Psychosynthesis Certificate Course

Accordion Content

In this first module, we dive into the history of Psychosynthesis, how the term has been used and what it means. You learn about its creator Roberto Assagioli, and how the goals of the approach he developed relate to the concepts of Individuation, Self-Realization, and Self-Actualization. You discover how Psychosynthesis fits into the wider story of the development of psychology, including its relationship to psychoanalysis, the analytical psychology of CG Jung, existential psychology, and humanistic and transpersonal psychology. You are offered a selection of audios to listen to and films to watch to deepen your understanding of the evolution of Psychosynthesis, and are given instructions on ways to work with your autobiography, creating a Psychosynthesis Workbook, and on how to incorporate an Evening review into your routine.

In this second module we explore the Psychosynthesis model of the Human psyche, studying each of its components to appreciate the way it can help us understand our thoughts, feelings and behaviours – and our spiritual experiences. We look at how it helps to illuminate and connect our understanding of aspects of ourselves, such as our personal unconscious and its relationship to Jung’s notion of the Collective Unconscious, and at the ways in which we can repress both painful memories and inspiration trying to reach us from spiritual or transpersonal levels of awareness. We look at critiques of the model and at ways in which we can ground our understanding of it in personal experience, and you’ll work with exercises to explore your sense of identity and the regions of consciousness you can access.

In module Three we look at the three stages in the psychospiritual developmental journey proposed by Psychosynthesis, exploring Assagioli’s concept of a personal and spiritual psychosynthesis and critiques of this approach. We go deeply into notions of the Conscious self vs the Higher or Transpersonal Self and the way in which Psychosynthesis proposes a gradually deepening relationship between these two aspects of ours. In addition, we explore the topics of breakdowns, spiritual emergencies and spiritual by-passing, and you’ll learn a key technique used in Psychosynthesis for finding your centre to connect to a free, unattached resource of inspiration and calm.

In this fourth module we look at how Assagioli developed Jung’s model of cognitive functions from four of these functions to seven, exploring the roles not only of sensation, intuition, thought and feeling, but also of imagination, desire and will. We look at how Psychosynthesis explains the conscious self as being related primarily to the two core principles of Love and Will, and at how an understanding of the process of willing can be used to develop and refine your ability to make clear choices in alignment with your values, to develop your ability to act freely and with intention. You will work with exercises to develop your functions and in particular to refine your understanding and application of choice and intentionality.

In the fifth module we look at the importance of differential psychology, appreciating individual differences, looking in particular at the sevenfold typological system developed by Assagioli. We look at each type in turn to see which qualities we might possess and how we can use this typology in personal development, in our relationships and with our clients. We learn how the system proposes that we have both a personality type and a soul type, offering 49 variations. We look at how the system gains nuance through introvert/extravert expressions and five levels of influence, and we are invited to use the typology as a flexible map: to recognise dominant patterns, cultivate underused qualities, and tailor interventions, while keeping the individuality and wholeness of the person central.

In this sixth module we explore how we seem to have a multitude of selves within us, known as subpersonalities in Psychosynthesis and as parts in Internal Family Systems theory. You will get to know your subpersonalities, learn how to dialogue with them, and how to appreciate and fulfil their deepest needs. You will look at their relationship with the Self and its developmental journey, at theories of their origin, and the ways in which different schools of psychology, including IFS, work with them to effect psychological growth and healing. In addition to interactive work in the practicum session, you will be provided with details of 30 different methods you can use to access subpersonalities and work with them.

After a one month break in August, to consolidate our learning and catch up with the recommended reading, we dive into this seventh module: looking at the range of techniques and methods which Psychosynthesis counsellors, psychotherapists and coaches use to help their clients work through personal challenges, to grow and change and fulfil their potential.

We explore how Psychosynthesis is eclectic in its approach, drawing on methods from a wide range of disciplines in psychology, education and also within the field of personal and spiritual approaches to transformation.

Module Eight offers an in-depth exploration of how Psychosynthesis engages with mental health and psychological distress. It examines key debates around concepts such as “psychopathology” and “mental illness,” questioning traditional medical models and highlighting Psychosynthesis’s holistic view of human experience. The module introduces a bio-psycho-social-eco-spiritual framework for understanding mental health, recognising that distress can arise from multiple, interconnected causes. Students explore how Psychosynthesis integrates spiritual and psychological perspectives, seeing symptoms not merely as disorders but as potential expressions of the Self’s growth and transformation. Through theory, case studies, and practical examples, the module demonstrates how this approach can support a wide range of challenges—from depression and anxiety to addiction—while maintaining a compassionate, integrative stance. Ultimately, it invites practitioners to balance awareness of both pathology and potential in guiding clients toward greater wholeness and meaning.

From its inception over a hundred years ago, Psychosynthesis was not meant to be confined solely to the counsellor’s or psychotherapists office, but was designed to also inspire innovation in education, and within any contexts that call out for the development of ‘right relations’ between individuals and groups of people. For this reason, you can find the influence of psychosynthesis in the disciplines of management consultancy, business coaching and life coaching, in addition to finding its presence within the fields of education, mediation and social care. In this module we survey a range of potential applications and focus particularly on the use of Psychosynthesis in coaching and Psychedelic integration.