Roberto Assagiolis Psychosynthesis: Role in Counselling

Roberto Assagiolis Psychosynthesis Role in CounsellingMurray SheretStudents will examine the ideas of genius of the theorists introduced in class. They will relate these ideas to their induce meaning-m likeg op epochte and their conception of the manipulation of the counsellor and the practice of counselor. The essay will contain reference to the pertinent body of academician literature, including both essential(a) feather and secondary sources.Roberto Assagiolis Psychosynthesis The mystical is non how the world is, that that it is. Ludwig WittgensteinThis essay will explore the concepts and practice of psychosynthesis plot of ground relating these ideas to my own meaning- devising process and my conception of the role of the counsellor and the practice of counselling.Psychosynthesis, the functional psychological approach founded by Italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli, integrates the wisdom of an eclectic array of psychological and philosophical traditions, includi ng Jungian psychology, psychoanalysis, experiential psychology, Buddhism, yogic traditions and Christian esoteric study ( browned, 1983, p. 30).Psychosynthesis recognises two original symmetrys of human growth which ar the single(a)(prenominal) and transpersonal symmetrys. The personal dimension is concerned with the meaning and desegregation of our personal existence, with the love of being significant and effective in the world (Brown, 1983, pp. 30-31). The transpersonal dimension of growth involves spiritual study and practices, artistic and creative expressions, contemplation and disbelieving of ultimate, universal meaning in which we seek the meaning and break up of the big reality (Brown, 1983, pp. 31). Included in both the new(prenominal) dimensions is the interpersonal dimension which is integral to achieving balanced growth in both dimensions as it doer fulfilling interpersonal relationships within our families, our circles of friends, and our communities (Bro wn, 1983, p. 31).Assagioli conceived of the individual as being a high- strength interrelation of The displace unconscious mind, the middle unconscious, the higher(prenominal)(prenominal) unconscious or superconscious, the electron orbit of instinct, the conscious self-importance or I, and the higher self (Assagioli, 2000, pp. 15-17). The attri exceptes of these sundry(a) aspects comprise of various psychological, stirred up, psychic, steamy, sensate and spiritual functions. However, of some pertinence to detect here ar the attributes of the conscious self or I which Assagioli asserts is the brain of pure self aw areness, the centre of our consciousness which is non to be humbled with the changing contents of cardinals consciousness (thoughts, feelings, sensations etc) (Assagioli, 2000 p. 16), and the higher self which is the conscious, permanent, ever resign centre the full-strength self (Assagioli, 2000, p.16).Psychosynthesis hunts to discoer sub-personalities which are at a lower placestanded to be constellations of behaviours, feelings, and thought that are left over from a time when they were take for survival, to meet lower level necessarily (Brown, 1983, p. 27). Once ascertained the choke and so becomes assisting the I to disidentify from the sub-personalities enough so that unitary can then recognise and honour its initial purpose (Brown, 1983, p. 27). A multi staged surmise style disidentification exercises are utilise to achieve this. Psychosynthesis instructor Molly Brown explains the larger aim of this exercise, The I can then reclaim this purpose and its forget energy firearm letting go of the specific behaviours and attitudes that no longer serve (Brown, 1983, p. 27). A range of psychotherapeutic methods are used to explore the depths of the lower unconscious in order to uncover the immature images that silently dominate us, the phantasms and fears that paralyse us and the conflicts that waste our energies (Assag ioli, 2000, p. 19). The regions of the middle and higher unconscious that house our un cognise abilities and higher potentialities are like wise explored.The offset stage of the psychosynthesis process involves ascertaining the unparalleled existential situation of the client (Assagioli, 2000, p. 5). The healer and client school together to jointly gain a arrant(a) knowledge of the clients personality. Then follows the activation of their latent aspects and functions along with the interruptment of the fatigued ones through the use of the active techniques suitable for for each one task (Assagioli, 2000, p. 5). Psychosynthesis uses some techniques aimed at the development and perfection of the personality and its harmonious ongoing optical fusion with the Self (Assagioli, 2000, p. 94). Among these are, Self-identification, disidentification, development of the provide, homework and use of the imagination, visualisation, auditory evocation of other sensations, technique o f ideal models and symbol utilisation and the