Psychosynthesis methods for working with

Psychosynthesis was developed by the Italian medical doctor Roberto Assagioli in the early 1900s to help people deal with the dilemmas, conflicts and patterns of behaviours which inhibit or prevent them from living life in meaningful and fulfilling ways. An important aspect of Psychosynthesis is personal growth or synthesis of one's Personal Identity (PI), the latter of which includes various subpersonalities. Within our personality, subpersonalities are the diverse personages or psychological parts which often seem to have their own semi independent activity, needs, and aims. Whilst some subpersonalities are individual to the person, others may be more commonly experienced across people (e.g. such as the Child, Parent, Seeker, The People Pleaser, the Joker, etc.). Whilst some subpersonalities embody internal conflicts, traumas, and patterns of behaviours, others may embody stories and realities which can be a source of inspiration as we move towards wholeness and integration. This can be facilitated through internal dialogue, a process which can lead to a greater sense of wholeness and meaningful self-expression in the world. This workshop uses experiential exercises to help you explore your subpersonalities for the purposes of self-awareness and personal insight. Exercises incorporate a range of methods, including relaxed breathing, visualisation, dialogue, art, and the use of evocative music. Most participants experience positive emotions and feelings of relaxation during the exercises. However, physical and emotional reactions can vary, and sometimes may involve contacting subpersonalities which hold difficult thoughts; emotions and physical sensations (see contraindications).

Whilst safety and support is a central part of the day, this course is not intended to be a substitute for personal therapy. Please read the contraindications.

Learning Objectives

By participating in this course you will:

• Learn about core concepts and methods used in Psychosynthesis for working with subpersonalities.

• Self-awareness around subpersonalities and how they relate to personal synthesis

• An appreciation for the value of group integration practices.

What Participants will need to bring

• Comfy Yoga Mat (suggested) and Small Pillow for comfort

• Sleep Mask (suggested)

• Thin Blanket (suggested)

• Notebook/sketchpad and Coloured Pens

Note: Whilst refreshments are available at the in-centre Bar, participants are advised to bring ample water and/or non-alcoholic beverages for the day, and food sufficient for a light lunch.

Contraindications

Experiential exercises used include relaxed breathing, guided visualisation, and verbal exploration, all of which can lead to intense physical and emotional release. Whilst many people experience positive emotions, sometimes difficult thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations can arise. This can include but is not limited to, a surfacing of past memories of trauma. If you do not feel ready for the possibility of difficult thoughts, emotions and physical sensations arising, you are advised not to participate in this course. Whilst group integration of experiences is an important part of the day, this course is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for personal therapy. The surfacing of difficult and challenging experiences can take longer to process and may require additional support from a fully trained counsellor.

As certain kinds of breathwork and other practices are not advised for persons with certain health conditions, if you have a mental health condition, seizure disorder, history of cardiovascular disease (including angina or heart attack), high blood pressure, glaucoma, retinal detachment, osteoporosis, and anyone with a personal or family history of aneurysms and/or who have had significant recent physical injuries or surgery, please seek medical counsel before attending this course. Persons with asthma should bring their inhaler and seek medical counsel. If you are on any medications, and/or are Pregnant, please also seek medical counsel before attending this course. If any of the above applies to you, please contact us to discuss if a safe alternative can be found that will enable you to participate in this course. Finally, due to the nature of some exercises, you are advised not drive, operate heavy machinery, work with sharp objects, or partake in any other potentially hazardous activities until you feel fully grounded. This may take time, so please plan accordingly. All participants will be asked to provide informed consent prior to participating in this workshop.

Course Facilitators

John Anderson: John has a PhD in Psychology and worked in Higher Education as a researcher before training as a Humanistic counsellor. He currently works as a Panel Tutor for the Institute of Continuing Education University of Cambridge, where he teaches on the Undergraduate Certificate in Cognitive Psychology. John also works as a counsellor in private practice where he specialises in psychedelic

integration therapy. As part of his practice John uses Breathwork and guided visualisation to invite clients into novel states of consciousness for psycho-spiritual exploration.

www.entelechy-therapy.com

Thomas Marty: Thomas currently works as Head of Welfare (Wellbeing) for an international arts college in the centre of Cambridge. It is a job he enjoys due to having the opportunity to interact and support students in fulfilling their dreams in becoming independent, qualified, and successful artists. He is Course Leader for level 3 and a tutor on level 4 counselling training courses for JHD. Thomas is also a Shamanic Practitioner and Practicing Druid and runs his own healing and training business www.cambridgecoreshamanism.com