On the importance attributed to catharsis in Psychosynthesis we find very precise indications in the 10 psychological laws (see The 10 Psychological Laws). The ninth – reads:

“instincts, impulses, desires and emotions tend towards
and demand expression”

This law makes it clear that the real dilemma with which human beings are confronted is not so much whether or not to express their instincts, desires and emotions, but rather how to do so in an appropriate and constructive way, or at least, in a way that causes no harm.

In the last and tenth law we find enlightening indications in this regard:

“Psychic energies can be expressed:

 – directly (through venting and catharsis techniques);
– indirectly, through symbolic action;
– through a process of transmutation.”

Although Psychosynthesis recognises the important, even essential role of catharsis, this procedure should not be considered as a separate and stand-alone form of treatment. In fact, catharsis alone does not produce a complete and stable cure because it does not eliminate the causes that have given rise to the symptoms. It is only effective if it is contextualised within a much broader process of self-knowledge and personal development.

Moreover, Psychosynthesis adopts an eminently sensible and flexible attitude towards the release of strong emotions, which may, in some cases, not be necessary, and may occur in very different ways depending on the individual(Rosselli, 2000, p. 19). Assagioli (1965, p. 106) warned that the re-living of a dramatic or traumatic scene may have an effect contrary to the one aimed at. A kind of negative feed-back effect and a recharging of the emotional tension may occur instead of a discharge (re-traumatisation).

With the necessary precautions, cathartic methods should be incorporated into our daily psychological hygiene routines, because they allow us to eliminate “waste” that otherwise prevents the free circulation of psychophysical energy (Ferrucci, 1990). Unfortunately, the very people who might benefit most from these methods often rationalise their fear of adopting them, calling them ridiculous, useless and undignified. In such cases, we may first need to help the client address super-egoic instances and develop more self-acceptance (see Acceptance technique). Psychoeducation may also be fruitful. Assagioli himself (cit. in Caldironi, 2004, pp. 81-82) would draw the comparison between psychological and physical symptoms, as a simple way to help clients overcome their reluctance:

“if a person has indigestion and the doctor induces vomiting, despite the initial intensification of discomfort and unpleasant aftertaste, the patient will feel better, as soon as the cause of their ailment has been removed. (…) This applies also to many medical treatments or even to physical exercise: when a person starts any sort of physical training, their muscles will ache, but if they persist, little by little the pain will disappear, and the muscles will become stronger.”

From a more existential perspective, Assagioli (1965) also concurred with the old saying that “everything has a price”. He argued that while people are often willing to pay a therapist, they may be reluctant to put in the necessary effort and tolerate a degree of unpleasantness in view of achieving their goals. He highlighted that we need to fully commit to our psychological training, be tenacious and trust the process. This willingness to put in the necessary effort to reach one’s desired aims, is what we are speaking of when, in Psychosynthesis, we talk about the patient/client’s collaboration in the healing process.

EXERCISES: MUSCULAR DISCHARGE

Muscular discharge, unlike other cathartic methods such as the “live it again” technique, may be indicated even at the start of the psychosynthesis process whenever there is a considerable aggressive charge that cannot be released through analytical means only. Although the technique is rather rudimentary, Assagioli (1965) vouched for its effectiveness in bringing about catharsis, not only at psychological but also psychophysiological level. Actions such as punching a punching bag, splitting wood, tearing cards, give symbolic satisfaction. “In many cases of neurotic disturbances varied forms if this technique can be applied with good results provided that the patient is able (or can be enabled by the therapist) to adopt an attitude of awareness towards their selected actions, to develop a sense of detachment and of being the witness of themselves, so that they perform the acts deliberately, and whenever possible with a sense of humour.”

For more:

• Know, Love, Transform yourself (Vol. I)  (pp. 251-252 and pp. 258-59) – Buy now
  
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• The Way of Psychosynthesis, Synthesis Insights (p. 190) – Buy now