technique for the use of intuition. abutting the individual learns to gain control over the various elements of their personality. The psychological belief this is based on whitethorn be formulated as We are dominated by everything which our self becomes identified. We can dominate and control everything from which we dis-identify ourselves. The school principal becomes then to what extent can we identify ourselves with the true Self and disidentify ourselves from the non-self (Gerard, 1961, p. 3). The work is then aimed at assisting one to become aware that their conscious self is non their ultimate reality and identity, this then bothows them to realise their true Self, the uncovering of their unifying centre (Gerard, 1961, p. 4).As psychosynthesis utilises a range of therapeutic approaches it is indeed capable of attending to symptoms at m either assorted levels of consciousness, this approach style the therapist is less like ly to interpret a deeper state of consciousness as pathological or to apply an inappropriate therapeutic technique based on such(prenominal) misinterpretation (Brown, 1983, p. 7). I appreciate Assagiolis therapeutic disposition here as this mode of therapy seems to conceive of the psychological and emotional struggles of the client as being symptoms of an existential difficulty with living sort of than a pathology awaiting categorisation. The central purpose of psychosynthesis is brought astir(predicate) in concert with the work of developing and activating the various aspects and functions of the individual. Assagioli described this as the harmonisation and integration into one carrying into action full-length of all the qualities and functions of the individual (Assagioli, 2000, p.5).What follows is the development and training of the Will, the concept of which is central to psychosynthesis. Assagioli defines the use of Will as,the ability to develop that outline which is m ost effective and which entails the smashingest economy of effort, rather than the strategy that is most direct and obvious. The most effective and satisfactory role of the Will is not as a source of direct power or force, but as that function which, being at our command, can stimulate, regulate, and direct all the other functions and forces of our being so that they may lead us to our shape close (Assagioli, 2000, p. 47).Assagioli asserted that The Will is that function which is most directly connect to the Self- the individual generally is not aware of his Self, and consequently he is that as unaware of the direct function of the Self, the Will (2000, p. 111). The psychosynthetic concept of Will marries beautifully with my understanding of the human condition which I have arrived at through my own lived experience. Seemingly one remains a victim of circumstance when they are operating though old meanss of functioning that have become ways of coping rather than living. When old wounds and outdated ways of being are sufficiently apprehended and integrated the individual is offered an opportunity to align themselves with their Will and their spiritual essence, the conscious self and the higher self as psychosynthesis refers to them. To be aligned with ones Will in this way is to have life live itself through you, the individual becomes more akin to hollow bamboo, a conduit through which spirit may express itself. though this is an ongoing process of unfoldment rather than a final destination to be arrived at. I feel we are indeed beings that tend towards ever increase levels of integration and self-actualisation and as such, by denying part of our being or experience we subvert our potential and hinder our capacity for adaptive living. With sufficient increase one may begin to live their highest purpose with creativity, spontaneity and love. Psychosynthesis teacher Molly Brown asserts that The development of the Will involves the union of its various a spects, strength, expertness and goodness which then becomes loving Will, the expression of love through our willed acts (2004, p. 121). there are several stages for the development of the Will, the first consists of screen background a goal or finding a purpose to be achieved and then setting an intention as to what purpose or goal towards which the Will is to be directed (Assagioli, 2000, p.113). Then follows valuation and motivation. The consideration of motivation involves the uncovering of unconscious drives as the function of the Will is to utilise them and insure their cooperation in the attaining of the elect purpose (Assagioli, 2000, p. 113). Motivation inevitably implies valuation as the aim or purpose towards which the Will is to be directed moldiness have an burning exacting valuation (Assagioli, 2000, p. 113). This process is then followed by a decimal quest of deliberation and consideration of various factors relating to the value and attainability of the goal o r purpose (Assagioli, 2000, p. 113).The next stage in the use of the Will involves making a volitional finis, a conscious choice