psychosynthesis
therapy
The mind is brought into harmony with the spirit and includes the body, achieving an organic, harmonious unity of all aspects of the person's being, what we might call 'bio-psychosynthesis'. This is true spiritual alchemy.
The mind is brought into harmony with the spirit and includes the body, achieving an organic, harmonious unity of all aspects of the person's being, what we might call 'bio-psychosynthesis'. This is true spiritual alchemy.
What is Psychosynthesis?
Developed by Roberto Assagioli (1888-1974) is an approach to psychology and psychotherapy that includes the transpersonal dimension. Often referred to as ‘psychology with soul’, the method is characterised by a non-dogmatic openness, and draws upon many of the world’s spiritual wisdom traditions for its model of human development and evolution. Its main focus is upon the ‘synthesis of the parts’ in order to create a whole, at the personal level, in relationships and within larger contexts.
Psychosynthesis methods can be applied at many levels, from that of the individual psyche, through organisational applications and upwards to the collective experience of the entire human family. In psychotherapy and counselling terms, Psychosynthesis takes two major forms – a personal psychosynthesis (often mapping experiences, wounds, primary events and traumas in a life, and moving towards a calm accepting centre, or self) and a transpersonal level (connecting with the ineffable ground of being, moving beyond the ‘small self’ into direct relationship with ‘all that is’). In my experience, whether implied or explicit, the modes of Psychosynthesis move across familiar psychological territories always including the heights and depths, neither judging nor rejecting of what is found along the way.
What is Psychosynthesis?
Developed by Roberto Assagioli (1888-1974) is an approach to psychology and psychotherapy that includes the transpersonal dimension. Often referred to as ‘psychology with soul’, the method is characterised by a non-dogmatic openness, and draws upon many of the world’s spiritual wisdom traditions for its model of human development and evolution. Its main focus is upon the ‘synthesis of the parts’ in order to create a whole, at the personal level, in relationships and within larger contexts.
Psychosynthesis methods can be applied at many levels, from that of the individual psyche, through organisational applications and upwards to the collective experience of the entire human family. In psychotherapy and counselling terms, Psychosynthesis takes two major forms – a personal psychosynthesis (often mapping experiences, wounds, primary events and traumas in a life, and moving towards a calm accepting centre, or self) and a transpersonal level (connecting with the ineffable ground of being, moving beyond the ‘small self’ into direct relationship with ‘all that is’). In my experience, whether implied or explicit, the modes of Psychosynthesis move across familiar psychological territories always including the heights and depths, neither judging nor rejecting of what is found along the way.
Psychosynthesis is an approach to self development that includes our spiritual as well as our physical and mental needs. Psychosynthesis aims to move us away from fragmentation and pain and towards integration and joy through including both the lighter and darker sides of life.
Will Parfitt
How does Psychosynthesis work?
The chief techniques of the method, beyond the rhythms of regular conversation, include visualisation and active imagination work, amplification and identification exercises, dis-identification processes and a range of creative actions and expressions. Context is held to be vital, so the content of experience, whatever that is moment by moment, sits within a secure holding of experience itself.
Psychosynthesis views a person as being more than just a physical body or a set of biochemical interactions, and is interested in health and wellbeing, not only pathology and symptoms.
Heal your whole self and embrace your purpose in life
Heal your whole self and embrace your purpose in life
I work with adults of all ages and backgrounds who feel a desire to find and embrace the purpose and meaning of their life, and to move into an experience of true fullness and harmony with all aspects of life. Often the calling to Soul is experienced as a personal crisis (or crises), making itself known through what we would commonly refer to as ‘symptoms,’ or sometimes traumatic experiences. Although previous experience of therapy it not a prerequisite, the majority of clients I work with have had some prior engagement with either a therapeutic modality, a system of healing, or commitment to spiritual practice and related traditions.
I have found Psychosynthesis to be an effective, adaptable and compassionate container for many of the themes and symptoms that many people seek assistance with, without the need to deny any aspect of our experience. Issues I am experienced in working with include; abuse, despair, hopelessness & depression, fear & anxiety, life transitions, loss & bereavement, spiritual crisis, relationships, anger, men’s issues & maleness, addiction & dependency, sex, gender & sexuality, stress, overwhelm, work issues and spiritual emergence.
For more information on my approach, please read My Approach to Therapy.
All consultations are for 60 minutes at USD 120 per consultation.
The Therapeutic Process
All forms of counselling and psychotherapy have in common the central theme of relationship, and Psychosynthesis is no different. However, the kind of relationship we are referring to is different from what we might ordinarily mean in life generally. Largely this is because the counsellor/therapist has no other role in a person’s life (they are not your friend, boss, partner, rival, lover, child, colleague or anything else) and because of this there can be a certain kind of objective space. Allied to this, the relationship is held in time through a rhythm of appointments, usually weekly for an hour each time; it is also held in space, being contained by a specific place (traditionally, the therapy room, often now a virtual space but also the environment, the natural world all around us).
In addition, certain ethical considerations are also present – most notably confidentiality, alongside emotional safety, a respect for basic human goodness, and autonomy. These factors combine to create the conditions for a relational space that is authentic, trusting and supportive, characterised by being non-judgmental, sometimes challenging, and always open to exploring whatever needs attention. There is an absence of taboo, anything can be considered and explored here, however vague or painful or difficult it may appear – and the focus is sustained fundamentally upon the needs of the client.
It has been a privilege and honour to have helped my clients evolve to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives as their whole selves. It would be my privilege and honour to walk with you on your journey of healing and transformation.