Systemic Pedagogy is a comprehensive educational approach born from the theories of Family Constellations® and Systemic Therapies®. It was initiated by the German pedagogue and psychotherapist Bert Hellinger and further widespread by Angélica Olivera.

This strategy aims to balance the confluence of three elements—school, family, and students—to enhance learning and well-being while preventing scholar drop-out. More in detail, it observes the wider context to better understand the dynamics and implications resulting from the interactions among all components within the educational system.

Although the three elements are independent and have their dynamics to their balance, the student can be understood as a point of intersection between the other two systems, thus creating the School-Family System. Once the School-Family System is established, it is vital to recognize and respect its order, functions, and hierarchy. On this note, in his work “The Orders of Love”, Bert Hellinger investigates the natural laws of organization in human systems where each form of life has a unique place, so when within a system, someone stops taking their place and responsibility, conditions of imbalance and disaster occur.

Additionally, as an example of certain dynamics, when a pupil behaves in school differently than we would like or expect, it is because he/she unconsciously looks at someone who has been excluded from the family system. The child, therefore, behaves this “oddly” way out of love for the excluded member. When we deal with such a student, we can look at the excluded one together with him/her. And if, together with the parents, we look at and respect this person and welcome him/her into the family, the child can change with serenity. All this allows the teacher, who approaches this way and knows the systemic relationships, to influence the family and the academic performances. Ultimately, Systemic Pedagogy, with its potential to act beyond the school, can influence the family and society at large. (Looking into the Souls of Children, © 2013 Bert Hellinger).

My Experience

Since 2019, I have been conducting independent studies of Bert Hellingher’s immense works, which have inspired me to pursue a Diploma of Education in Systemic Pedagogy. This specialization further supports my commitment to contributing to a more peaceful world through education, reinforcing the universal principle that peace begins at home (Franklin D. Roosevelt).