Exploring Cultural Issues for Constellation Work in South Africa

Claude Hélène Mayer, Rian Viviers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Constellation work is a therapeutic and counselling intervention recognised in Germany and other European countries since the 1970s. Various scientists and practitioners have contributed to its theoretical and practical development, and research on the subject has increased over the past few years. However culture in constellation work has received little research attention and has not been empirically studied in African contexts. The aim of this article is to reflect on culture and its influence on constellation work in multicultural, post-apartheid South Africa. An empirical qualitative research approach within the phenomenological paradigm was adopted. Six constellation facilitators were interviewed with in-depth and field notes taken during participative observations of constellation workshops. The findings provide insight into culture in constellation work in the South African context. Theoretical and practical recommendations for scientists and therapy practitioners working with systemic interventions like constellation work are provided.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)289-306
Number of pages18
JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy
Volume36
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • South Africa
  • constellations
  • culture
  • emic perspectives
  • family therapy
  • post-apartheid
  • qualitative research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Psychology (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Exploring Cultural Issues for Constellation Work in South Africa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this