Transpersonal awareness in psychosynthesis

Psychosynthesis, developed by Italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli in the early 20th century, is a comprehensive approach to psychological development that includes not only the personal unconscious but also the superconscious – a source of higher values, intuition, and spiritual insight.

Within psychosynthesis, this is known as transpersonal awareness, also described as a state of consciousness that transcends the ego and connects individuals to a deeper sense of purpose, unity, and meaning. This makes psychosynthesis a transpersonal psychology, a field concerned with experiences and stages of development that extend beyond the individual personality.

In psychosynthesis, Assagioli described the human psyche as multidimensional, consisting of:

• The lower unconscious or subconscious (basic drives, repressed emotions),
• The middle unconscious (readily accessible memories and skills),
• The higher unconscious or superconscious (source of higher inspiration, ethical ideals, and spiritual experiences).

When we describe transpersonal awareness, we are talking about the superconscious level and connecting with a part of us that Assagioli called the Higher Self, which embodies the individual’s fullest potential and deepest truth. Unlike traditional psychoanalytic models that focus largely on pathology (medical study and diagnosis), psychosynthesis emphasises the human capacity for self-realisation, creativity, altruism, and spiritual insight. 

What are the benefits of transpersonal awareness?

Becoming aware of this part of ourselves takes us beyond our own ego, giving us a greater sense of being part of something outside of ourselves, including our relationships with others and with nature. It can bring a greater sense of intuition into our thoughts and decision making, and often brings with it a renewed sense of direction, purpose and meaning. 

Psychosynthesis practitioners use a variety of techniques to foster transpersonal awareness, including:

• Meditation and mindfulness to quiet the ego and attune to higher states of consciousness.
• Dialogue with subpersonalities (all the different parts of us that make us who we are and the roles that we identify with in our day-to-day lives), allowing integration between the many parts of the psyche and the Higher Self.
• Disidentification exercises, helping individuals separate their core self from their thoughts, emotions, and roles, thereby creating space for a deeper awareness to emerge. 

These practices are not only therapeutic but are also aimed at the individual’s inner growth and spiritual evolution.

Transpersonal integration

An important principle in psychosynthesis is that transpersonal awareness should not remain an abstract or mystical experience. Instead, it must be integrated into daily life, relationships, and actions. As we become more aware of who we are and what is important to us, we increasingly notice our behaviours, which can give us psychological space and choice in how we respond to people, events and the environment around us. This "synthesis" involves aligning one’s personal will with the transpersonal will – a process that Assagioli termed the act of will. Through this alignment, individuals become agents of conscious change in the world, expressing their highest values through service, creativity, and compassion.

Why is that important today?

In an era marked by psychological fragmentation, existential anxiety, and ecological crises, the inclusion of transpersonal awareness offers a much-needed perspective. It invites individuals to explore not just who they are, but what they are capable of becoming. Psychosynthesis affirms that healing involves not only addressing the wounds of the past but also embracing the aspirations of the soul.

Transpersonal awareness in psychosynthesis offers a vision of psychological development that is holistic, spiritual, and empowering. By accessing the Higher Self and integrating its guidance into everyday life, individuals can move toward greater wholeness, authenticity, and purpose. In doing so, psychosynthesis opens the door to a deeper understanding of human potential.