Glossary of Psychosynthesis Terms and Concepts, grounded in the tradition of Psychosynthesis as developed by Roberto Assagioli and evolved by contemporary practitioners. This glossary is particularly useful for therapists, coaches, spiritual directors, and students of inner work engaging in integrative or transpersonal development.
1. Assagioli, Roberto
Italian psychiatrist (1888–1974), founder of Psychosynthesis. He envisioned a psychology that includes body, mind, emotions, and spirit—a synthesis of personal and transpersonal dimensions.
2. Psychosynthesis
A psychospiritual psychology and method of self-realization. It integrates the personality (personal psychosynthesis) and aligns the personal self with the transpersonal Self (spiritual psychosynthesis).
3. The Self (Higher Self, Transpersonal Self)
A spiritual centre of identity, wisdom, and will. It is distinct from the ego and serves as the inner guide or source of meaning, compassion, and authentic direction.
4. The “I” (Personal Self)
The centre of consciousness and will within the personality. It is the observer and director of experience, capable of choosing responses and aligning with the Higher Self.
5. Subpersonalities
Semi-autonomous parts of the personality, often formed in early life or through repeated roles. These parts may hold conflicting values and emotions. Integration of subpersonalities is a key process in psychosynthesis.
6. Disidentification
A foundational practice in psychosynthesis whereby one recognizes and releases over-identification with thoughts, feelings, roles, or body sensations, reclaiming the observing “I.”
7. Synthesis
The process of integrating the diverse aspects of the psyche—subpersonalities, emotions, and drives—into a harmonious and unified personality that is aligned with the Self.
8. The Egg Diagram (Psychological Map)
A symbolic map of the human psyche developed by Assagioli. It consists of three levels:
- Lower Unconscious: repressed material, trauma, instincts
- Middle Unconscious: accessible memories, learned skills
- Higher Unconscious or Superconscious: inspiration, intuition, transpersonal qualities
At the centre is the “I,” and beyond is the Self.
9. The Will
Central to psychosynthesis is the development of the will—not as forceful control, but as a spiritual function. Will is expressed in stages: Strong Will, Skillful Will, Good Will, and Transpersonal Will.
10. The Ideal Model
A guiding vision of the fully integrated personality or life-purpose, arising from the Self. It helps orient growth and serve as a reference point during inner development.
11. Spiritual Psychosynthesis
The process of aligning one’s personal life with the Transpersonal Self or spiritual will. This involves awakening to inner meaning, values, purpose, and a sense of sacredness.
12. Personal Psychosynthesis
The healing and integration of the personality, including trauma work, emotional development, and the integration of subpersonalities.
13. The Inner Dialogue
An inner communication between the “I” and subpersonalities, fostering understanding, compassion, and integration.
14. Symbolic Visualization
A technique using guided imagery or symbols (such as the sun, mountain, or flame) to access higher states of awareness or to work with unconscious material.
15. Creative Meditation
A structured meditation process used in psychosynthesis to invoke inner qualities (like courage or compassion) or to visualize aspects of the Ideal Model.
16. The Call of the Self
A moment of spiritual awakening or existential prompting—an invitation to deeper meaning, alignment, or transformation often following crisis or transition.
17. Crisis of Duality
An inner conflict between the ego’s desires and the emerging spiritual will. Often experienced as confusion, anxiety, or the “dark night of the soul.”
18. Psychospiritual Crisis
A disorienting experience that arises when unconscious material or spiritual energies overwhelm the ego. Requires careful integration, not suppression.
19. Right Use of the Will
Choosing to align one’s personal will with transpersonal values. This may involve sacrifice, service, and discernment.
20. Transpersonal Qualities
Inherent attributes of the Self, such as love, joy, courage, serenity, and wisdom. These qualities emerge naturally through psychosynthesis work.