Roberto Assagioli

Italian psychiatrist; founder of psychosynthesis, which included both psychoanalysis and the wisdom of spiritual traditions. His work was often described as "height psychology."

As a young medical student in 1910, Assagioli introduced Sigmund Freud’s discoveries to his professors in Florence. He simultaneously appreciated the benefits of the radical new approach known as psychoanalysis and laid the foundation for a critique of its limitations. Assagioli observed that psychoanalysis neglected the higher aspects of human nature; Freud himself was quoted as saying that his work dealt with exploring the ground and basement of the ‘house,’ leaving the attic to be explored by others.

Assagioli took key principles from esoteric spiritual approaches, especially the work of Alice Bailey, and put them in a psychological context, although he didn’t explicitly state their part in his work. His purpose was to create a scientific approach that embraced the whole person, including creativity, will, joy and wisdom, as well as impulses and drives. He wanted this integrative approach to be practical in helping people live better and more fully.

He was known for his personal goodness, patient understanding of co-workers, students, and clients, wisdom and selfless compassion in service to others. Upon meeting the aged doctor, one client recalls that before they even spoke, there was a non-verbal communication and an awesome inner glow and joy that shone through from his smiling eyes and radiant being.

Assagioli died quietly on 23 August 1974.