Abstract:

This paper is a comparative structural analysis between Agnes Sanford's Christian theology and practice of prayer healing, known as `healing of the memories,' and Psychosynthesis. It views Sanford's practice through the lens of Psychosynthesis, drawing on Jungian and other transpersonal-psychology literature to amplify the discussion. In addition to the written literature, sources include cassette recordings, seminars and personal process observations. The paper explores the similarities in the two approaches to healing without questioning or evaluating either. The two overlap on a psycho-spiritual continuum, and the sophisticated Psychosynthesis model and the simple model of faith described by Sanford, share many dimensions and interpretations of the personality and of healing. My conclusion is that Psychosynthesis, other transpersonal communities, and the Christian communities all can gain new insights into their respective fields from the light cast by these two approaches to psychological healing. Further, therapists and spiritual counselors will find their work enriched by recognizing and applying what appears to be common empirical insights of Agnes Sanford's theology and practice of prayer healing and of Psychosynthesis.