervisor and coach (DGSv), systemic and teaching supervisor (SG), conflict mediator, and case manager (DGCC). He has published numerous books and scholarly articles on systemic-constructivist and postmodern theory and practice of psychosocial work.
More information: www.heiko-kleve.de

Christina Hunger-Schoppe, holds the Chair for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapies at Witten/Herdecke University. She is psychologist, licensed psychotherapist (Systemic Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapist), and trainer and supervisor for psychotherapists. She is member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the German Federal Chamber of Physicians and Psychotherapists (WBP), and Psychotherapy Representative (SG). He has published numerous scholarly articles and books on Systemic Therapy in clinical psychology and research, including method development, efficacy studies and routine-monitoring.
More information: https://www.uni-wh.de/en/contact-person/christina-hunger-schoppe