to direct the Will at a particular purpose. Assagioli stresses that this is a difficult stage as it involves choice and the difficulty in making a voluntary decision is that the individual, either clearly or obscurely, realises that decision involves responsibility, that decision is an act of license which inevitably involves responsibility (2000, p. 114). The next step is affirmation which involves the cultivation of faith. Assagioli avows that this is not simply a belief but a living ever-changing faith, raze more, an assured conviction (2000, p. 114). He goes on to affirm that, At the very least there must be a willingness to commence, to take risks, in a spirit of adventure (2000, p. 114). The affirmation becomes a command or declaration make to oneself with intensity as the power of the affirmation determines the degree of its effectiveness (Assa gioli, 2000, p. 114).Meaning is inherent in this physical body of choice and responsibility. This is the act of consciously taking command of ones power and asserting it in the world while perceiving ones own actions as valuable, meaningful and worthy.The following stage of psychosynthesis is planning in which ones activity, the steps of which having been previously visualised, is organised in a clearly sketch program that is aimed at the realisation of the ultimate purpose or goal (Assagioli, 2000, p. 114). The final stage is the direction and execution of the action which requires two qualities in particular of the Will, firstly, the dynamic power of the Will (one pointed driving energy), and secondly, persistence or endurance (Assagioli, 2000, p. 115). The culmination of these processes yields in one discovering their unifying centre, the realisation of their true Self. They experience psychosynthesis itself, the formation or reconstruction of a personality about the impuden tly discovered centre (Gerard, 1961, p. 4).The process of psychosynthesis speak directly to my highest ideals of counselling as I was once pulled aside by a wise man who put me through a similar process. Aside from large-minded me the opportunity to face the moderate beliefs I had long held about myself he gave me permission to take myself seriously. This was a profound act. I was compelled to disidentifiy with many limiting sub-personalities and thought forms that had kept me from living my purpose. What more meaning could there be than to identify ones authentic path in life and set about dissolving that which is not in service to it. While the healing of emotional wounds is a worthy initial goal for counselling the directing of the newly integrated self towards its highest purpose is a much richer objective. To see community not only heal but to consciously expand and blow up is the raison detre of my work as a counsellor.As each has been shaped by their native experience, t he therapist and client may have widely different ideas about the tender meaning and function of therapy. A client may only recognise therapy as a service capable of smaller more than lessening the effects of troubling symptoms, though I would consider the lessening of ones symptoms to be a small part of their larger process of becoming or self-actualisation. However, such notions need not be made overt in the course of therapy if they are irrelevant to the contextual needs of the client.By its very nature, counselling confers an obligation on its practitioners to reflect on their own ideologies and refine their epistemology. A therapist must wrestle with the existential reality of being, to confront the nature of suffering, love, death, hope, emptiness, consciousness and transcendence. Assagioli argued that a human psychology cannot be complete without including the so-called spiritual dimension, our relationship to the cosmos and to our highest ideals (2000, p. 34).Constructivis t psychologies preference towards the exploration of human beings tendency toward creating systems for meaningfully understanding their worlds and experiences (Raskin, 2002, p. 1) is a positive element to be adding to my therapeutic approach, though the schism between differing constructivist positions must first be resolved. A therapy that values preceding(prenominal) all the primacy of the clients matte experience is able to transcend the dichotomy that exists between realism and idealism, epistemic constructivism and hermeneutic constructivism while still engaging the utility each unique perspective provides when its appropriate to the clients needs. Whether or not we can know a thing independently of the mind or not matters little in the face of whatever the clients felt experience happens to be. The meaning the client is making of their experience is primary to the therapeutic task. The question of to what degree can constructions of reality be discovered through observation and to what degree are such discoveries heuristic fictions (Raskin, 2002, p. 3) is of faraway less concern than the lager question of is the meaning thats being created or discovered by the