The founder of psychosynthesis, the italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli (1888-1974), was one of Freud´s disciples. Assagioli brought psychoanalysis to Italy, however he started to get more and more disturbed by the fact that psychoanalysis mainly concentrated on what is sick in a patient, instead he wanted to use as a starting point those things which are healthy in a person. He had a holistic aproach to man who consists of body, feelings, intellect and soul. According to him every problem and obstacle we run into, offers a seed to personal growth and developement. Therefore not all mental unwellness, such as depressions and anguish, should be viewed as mental diseases but a way of finding meaning in life.

Dr. Assagioli wanted Psychosynthesis to be practical and tangible. It should not only make us understand why we behave in a certain way, but genuinely help us towards a better life. The purpose is to make a person understand her inner essence without letting subconscious wishes, desires and needs control her life. Assagioli gave the will a central meaning. According to him, it is possible to train the will and our inner ability to decide what we truly want. This way we can liberate energy, fulfill our purpose and reach towards our goals.
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