Psychosynthesis

Jean Hardy

Psychosynthesis is a spiritual psychotherapy that was developed by the Italian psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Dr Roberto Assagioli (1888-1974). It is based on his experience of the wholeness of life from childhood onwards, as well as on his deep and wide reading of mystical and spiritual material, eastern and western, and scientific studies. He was involved in the early international conferences before the first world war on psychotherapy, with Jung and Freud, and split from Freud for much the same reasons as Jung - that he believed the transpersonal nature of people is basic and the key to a fulfilling life.

It wasn't until the nineteen fifties and sixties that psychosynthesis began to be internationally known. Since then it has spread to many countries in the world, and has four centres in London, together with teaching in Bristol, Manchester and other towns in England.

Jean Hardy is an author, lecturer and teacher. Author of 'A Psychology with a Soul'(1987) and 'There is another world but it is this one'(1988). Ex-social worker; socialist, sociologist; political philosopher. A Quaker. Trained in psychosynthesis.

Key texts

The first three books are those of Roberto Assagioli himself:-

Assagioli R.(1993) Psychosynthesis London: Thorsons. ISBN 1-85538-288-1

Assagioli R. (1998) The Act of Will London :David Platts Publishing Company. ISBN 0-9524004-1-3

Assagioli R.(1991). Transpersonal Development. London. Crucible ISBN 1-85274-062-0

The first is a series of articles written from the 1930s onwards, and the third is articles collected 13 years after the author's death.

An easy way into psychosynthesis is through a chapter written in:-

Rowan J. and Dryden W. Innovative Therapy in Britain. (1988) Milton Keynes :Open University Press. ISBN0-335-09827-4
The article on Psychosynthesis is by Jean Hardy and Diana Whitmore.

Ferrucci P (1995) What we may be. Thorsons. ISBN 1-85538-278-4
This is a classic book written by an Italian psychotherapist who knew Assagioli well. The chapters all deal with an aspect of the human condition, giving the reader exercises and reflection to help with the personal spiritual path.

Hardy J. A psychology with a soul (1996). London Woodgrange Press.ISBN 9527251-0-X
This well-known book traces the development of psychosynthesis through the twentieth century, and reflects on the origins of this understanding in western and eastern spiritual and mystic thought. It places psychosynthesis in the context of religious and scientific ideas.

Rowan J. Subpersonalities (1990). London Routledge.ISBN 0-415-04329-8
An enlargement of the perception that we are all many people, tracing this idea back in history and applying it to the therapy of the present day.

Whitmore D. Psychosynthesis Counselling in Action (1991) London Sage ISBN 0-8039-8279-X
A clear practical guide to the work of a psychosynthesis therapist, aimed both at the beginning therapist and the person who is in psychosynthesis therapy.

Brown M.Y. Growing Whole (1993). Minnesota: Hazelden Books. ISBN 0-89486-865-9
Molly Young Brown's book is one for the reader interested in his or her own development, and also on the human/planet relationship. It helps the reader who is searching for a spiritual path, and is looking for meaning, through both reflection and exercises. This book emphasises that wholeness is not only personal but also global and ecologically aware.

Psychosynthesis centres in London

Psychosynthesis and Education Trust. 92-94 Tooley Street. London Bridge. London SE1 2TH. 0171-403-2100
Institute of Psychosynthesis. 65A Watford Way. Hendon. NW4 3AQ 0181-202-4525

Both of these centres have Masters Degree level work, and research and theory is being developed within them.