client life enhancing or life negating? My own opinion is that there are indeed fundamental truths to be known and engaged with. Whether or not these truths exist independently of my mind or not is of little consequence for the purposes of my growth. What matters is that these truths are experienced as fundamental to me, my meaning making, my felt experience, and in this way they may well be, as philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein said, true enough (1998, p. 43). The hermeneutic constructivist notion that knowledge and truth are contextually verifiable rather than universally valid, socially negotiated rather than cognitively and individually produced (Raskin, 2002, p. 4) cozy ups the lack of capacity human beings have to share a truth with one another should they stumble upon one. Philosopher Ter ence McKenna eloquently encapsulated this sentiment when he said What hubris it would be to expect that the small-mouth noises of English could encompass being. No, these are lower dimensional slices of a reality that is ultimately unitary, ineffable, unspeakable, and dazzling (McKenna, 1992). Assagioli affirmed his remark for the ineffable nature of transpersonal realities when he averred, Psychosynthesis does not aim nor attempt to apportion a metaphysical nor a theoretical explanation of the nifty mystery- it leads to the door, but stops there (Assagioli, 2000, pp. 6-7).Inspired therapy impels clients towards meaningfully understanding their lived experience as among its treasurers meaning offers understanding, a sense of locating oneself in ones story and ultimately arriving at the empowering conclusion that they have taken a position of authorship. The practice of psychosynthesis beautifully honours the clients inner world of subjective experience (Bugental, 1987, p. 46) by ascertaining and working with the unique existential situation of each client. Psychosynthesis is an act of love which assists the client to identify with their authentic self while striving for the realisation of their highest aspirations that which is imbued with greatest personal meaning. The various experiential processes nurture perspective and catalyse inspired and adaptive living while connecting one to that function which is most directly related to the Self the Will. Once sufficiently aligned with their Will a person may experience themselves in a world infused with meaning and filled with purpose. There may yet be, in the corner of their eye, beyond their confident stare, a flicker of intimate that they themselves are Willing their own reality into existence.Reference ListAssagioli, R. (2000). Psychosynthesis A collection of basic writings. Massachusetts, USA Synthesis Centre Editions.Assagioli, R. (1974). The act of will. radical York, NY Penguin.Brown, M. (2004). U nfolding self The practice of psychosynthesis. revolutionary York, NY Allworth Press.Bugental, J. (1987). The art of the psychotherapist How to develop the skills that take psychotherapy beyond science. sunrise(prenominal) York, NY Norton Company, Inc.Gerard, R. (1961). Psychosynthesis A psychotherapy for the whole man. Massachusetts, USA Synthesis Centre Editions.McKenna, T. (Speaker). (1992). Hermeticism and alchemy. (Digital recording). Colorado, USA Sounds True Publishing.Raskin, J. (2002). Psychology, radical constructivism, and social constructivism. American Communication Journal, 5 (3) 1-4.Wittgenstein, L. (1998). Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus. New York, NY Dover Publication Inc.Lyndon B Johnsons Great Society Programs synopsisLyndon B Johnsons Great Society Programs AnalysisWere Johnsons great hunting lodge programmes a failure?In 1969, electric chair Lyndon Baines Johnson left office after having earlier declared that he would not seek, or accept the re prefaceativ e nomination for the next presidential election. It was an resentful end for an administration that boasted greater social legislative achievement than any that preceded it and fundamentally altered the basis on which American social constitution was organize. The primary debacle that can be said to account for the decease of the Johnson presidency was the protracted and costly US involvement in Vietnam. Although it was under the Kennedy administration that the US first became embroiled in Vietnam, it was Johnson who accelerated such developments and accordingly has gone down in history as the primary protagonist in one of Americas most discordant conflicts.However, are such calamities enough to justify the claim that Johnsons great rescript programmes were a failure? After all, the legislative vigor with which he attempted to address Americas pressing social douses was admirable. The obliging Rights Act of 1964 outlawed racial discrimination in public places, such as hotels , restaurants and public transport. It likewise developed significant political rights, in particular franchise extensions for Americas less advantaged. As a parallel drive, Johnson also announced his war on meagreness which was transfer with the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) and Economic opportunity Act of 1964. pastime an overwhelming election victory in 1964 Johnson accelerated the great society programmes with a spate of legislative achievements. 