Psychosynthesis, sometimes referred to as a 'psychology of the soul' is aimed at treating the whole person – body, mind and spirit – in therapy. Psychosynthesis therapy aims to encourage personal growth and also access creative impulses. Psychosynthesis is a transpersonal therapy that focuses on a person's potential for the future and higher aspirations like compassion, altruism, intuition, and creativity.

In this type of therapy, there is a much greater interest in spirituality than is to be found generally in most counselling or therapy. Methods such as affirmation, journal writing, imagery and body movement are commonly used. 

The founder of psychosynthesis was the Italian neurologist Dr Roberto Assaglioli who was once a member of the Freud Society in Vienna. Assaglioli brought Freud's psychoanalysis back to Italy before departing from some of his mentor's ideas. Psychosynthesis is more aligned with Jungian analysis (another off-shoot of psychoanalysis) than traditional psychoanalysis.

Assaglioli said: "Psychosynthesis is interested in the whole building. We try to build an elevator which will allow a person access to every level of his personality. After all, a building with only a basement is very limited. We want to open up the terrace where you can sun-bathe or look at the stars.

Our concern is the synthesis of all areas of the personality. That means psychosynthesis is holistic, global and inclusive. It is not against psychoanalysis or even behaviour modification but it insists that the needs for meaning, for higher values, for a spiritual life, are as real as biological or social needs.”