Where are we free? Where are we bonded?
…It is all about a journey that we can take through the layers of the good and the bad, the right and the wrong of the systems to which we belong.
For the past 18 years, our exploration of resonance and representative perception techniques has been enhanced by somatic empathic inquiry. These methods were originally inspired by Bert Hellinger's Family Constellations and have been continuously refined and improved through successful implementation with individual clients, groups, and organizations. Our collaborations with friends, students, and colleagues have also contributed to the effectiveness of these methods in guiding our clients towards tangible and meaningful results.
We help our clients discover their inner resources, which are often buried beneath layers of old beliefs and conditioning from our upbringing and family history. These inner resources are like precious jewels within our psyche, containing universal principles, values, qualities, and talents. It takes time and attention to delve deep within ourselves and recognize the value of these hidden gems, which have the power to bring transformation to our lives and the world. By transforming rigid emotional patterns into dynamic, loving life energy, we can unite the fragmented parts of our psyche. This process is crucial for our healing journey and overall well-being.
contact us ▸
Facilitators
MEET
Peter deVries M.A., SEP
In 1997, I was invited to participate in a family constellation session as a representative, but I was initially skeptical. I had already undergone therapy for my family issues and believed I had resolved them. Even when the founder of Family Constellation Work, Bert Hellinger visited the area, I was not particularly interested. However, during the session, as I embodied the role of someone's father, I was deeply impacted and became intrigued by the power of representative perception. Since then, I have participated in numerous constellations for myself and have assisted others in this process. I have extensively studied and taught constellation work and continue to be amazed by its profound effects. Along the way, I have also delved into somatic experiencing, internal family systems work, and the concept of walking in someone else's shoes as a form of active dynamic resonance. I have also learned about the IoPT intention constellation method from Franz Ruppert, where the trauma-induced obscurity of our true identity can be healed through resonance, particularly in relation to early childhood attachment issues that may not be consciously recognized. This journey has been a beautiful process of healing, one that I am grateful to share with you.
Education and Training:
Masters in Counseling Psychology (University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands)
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute)
Systemic Constellation Facilitator (Hellinger Institute)
Offices are in Mill Valley, CA and Asheville, NC | constellationworks@gmail.com | 415.383.8634
MEET
Cara deVries LMFT, SEP
In 1998, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop with Gabriel Borkan and later attended trainings by Victoria Sneh Schnabel. These experiences would greatly change my perspective on my own growth and development as well as, my professional world as a therapist. Through their teachings, I learned that the lens of family systems work could be deeper and more impactful with the constellation approach.
This approach uses representatives to identify and understand hidden patterns within our families. Through private and group sessions, I was able to uncover deep-rooted issues that were affecting my relationships and overall well-being.
The accuracy of representative perception amazed me. It allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of myself and those around me. As a result, my relationships became stronger, including my marriage. My partner and I had the opportunity to have a constellation before getting married, which brought us closer together and solidified our commitment to a life together.
I began incorporating the use of figurines in my private practice, which greatly enhanced the effectiveness of constellation work. The visual representation of the issues at hand helped my clients gain a better understanding of their themselves and more easily find solutions that they were struggling with.
I also discovered the power of combining Somatic Experiencing with constellation work in private sessions. This approach brought about even more profound healing for my clients. It allowed them to connect with their bodies and release any physical tension or trauma that may have been holding them back.
The teachings of constellation work, specifically through the teachings of Bert Hellinger, have greatly impacted my life as a therapist. It has opened my eyes to the power of representative perception and the importance of addressing family dynamics in personal and professional development. I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from such amazing teachers and continue to use constellation work to help others on their journey towards healing and growth.
Cara’s offices are in Marin, CA and Asheville, NC and she can be reached at 415.328.7337 or email to cara@caradevries.com.
“Cara deVries is not only extremely skilled and compassionate, she’s also flexible and offers just what seems to be needed in each session I had with her. She prepared me for a surgery that terrified me and helped me deal with unrelenting and extreme pain. I went from a trembling, crying, broken and threatened professional to a secure, confident, and productive one in the course of our year of meetings. I highly recommend Cara to help you overcome your physical and mental health struggles.”
"Thank you Cara for staying with me through a very difficult time of traumatic stress. Your presence and gentle approach along with practical tools I could really use have been a great help. I feel more ease and comfort in my life and my relationships."
–PL
"Cara is an extremely sensitive, gifted and intuitive healer who offers post traumatic stress therapy using a unique mix of verbal and somatic approaches.Our work together helped me to recover relatively quickly from a very difficult life trauma without any negative physical impact. I highly recommend to anyone who could benefit from a gentle, yet very effective and rapid treatment modality."