Psychosynthesis: A holistic approach to personal growth

When I tell people that I am a psychosynthesis coach, their first response is usually ‘What’s that? I’ve never heard of it!’ So I thought it might be helpful to offer a little more information about this type of coaching. 

Developed from psychoanalysis by Italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli in the early 20th Century, psychosynthesis recognises and integrates different aspects of how we think, understand and respond to the world - our levels of consciousness.

In this type of psychology, it is broken down into three distinct parts, our subconscious (past experiences, repressed emotions, instincts and automatic behaviours), our conscious (everyday thoughts, reasoning, and decision-making) and our superconscious (intuition, creativity, wisdom, and spiritual insight). These parts of us constantly interact, influencing our emotions, thoughts and behaviour.

In psychosynthesis, the goal is to integrate these three levels, allowing individuals to become more self-aware and authentic. Including all of these parts can balance emotions, resolve inner conflicts, and help people to align with their full potential and values.

Psychosynthesis is widely applied in therapy, coaching, education, and personal development, and it can be really effective in supporting individuals to overcome emotional struggles and help find meaning and direction in life. It also cultivates inner peace and resilience whilst developing healthier relationships and interpersonal skills.

In my own life, I have found it to be of enormous benefit. Probably the most recent and powerful example being my cancer diagnosis and two years of very intense treatment. Psychosynthesis did not make having cancer easier, but it did give me the opportunity to explore and understand how I felt and responded to the experience, and the profound impact of that on my own life and the lives of my loved ones.  

So what does it look like in coaching?

I work with clients to support them in navigating different challenges in their lives. This can include the professional – career decisions, relationships and work/life balance, to those dealing with anxiety, illness or feeling stuck or lost in their personal lives.

Therapeutic in style, sessions will involve self-exploration of beliefs, emotions and subconscious influences. This can allow conscious detachment (or ‘disidentification’) from limiting thoughts and emotional reactions, and the ability to recognise that we are more than our fears and past experiences.

Psychosynthesis encourages the use of creativity, imagination, and visualisation as tools for personal and spiritual development, and explores the connection between body, mind and feelings. These methods can help individuals tap into their potential and express themselves authentically. Exercises include meditation, guided imagery, visualisation and reflective writing, which can be done during sessions, or outside of the coaching space.

Psychosynthesis is a comprehensive approach to self-development that goes beyond traditional psychological methods. It offers a context for life, a way of looking at the world beyond our history and conditioning.

Whether used in therapy or personal exploration, its principles offer a valuable framework for holistic growth and transformation. If you would like to find out more or discuss how this type of coaching might work for you, please reach out to a coach offering this approach.