In 1957 the Psychosynthesis Research Foundation (PRF) was created to advance a European psychology/development approach in North America. Roberto Assagioli, MD - the Italian who gave birth to Psychosynthesis - was the president of the organization.

Assagioli, a student of Sigmund Freud at the time, introduced Freud's teachings to the medical fraternity in Venice in 1910. He is one of three Italians credited with being pioneers of the psychoanalytic movement. At the same time, around 1910, Assagioli saw that there was a need for something beyond analysis. This was the need for a person to become whole - to be united in synthesis.

       

Psychosynthesis is one of the first examples of what is now referred to as "Positive Psychology." For psychosynthesis offers a developmental approach which can help guide a person to understand the meaning of their human life within the broad context of synthesis - the drive towards the harmonization of all relationships, whether intrapersonal, or interpersonal, between individuals and groups.

In North America, Frank Hilton was chosen to be the spokesman for and develop this approach through the PRF. With the hard work of Frank Hilton and prominent North American psychologists and the generous support of benefactors the first North American conference was held by the PRF in Greenville, Delaware in 1958. This year’s conference is dedicated to celebrating and growing that spirit.