Mark Hughes
Psychosynthesis
Counselling
Walthamstow, London E17
5 mins from Victoria Line
Counselling for Clarity and Self Care
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Mark Hughes
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Counselling for Clarity and Self Care |
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PsychosynthesisMy core training is in psychosynthesis, which is a Transpersonal approach to therapeutic counselling. This means that it includes spirituality—in the sense of 'something bigger'—as well as psychology. Psychosynthesis is appropriate for a wide range of issues because it incorporates elements from several fields of psychology including Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Jungian, and Behavioural, as well as recent developments like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). OriginsItalian psychologist Dr. Roberto Assagioli conceived psychosynthesis in 1910 to address what he felt were the "limitations" of Freud's Psychoanalysis. Over the next sixty years Assagioli carefully worked to integrate developing Western psychological theories (including aspects of psychodynamic, behavioural and humanistic schools) and extended them to include ideas and techniques from spiritual traditions and Eastern philosophy. Assagioli pioneered what Maslow later termed "Transpersonal Psychology." Integrative and TranspersonalPsychosynthesis has always been "holistic," recognising body, mind and feelings, while other schools have recognised the benefits more recently, and most are now adopting more "Integrative" approaches. Psychosynthesis is in this sense not alone, but is still distinguishable by being a transpersonal psychology, which means that it regards the human being as more than a collection of organs, or cells, or atoms. According to Wikipedia, synthesis "is commonly understood to be an integration of two or more pre-existing elements which results in a new creation" (2008). So, while a human being is of course a collection of atoms, cells, and organs, it is also something more. This something more has been given many different names but is very hard to define. Psychosynthesis regards the individual's experience as paramount, and so doesn't worry too much about the lack of concensus around a definition. It does though regard this 'something more' as unique to each individual, referring to it as the personal-self, or self for short. A particular awareness and attitude to the self, and seeing it as also part of a greater Transpersonal Self, is one thing that distinguishes Psychosynthesis - as a transpersonal approach - from other integrative or synthetic approaches that are not also transpersonal. Individuality and UnityIn practice this means that as a counsellor I am mindful that each individual is both a person (with a body, a mind and feelings) and also a self - the something more which is unique to that person. By acknowledging this uniqueness, it follows that I don't know better than the client, that my ideas and expectations must be held lightly, constantly checked out, reviewed and revised. I also try to hold the bigger picture, a wider context that acknowledges the interdependence of everyone, and indeed everything. I therefore recognise the need for each client to develop or practice using their own sense of self, to develop their inner resources and potentials. And to see themselves in context, as a part of a bigger picture, symbolised by the idea of a Transpersonal Self, which can give meaning and purpose to life. Counselling RelationshipThese features distinguish Psychosynthesis from non-integrative and non-transpersonal approaches to a greater or lesser extent, depending as much on the attitude of the individual counsellor as the approaches themselves. For this reason it is important that the client and counsellor review the suitability of the relationship from time to time. Not every relationship works, and it is the same in counselling. TechniquesPsychosynthesis is sometimes associated with particular techniques such as guided imagery or subpersonality work. But while these may be employed from time to time, they are not required for Psychosynthesis, nor does their use imply Psychosynthesis. Assagioli wanted to avoid Psychosynthesis becoming stuck or dogmatic, and to constantly evolve and grow, just as human beings do through each lifetime and over generations. He emphasised a "general attitude of and towards, integration and synthesis" warning against it becoming a "doctrine" of ideas or techniques. In each counselling relationship therefore, what happens is an ongoing creative process, that I as counsellor cannot plan or preconceive, but which unfolds organically, and is co-created by the client and counsellor together. Psychosynthesis is inclusive, in that it includes and integrates useful aspects of other approaches. My training, and my own experience, recognise that other approaches are valuable and useful, and so I am able to call on these when appropriate because of the integrative nature of Psychosynthesis. For example, where attitudes or beliefs are causing difficulties, cognitive techniques, like those used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be incorporated where they have formed part of my training, even though I am not qualified specifically in CBT. Applications of PsychosynthesisPsychosynthesis is much more than an approach to counselling, or even a psychological model. Assagioli saw it as equally applicable to every area of human development, and promoted it actively for individuals, in education, relationships, and groups, as well as in therapeutic contexts. He saw it as scalable and so applicable to group entities as well as individuals - such as in the psychology and development of a family, an organisation, or even nations. Further information can be found on Psychosynthesis at the following sites: |
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