Roberto Assagioli : Psychosynthesis

Roberto Assagioli (1888 – 1974) was an Italian psychiatrist who developed an integrated approach to psychiatry in the early 20th century. He looked at the theories of Freud (psychoanalysis), Jung, existential psychology and Christian philosophies in developing his theory of psychosynthesis.

Psychosynthesis is another word used to describe human growth. It is the ongoing process of bringing together all the different energies and facets of an individual into a powerful and harmonious whole. Psychosynthesis is both spiritual and holistic in its approach.

The Fundamentals

The psyche: when the various elements of the psyche are not connected, or clash with one another, the individual can feel a sense of imbalance and meaninglessness in their lives. When these different elements become connected individuals feel a release of energy and a sense of well being.

The Map of the Psyche

The lower unconscious: contains repressed memories, dreams and complexes. The middle unconscious: contains the skills and states of mind including sensations, images, feelings, impulses, desires and thoughts. The higher unconscious: contains intuition, inspiration, insight and our basic drives. According to Assagioli, the conscious self is something we must all be aware of in order to maintain good psychological health.

Differences between Psychoanalysis and Psychosynthesis

Assagioli described the differences in an interview conducted in 1974: “Perhaps the best way to state our differences is with a diagram of the psychic functions. Jung differentiates four functions: sensation, feeling, thought, and intuition. Psychosynthesis says that Jung’s four functions do not provide for a complete description of the psychological life. Our view can be visualized like this: We hold that outside imagination or fantasy is a distinct function. There is also a group of functions that impels us toward action in the outside world. This group includes instincts, tendencies, impulses, desires, and aspirations. And here we come to one of the central foundations of psychosynthesis: There is a fundamental difference between drives, impulses, desires, and the will. In the human condition there are frequent conflicts between desire and will. And we will place the will in a central position at the heart of self-consciousness or the Ego”.

Links between Psychoanalysis and Psychosynthesis

Psychosynthesis is versatile and can be included in any therapy. It adopts a very optimistic approach to human development, and sets out to help individuals understand the importance of meaning and purpose in their lives.