Lesley students' perspective on Psychosynthesis Retreat in a century old monastery with Dr. Neal Klein

A group of students from Dr. Neal Klein’s transpersonal psychology class recently had the transformative opportunity to attend the “Synthesis for a Changing World” retreat, an immersive psychosynthesis event held at the Garrison Institute in New York. Reflecting on their experiences, these students shared what inspired them to take part, key insights they gained, and the profound impact the retreat had on their personal and academic journeys. 

Ella Grover was drawn to the retreat to deepen her understanding of psychosynthesis both academically and spiritually. “The community aspect was unexpectedly powerful; a gracious, loving, accepting group that deeply impacted me,” she shared. One session that especially resonated with Ella was Ami Ji’s “grief as sacred teacher” workshop, describing it as a ritualistic experience that helped her confront grief in a way she never had before. Ella now plans to integrate what she learned into her studies and application to graduate schools.

Eric Ouellette credited Dr. Klein as his biggest inspiration: “He is the best professor I have ever had.” Eric found the experience reignited his passion for psychosynthesis and shifted how he views his clients, seeing them as empowered selves rather than just cases. He valued the safe community of attending with Dr. Klein and fellow students, saying, “It made me feel less like an outsider and more connected.” His favorite moments were the morning gatherings with keynote speakers and community activities, where intellectual stimulation and joyful connection came together. 

Sela Aaron attended hoping to deepen her academic and spiritual insight. She highlighted the “power of community” among attendees who were “ready to see each other in their truest form.” A session that moved her deeply was again the grief workshop, where vulnerability and ritual created a powerful healing space. 

For Shannon Lee, the retreat was life altering. Meeting people who worked with psychosynthesis founder Roberto Assagioli was an honor, and the multigenerational community inspired her. Shannon said, “Being in conversation with these humans and feeling part of the community at such a young age was moving and special.” She expressed gratitude to Dr. Klein for making the experience accessible to young students, which affirmed her career aspirations in counseling and inspired her senior capstone focus on psychosynthesis. 

Married couple Mary Grace Pruet and Sebastian Gross approached the retreat as an opportunity to dive deeper into psychosynthesis. Sebastian appreciated the framing of sub-personalities and inner narratives as drivers of behavior, while Mary Grace found the work opened her to more loving relationships, especially through recognizing how projections can reveal love rather than just judgment. They found Dr. Klein’s debriefing invaluable for navigating the deeper, vulnerable exercises. 

Together, these students emphasized the transformative power of attending alongside a professor who provided guidance, support, and a shared language. The retreat was described not just as a conference but as a soul-nurturing gathering and an invitation to connect deeply with self, others, and the collective will for change. 

As Eric put it, “This experience is one I will hold with me for the rest of my life.”