The author explores how unresolved issues in the family system, including previous generations, can interfere with effective grieving in the here and now. The principles underpinning Hellinger’s (1998) family constellation approach are described, and aspects of entanglement and exclusion that are important in resolving issues related to grief and loss are considered. Some of the puzzles inherent in this work, such as intergenerational memory, are addressed, and transactional analysis authors whose approaches are congruent with systemic theory are cited. The author critiques some difficulties in Hellinger’s theory and describes recent developments in constellation theory, particularly ways to work in individual therapy sessions using this approach. A case study demonstrates practical tools that are accessible to transactional analysts who wish to include a systemic perspective when doing grief work.
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