The Growing Concern of Anxiety in Young People
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges facing young people today. Alongside my work in secondary schools, and having young teenagers myself, I can see that social pressures, academic stress, and the overwhelming nature of the digital world can leave young people feeling trapped in cycles of fear and worry. While there are various therapeutic approaches available, psychosynthesis can offer a unique, holistic way to address anxiety—not just by alleviating symptoms but by fostering growth and self-awareness.
What is Psychosynthesis?
Psychosynthesis is a therapeutic approach developed by Roberto Assagioli, integrating psychology with spirituality and personal growth. Its focus being to understand the different parts of the self. Unlike traditional approaches that concentrate solely on resolving problems, psychosynthesis invites individuals to discover their full potential and create harmony among their inner selves in an authentic and curious way.
Core principles of psychosynthesis include:
• The Subpersonalities – Recognizing and integrating different aspects of ourselves (e.g., the anxious self, the inner child, the perfectionist).
• Self-Identification – Helping individuals realize they are more than their emotions or anxious thoughts.
• The Higher Self – Connecting with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
Using The Tools of Psychosynthesis To Help Address Anxiety in Young People
1. Understanding and Befriending Anxiety
Psychosynthesis encourages young people to explore their anxiety rather than avoid it. Through exercises such as guided visualization and dialogue with their anxious self, they can understand what this part of them is trying to communicate. The aim is for Anxiety to be seen not as an enemy, but as a messenger pointing toward unmet needs or unresolved inner conflicts.
2. Building Inner Resources
Young people learn to develop inner strength and resilience by connecting with a deeper part of themselves —a source of wisdom and calm within them. Techniques like mindfulness, creative visualization, and journaling can help them tap into this deeper sense of identity, giving them tools to respond to anxiety with greater clarity and courage.
3. Integrating The Many Different Parts of Our Personalities
Many young people experience inner conflicts—part of them wants to be confident and social, while another part fears rejection. Psychosynthesis can help integrate these subpersonalities, creating internal harmony. The goal is not to eliminate any part of the self but to help these parts work together.
4. Creating a Vision for the Future
Psychosynthesis emphasizes the importance of purpose and meaning. By focusing on personal growth and future aspirations, it can help shift attention away from immediate worries and toward long-term goals. This forward-thinking approach can reduce the grip of anxiety by offering hope and direction.
Toward Wholeness and Empowerment
I believe that Psychosynthesis offers a powerful framework for helping young people navigate anxiety by promoting self-awareness, integration, and a deeper connection to their true selves. It shifts the focus from simply managing symptoms to empowering young people to transform their anxiety into an opportunity for growth and discovery. In a world that often feels overwhelming, psychosynthesis can be a beacon of hope, helping young people reclaim their sense of wholeness and purpose.
