Understanding the psychological phenomenon known as confluence

In geographical terms, confluence describes the place where two rivers merge into one. In psychology, it carries a similar meaning of merging, whereby it explains the joining or dissolving of one person’s behaviour and opinions with another’s. You may also recognise confluence expressed as harmony, togetherness, union and synchronisation. While confluence is a natural part of daily life, however, it can sometimes lead to problematic situations and dynamics.

Beneficial functions of confluence include the act of physical intimacy with another person or when you lose your sense of self while dancing at a gig or singing in a choir. In fact, merging with your environment in this way can feel blissful. Another example is experiencing a shared sense of flow when completing a piece of work with teammates or pulling together ideas with fellow creatives. In these instances, confluence is universal and can bring joy.

Gestalt psychotherapist and kundalini yoga teacher Nam Prakash Kaur says: ‘Feeling at one with someone or something stronger than you can provide you with a sense of security, such as… when you’re a baby being cared for by a parent/carer. This is particularly important for babies so that they don’t feel overwhelmed by the big, wide world.