| Psychosynthesis is a
therapy which focuses on integration. There is
personal psychosynthesis in which we aim to create a
harmonious whole of the diverse elements of our
personal self, and there is transpersonal
psychosynthesis in which we aim to align our
personal self with our deeper or spiritual self and
the larger life to which we all belong. One
important aspect of personal psychosynthesis is the
work with sub-personalities, those aspects of our
personal self that have their own distinguishing
characteristics and that are not always in agreement
with each other. They may even be in bitter
conflict, thereby causing much disruption to our
lives. Psychosynthesis helps us to recognise that
ultimately each element of our self has something to
offer to the whole of us and that rejection will
only lead to pain and confusion. Sometimes that
rejection goes back to previous phases of life and
stems from our relationships with significant
others, and so we may need to recognise and
empathically understand old patterns of relating to
self and others. With more insight, self-acceptance
and empathy, our sub-personalities can begin to
adapt and change and ultimately harmonise with each
other and contribute to more fulfilling
relationships with others.
In transpersonal
psychosynthesis we acknowledge the deeper or
spiritual dimension of ourselves and recognise its
importance as a unifying and guiding presence in our
lives. We each are called to become our unique self
and to follow our own unique path in life. Within us
there are many capacities and talents which may not
have been realised yet, but which can emerge when we
are ready to receive them. Often, however, it may be
necessary to let go of familiar identities in order
for the new to emerge, and this may not always be so
easy. Life brings us challenges that tell us that it
is time to let go and be open to new possibilities,
but we may feel bewildered and at a loss when this
happens. The relationship with a psychosynthesis
therapist can support us through such processes of
change. Transpersonal psychosynthesis also orients
us towards a deeper realisation that we are more
than our individual selves alone. Our lives can
become more purposeful and meaningful when we live
from a felt sense of connectedness to a larger whole
and when our actions contribute towards values that
we share with others. |