Keith Hackwood M.A.
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The Process

All forms of counselling and psychotherapy have in common the central theme of relationship, and Psychosynthesis is no different. However, the kind of relationship we are referring to is different from what we might ordinarily mean in life generally. Largely this is because the counsellor/therapist has no other role in a person’s life (they are not your friend, boss, partner, rival, lover, child, colleague or anything else) and because of this there can be a certain kind of objective space. Allied to this, the relationship is held in time through a rhythm of appointments, usually weekly for an hour each time; it is also held in space, being contained by a specific place (traditionally, the therapy room, but also the natural world all around us).

In addition, certain ethical considerations are also present – most notably confidentiality, alongside emotional safety, a respect for basic human goodness, and autonomy. These factors combine to create the conditions for a relational space that is authentic, trusting and supportive, characterised by being non-judgmental, sometimes challenging, and always open to exploring whatever needs attention. There is an absence of taboo, anything can be considered and explored here, however vague or painful or difficult it may appear – and the focus is sustained fundamentally upon the needs of the client.
image copyright: Isac Goulart, 'Tree of Life'
Hence the process of therapy moves in a relational way, shifting to meet the evolving needs of the client. There is no fixed time limit for the duration of a therapeutic journey – it depends entirely upon the participants and their individual and shared sense of what is necessary. In general terms, Psychosynthesis places the client at the centre of the process and encourages a creative response to the journey – holding a vision of a human being as a creature with a living spiritual reality, in addition to those of the body, emotions and mind.

If you’re interested in finding out more, or if you have specific questions you want to check out, I’m very open to that conversation – please see the Contact Me page for details.