Systemic Constellations in Practice – A Participant’s Account

The systemic constellation method is used in a variety of professional contexts to bring relationships, structures and dynamics to light. It helps participants to develop new perspectives and find solutions to complex challenges. The range of applications is equally diverse – from coaching and consultancy through to team and organisational development, right through to leadership issues.

Ines Dietrich already has many years’ experience as a systemic coach and had some exposure to constellation work even before undertaking the further training. In this interview, she explains why she nevertheless decided to take the certificate course, which aspects particularly convinced her, and what lasting impact the training has had on her professional practice.

Please introduce yourself briefly: In what professional context do you work, and what experience did you have with systemic constellations before undertaking the further training?

I have been a self-employed coach since 2005 and work as a systemic coach with my own training organisation. I had already completed my first systemic training at Metaforum with Bernd Isert, as well as training in constellation work with Holm von Egidy.

What motivated you to deepen your knowledge of systemic constellations through this further training?

The desire to continue learning about systemic constellations and to gain additional practical knowledge. Furthermore, I am also keen to familiarise myself with the different styles of various trainers in different fields.

What particularly impressed or surprised you about the further training?

I was impressed by the fact that there is a scientific basis for the method and that it is accepted and applied here – as demonstrated by the diverse range of clients and, for example, by Heiko Kleve in the context of management consultancy. 

How have your understanding of systemic constellations and your role as a constellation facilitator changed during the course?

It remains a major challenge to facilitate constellations with confidence. The respect for the task, the methodology and the content, as well as allowing space for one’s own style, is something quite special. But the group works well together. Often, there’s a desire to have much more time for practising and learning. It’s a major topic that I value greatly.

Can you give an example of how you’ve already been able to apply what you’ve learnt in your professional practice?

I’m already using the method in my practice during one-to-one coaching sessions. However, this training course has enabled me to incorporate much more of the method into my coaching practice; I feel more confident in applying it, and I’m able to use it in a wider variety of ways. 

How did you find the atmosphere within the group and the support provided by the tutors?

The support is excellent. This is particularly because the group is made up of seasoned practitioners from all sorts of fields, and their perspectives – certainly different from those of students – are very diverse. This makes the discussions and the range of applications all the more enriching and , at times, surprising.

To whom would you particularly recommend this further training?

Essentially, for people who are keen to enrich their work with a keen openness to both new approaches and tried-and-tested methods. This way of working with people and identifying their potential is as far-reaching and appreciative as it is enriching. It can be applied by anyone working in this field – whether in individual or group work, with managers or specialist staff.

What lasting impact has the training had on your professional work or personal development?

In times of major social change, it is of fundamental importance to tackle challenges in a methodical way. The systemic constellation method is certainly well-suited to complement the identification of needs and the health-related aspects of coaching. This gives me, as a coach, a sense of confidence and supports my already highly intuitive approach. I could almost say that, for me, it is this method that makes the healing and supportive aspects visible and effective for the client. 

Is there a sentence or a short quote that particularly aptly describes your experience of the training?

Coaching does not work through clever words alone – but through subtle perception … and when we look at things together in constellation work, it often becomes surprisingly clear what has long been searching for its place in the background. 

The ‘Systemic Constellations’ certificate course at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills for the professional application of constellations in counselling, coaching, organisational development and other fields of work.

The course combines a scientific foundation with intensive practical experience and is aimed at specialists and managers, counsellors, coaches and anyone wishing to integrate systemic perspectives into their professional practice.

The next course will take place from the 12th of November 2026 to 25th of June 2027. Further information can be found on the continuing education page.