The Unconscious Burdens of Family Loyalty
- Giovanna Marino
- Mar 21
- 2 min read

A recurring theme in my sessions is the phenomenon of unconscious self-sabotage, driven by a deep-seated loyalty to ancestors who faced hardship and were unable to achieve their full potential.
What Does This Mean?
Essentially, individuals may unconsciously limit their own success to remain connected to, or honour, the struggles of family members who came before them.
Through family constellation therapy, we can identify the root causes of these self-limiting patterns.
The Origin of Our Struggles: Beyond the Individual
It's crucial to understand that our personal struggles often have roots in our family history. If ancestors experienced significant setbacks—due to war, illness, disability, or other adverse circumstances—a powerful dynamic can emerge.
The Manifestation of Loyalty: Replicating Past Fates
When an ancestor's life was profoundly impacted, a descendant may unconsciously choose to replicate that experience, manifesting similar limitations as a form of loyalty. This can manifest as:
* Making detrimental choices.
* Engaging in self-sabotaging behaviours.
* Unconsciously developing health issues that hinder progress.
Breaking the Cycle: Empowering Change
Fortunately, this pattern can be disrupted. Through family constellation therapy, we can acknowledge and honor the past experiences of our ancestors while consciously choosing a different path. This involves:
* Granting ourselves permission to succeed.
* Releasing the unconscious obligation to replicate past suffering.
Beyond Intellectual Understanding: Experiential Transformation
This process is best understood through direct experience, rather than intellectual analysis. I have witnessed numerous clients overcome their limitations and achieve remarkable success by embodying this transformative approach.
A Path to Liberation: Acknowledging the Past, Shaping the Future
We possess the power to fundamentally alter our circumstances by looking inward and acknowledging the experiences of those who came before us. By honouring the past, we can liberate ourselves to create a different future.
Sol
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