Bert Hellinger (1925-2019) was a German psychotherapist renowned for developing Family Constellations, a therapeutic method that addresses family dynamics and the impact of family members across generations. Hellinger’s approach integrates elements from various therapeutic practices, including psychoanalysis, Gestalt therapy, and neuro-linguistic programming. His methodology is used worldwide in psychotherapy, organizational consulting, and personal development, focusing on uncovering and resolving deep-seated familial issues that affect individuals’ behaviors and emotional states.

Before his career in psychotherapy, Hellinger lived a rich and varied life. He served as a missionary in South Africa for 16 years, where he was a school headmaster and was deeply influenced by the group dynamics and ecumenical training he encountered there. This period was pivotal in shaping his later work in psychotherapy. Hellinger also underwent extensive training with notable figures like Arthur Janov and Virginia Satir, which further enriched his therapeutic approach.