What is Psychosynthesis?
First developed in 1910 by Roberto Assagioli MD at the very beginning of modern Western psychology, psychosynthesis is still ahead of its time. It recognizes that our personality and our spirituality are intimately involved with each other everyday. Now with the latest neuroscience speaking of the higher regions of the brain and the potential knowledge and feeling in that part of ourselves, Assagioli’s insights take on heightened significance.
Pro-actively, psychosynthesis offers a map and methods for the discovery of this higher organizing center in our brain/mind. Practically and clinically, our center’s psychosynthesis teachers combine many years of applying psychosynthesis to clients dealing with cancer, cardiac, HIV-AIDS, addiction recovery, anxiety in young adults, identity in young adults, crisis resolution, search for meaning and other issues. And we have trained health professionals internationally.
How does Psychosynthesis Work?
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The first step is gaining self-awareness of the habitual patterns of thought and behavior in us that are sources of suffering. This is helped with practical meditation methods for strengthening the observing self, that part of our brain-mind now referred to as the “executive center.” Specific clinical meditation techniques assist this strengthening process.
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The second step is identifying the new patterns of thought, feeling and action that we want to energize and experience more often. This often involves developing an inner practice in which we first notice negative mind patterns and then consciously replace them with healthier thinking. In this aspect, psychosynthesis is similar to the well-established practices of cognitive-behavioral therapy. This replacement process is aided by psychological meditation and imagery techniques such as visualization, imagery rehearsal, inner dialogue, inner child work or other methods.
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The third step is exploration of the natural higher unconscious part of our brain-mind in which joy, purpose, creative inspiration and bliss are actually possible and available to us. One can think of these as the spiritual goals of psychosynthesis, but in fact they are simply facts in our nature that we learn how to access.
Who Can Benefit from Psychosynthesis?
This is an essential practice for anyone looking to increase self-awareness and greater choice in their direction in life. Here are signs Psychosynthesis could be right for you:
Sense of Fragmentation
Many people feel disconnected from their sense of self and experience a sense of fragmentation in their lives. They may feel that different aspects of their personality or identity are not working together in harmony.
Difficulty in Self-Awareness
Some may have difficulty understanding their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and may not be aware of how these are affecting their lives.
Emotional Difficulties
Many of us may be struggling with emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, or feelings of emptiness.
Difficulty in Relationships
Some have on-going difficulty in their relationships and may be struggling with issues such as trust, communication, or intimacy.
Difficulty in Finding Purpose
Many may be working with a sense of feeling lost or directionless in their lives and may be seeking a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
Trouble Integrating Spiritual Practices
Some may be having a moment of a deep need to integrate their spiritual beliefs into their daily lives and to find a deeper sense of connection to something greater than themselves.
How is Psychosynthesis a Spiritual Practice?
