Working phenomenologically means working with a client in this moment with what is present; always as a new experience. It means listening to the client with an open heart as if you are hearing the information for the first time.

“Phenomenology, in general, means developing awareness of reality as it appears and describing it.” (Schneider 2007).

When counsellors, coaches, facilitators and clients are aware of their senses and inner world they are better able to connect with the experience in the moment as it happens. By keeping their awareness on the present experiences they are able to see and hear clearer and connect strongly with reality in the moment. If on the other hand they focus on their ideas, thoughts and hypotheses the connection with the moment will be lost

So, awareness, presence and focus are all contributing to the ideal of working phenomenologically. These topics will be covered in more detail later in the module. We will also look at Phenomenology in more detail to understand the deapths of the process of being present.

“The force for change comes from contact with the present.” (Ulsamer 2003)

Working with ‘what is’.

Working phenomenologically within the context of Family Constellations is known as ‘working with what is’.

In the Constellation work, the information needed for setting up the constellation and movement towards resolution is all received phenomenologically or by working with what is. This unique approach of working deals only with what is present in the moment of the constellation. The facilitator uses information given to them by the representatives about their sensory experiences in each moment. Trusting the information from the representatives and the personal insights experienced by the facilitator is a key ingredient for Constellation facilitation.

Working with what is in an individual setting is equally important for the Coucellor, Coach, facilitator and the client.