A Psychotherapy of Love: Psychosynthesis in Practice

From the Back Cover This book shows what psychosynthesis looks like in the empirical practice of psychotherapy. Originally conceived by Italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli, psychosynthesis is one of the first Western psychologies to include theoretically both the psychological and spiritual dimensions of the person and to address healing and growth at both of these levels. In effect, it offers an approach to psychotherapy founded in altruistic love, a love that nurtures the innate drive within human beings to embrace and actualize the whole of who they are. Authors John Firman and Ann Gila explore how this empathic altruistic love impacts the actual therapeutic situation and what is involved for the therapist in providing this love for another. They include experientially based models and theory, case studies from both the client and therapist perspectives, and an invitation for both the professional and the layperson to the self-reflection, inner work, and commitment necessary to love and work at this depth. "A Psychotherapy of Love is a practical and profound book, solidly based on the authors' decades of experience as therapists and as teachers of psychosynthesis. It is filled with illuminating examples of therapeutic interactions and theoretical perspectives from a wide variety of sources--including Freud, Jung, Adler, and Rogers. It also includes spiritual insights from transpersonal psychology, Western mysticism, and Buddhism. "For Firman and Gila, psychosynthesis is a psychology of love, a powerful statement which challenges popular mechanistic approaches to psychotherapy. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in pursuing psychotherapy as a loving, compassionate, and spiritually grounded profession." -- Robert Frager, Founder, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology "The subject of empathy is nowadays at the forefront of scientific research, and at the basis of all successful psychotherapy and counseling. Firman and Gila show us empathy in its deepest aspect--as spiritual empathy. Their insight throws new light on the nature of relationships, as well as on the practice of the helping professions. This book will do much to improve the quality of our presence with the people in our lives. It is a splendid tribute to the mystery of love." -- Piero Ferrucci, author of Beauty and the Soul: The Extraordinary Power of Everyday Beauty to Heal Your Life Product Description Illuminates the role of empathetic love in psychotherapy. About the Author John Firman (1945–2008) was a psychotherapist in private practice in Palo Alto, California, and an Associate Core Faculty member at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology.Ann Gila is a psychotherapist in private practice in Palo Alto and an Associate Core Faculty member at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. Their books include Psychosynthesis: A Psychology of the Spirit and The Primal Wound: A Transpersonal View of Trauma, Addiction, and Growth, both also published by SUNY Press.