1965 saw 115 presidential recommendations for legislation, with an above average 90 being approved. However, although in 1965 the great society programmes appeared to be a resounding success, later assessment has cast doubt over just how much praise should be lavished upon the Johnson administrations legislative achievements.The overriding deal that dominates the discussion on the success of the great society is Vietnam. As individual retirement account Katznelson has noted, both the great society programmes and the war Viet nam were formed on the equal ideological basis. This basis was the establishment and conservation of democratic principles abroad, whilst simultaneously reinvigorating the democratic process at home. As such, she argues that the two drives were so interconnected and reliant upon one anothers success, that it was impossible to hope that the great society could be successful in light of the failure in Vietnam. This is an consummate assessment which is adhered to by a majority of writers on the subject and one to which I offer my own endorsement.However, leaving aside the volatile issue of Vietnam and its repercussions on the great society initiatives, is it possible to see successes if we look at the great society programmes in their entirety. Prominent amongst the voices of dissension is the leading academic George Gilder, who argues that above all the great society legislation (and the New upsurge and Fair Deal that preceded it) created a situation that led to a credence on stat e security benefits. Ultimately, the great society legislation was formed on an historical basis that had begun with Roosevelts New Deal and vie a significant role in halting draw close in terms of societal betterment. Gilder asserts that although Johnsons war on poverty was well motivated, it even so did more to prolong and exacerbate Americas poverty problem than alleviate it. A climate of dependency was therefore created that allowed people living in poverty to continue doing so, instead of achieving progress and betterment through their own endeavor. As such, Gilder argues that there developed a necessity, to reverse the great society legislation and the negative refer it had on US societal progress. The Reagan administration, along with its emphasis upon the individual was the inherent result of this situation and the overall failure of the great society programmes.However, although Gilders arguments present a coherent and systematic approach to the question, he still fails to highlight the groundbreaking nature of the great society programmes. Gary Gerstle, although operating from a point of view relatively similar to Gilders offers us a further detailed assessment. He argues firstly that the great society programmes failed to address the question of income diffusion adequately and as such had a long term impact upon the problem. This impact was so widespread, affecting in particular black communities that even before the election of Ronald Reagan in 1981 there was a significant set forth between rich and poor in America, which could easily be traced along racial lines. As such, Gerstle sees the inability to redress this imbalance as the primary failure of the great society.In conclusion, it is clear that there were serious flaws in the great society programmes initiated by Lyndon Johnson. Many of these deficiencies took years to present themselves and impact greatly on the America that developed in the brook Vietnam period. However, it is also the case that the great society heralded a new era in the relationship between the individual and the state. Just as with the post war Labour government in Britain, the great society ushered in a revolutionary way of conceptualizing state intervention and although the seeds for such a transition may have been sown much earlier, it remains nonetheless a marked achievement of the Johnson administration. It would be easy to conclude that such developments came to abrupt halt and even reversal in the 1980s with the Reagan administration. However, I feel it is short sited to view this era as one of coil back the achievements of Democratic Party of the 1960s. It is true that significant revisions were made to the great society legislation however the bulk of it remained unchanged. Therefore, it remains the foundation on which modern American democracy and equality stand.BibliographyFraser, Steve and Gerstle, Gary. The Rise and Fall of the New Deal Order 1930-1980. New Jersey Princeton Un iversity Press, 1989.Katz, Michael B. Ed. The Underclass debate Views from history. New Jersey Princeton University Press, 1993.Schulman, Bruce J. Lyndon B Johnson and American Liberalism A Brief Biography with Documents. capital of Massachusetts Bedford Books, 1995.