Psychosynthesis has its roots in psychoanalysis. The Italian founder of psychosynthesis, Dr. Roberto Assagioli (1888-1974), initially trained as a doctor in neurology and psychiatry. He was a member of the Freud Society in Zurich, and by 1909, he was among the first to bring psychoanalysis to Italy alongside other pioneers of the psychoanalytic movement. However, he soon developed his ideas beyond Freud’s models to include connecting with higher manifestations of human nature, beyond pathology.
A contemporary and student of Freud, Assagioli was more aligned with Jung’s approach to psychology.
Influenced by Raja Yoga (concerned with the cultivation of the mind and meditation), Karma Yoga (concerned with intention, action and will) and the writings of Alice Bailey, Assagioli studied philosophy and theology, drawing on Buddhism, Jewish and Christian mysticism for his thinking. What truly set him apart from his contemporaries was his belief in the existence of Self, and the particular methods devised to help a person discover their true essence, which can involve either or both personal and transpersonal development. Roberto Assagioli agreed with Freud that developing a healthy ego by healing childhood trauma was a necessary aim of psychotherapy, but held that human growth could not be limited to this alone.
In developing psychosynthesis, Assagioli sought to address human growth and unlock human potential into what Abraham Maslow later identified as self-actualisation, and further still, into the spiritual or transpersonal dimensions of human experience.
Psychosynthesis is therefore one of the forerunners of both humanistic psychology and transpersonal psychology, preceding Jung’s break with Freud by several years.
In 1951 there was practically no provision of psychotherapy or counselling in the UK and only medically qualified people were allowed to treat mentally ill patients. Psychology was in its infancy and still very much oriented towards behaviourism and animal experimentation.
Abraham Maslow’s ground-breaking book, ‘Motivation and Personality’, came out in 1954 and described his study of psychologically healthy people. This was not welcomed by most other psychologists, so he started a mailing list to be distributed to sympathetic colleagues including the founder of psychosynthesis, Roberto Assagioli.
Psychosynthesis was acknowledged and recognised for the first time in the UK in 1964. Roberto Assagioli’s book, ‘Psychosynthesis – a Manual of Principles and Techniques’, was published in 1965 and The Psychosynthesis in Education Trust was registered as an organisation the same year.
Today we are known as The Psychosynthesis Trust.
We have a rich 50- year history, a pioneering ‘whole person’ education in the UK. Together with Dr. Roberto Assagioli, our founders were leaders in education, psychology, science and spirituality, and we continue to work at that nexus today.
Diana Whitmore, reignited the charitable purpose in the 1980s, establishing the psychosynthesis counselling and psychotherapy training that formed the base of the training offered today. Diana trained and learned from Roberto Assagioli during 1960s, and is still actively involved in the Trust today, both as a trustee and a trainer.
Diana says: “As a student of Roberto Assagioli in the period just preceding his death, I was moved by his mission to put the soul back into psychology, which led to my leadership role in The Psychosynthesis Trust. The Trust was revitalised in honour of Assagioli’s vision that for we human beings to truly flourish and experience fulfilment from life, psychology needed to include the soul – the place in each of us where we find meaning and purpose and a deeper sense of well-being. I have been delighted to see the Trust flourish and grow to be a respected professional training organisation.”
The Trust was the second organisation in the UK to receive BACP accreditation in the 1980s, and the first to receive UKCP accreditation as a transpersonal training organisation in 1993. Find out more.
testimonials
My experience and reflections after taking the Essentials of Psychosynthesis training can be expressed by these words: authentic and compassionate, professional and humane, longer-term life changing impacts, reminding truths forgotten and introducing new perspectives, high quality delivery, comfortable and stimulating at the same time, embracing diversity, the art of aware and constructive living, feeling of connection. I warmly recommend it to anyone.
Essentials Course Attendee
testimonials
Being able to do this course in person was a real highlight for me. The courage, honesty and bravery everyone showed in sharing their experiences & stories was humbling.
Essentials Course Attendee
testimonials
The low cost clinic has changed everything for me. The service that I have received from my first phone call to my weekly sessions has been professional, supportive and understanding but above all approachable. It was a great move to look to the Trust, and it and my therapist have been amazing.
Counselling service client
testimonials
They have been very inclusive and understanding of me as a black woman studying counselling skills. It allows me to understand my defences and the difficulties presenting themselves in my life..
Counselling service client
testimonials
The assessment and allocation of a therapist were done quickly, sensitively, and I was always listened to. My therapist is a perfect fit for my needs, supports me, and I look forward to my sessions. I feel comforted and understood by my therapist.
Counselling service client
testimonials
The counselling service contacted me very quickly and were flexible. My counsellor adapts to my needs.
Counselling service client
testimonials
My counsellor in training is amazing. She makes you feel comfortable, heard, and like everything is your choice and no one else’s.
Counselling service client
testimonials
It is very good - I feel empowered knowing more about myself and reflecting on some of my behaviours. Thank you!
Counselling service client
testimonials
The Foundations Year has been an incredible adventure. The balance of experiential and academic work at the Trust makes this course truly unique and invaluable to personal development. It challenged me and provided me with insight and information I previously felt was out of reach, all in an environment where the experienced trainers support with ease and compassion. The course teaches and supports you as an individual as well as a potential future practitioner.
Foundations participant
testimonials
Thank you for this workshop which for me brought affirmation and confirmation of my work and my journey.
CPD participant
NEWS
Join Jeremy Kelsall for a one-day workshop exploring how counsellors and psychotherapists can gain a deeper understanding of erotic countertransference…
Petra Guggisberg Nocelli, friend and Trainer at the Trust, shares her thoughts on the concept of ‘Surrender’ ahead of the 15th…
Join the Trust for a two-hour seminar/lecture style session with William Meader on exploring the concept of the third eye….
