Psychosynthesis is ‘a psychology of hope’. As well as working with our thoughts, feelings and behaviour it includes the spiritual dimension of our being. That which we essentially are, and from which we can draw wisdom, insight, creativity, energy and a sense of purpose and direction in our lives.

If you imagine the psyche as a house, with all the dark and difficult thoughts, memories and experiences stuffed into the cellar of the subconscious mind, you need also to think of the potential that might also be stored upstairs in the attic. Imagine the sunny roof terrace of the mind, where your untapped creativity, your loving connection with others, your joy, compassion, your sense of direction, your purpose, meaning and values, might have its place in you. Roberto Assagioli, who created Psychosynthesis, believed that it was not only the difficulties locked in the subconscious cellars that prevented people from being happy, but also the tendency we have to cut ourselves off from our higher selves, our deepest passions for life, our hopes, dreams and desires.