Inquiry

So I am a professor.  And I have been a professor at two different universities - both of which have a very different view of what higher education (at the graduate school level) looks like.  Let me explain:

The first university (which remain nameless...although some of you may be able to identify it) claimed to have an Integrative Emphasis in the PsyD clinical psychology program.  I graduated from here and attended because of the emphasis they claimed to have.  I noticed first as a student, the lack of support for the emphasis coupled with a quite desire to keep the whispers and gossip about integrative just slightly under the radar so that students were aware something was amiss, but could not identify what.  It didn't help that the school refused to hire a psychologist to head the emphasis and padded the other emphasis areas with very accomplished educators and clinicians.  As a professor there, I found the depth of their admonishment.  Almost a threatening of their existing operating system.  God forbid we open up a conversation about how psychoanalytic theory or cognitive behavioral theory can be examined using a different lens...So, if we could nto even examine the integral nature of psychology, we certainly were not operating in an integral way...therefore, discussion of the topics other that psychology in the integral theory were a long shot - and simply ignored.  

Where I am now is at National University.  What a difference!!  The faculty there are naturally more integral in nature (although some do not know the theory - or focus,etc).  To be in a climate where PhD's and PsyD's respect each other's work and are aware and open to how they can work for the better of both quantitative and qualitative examinations, to be actively engaged in creating an education approach that addresses the four quadrants openly, lead by a chair whose integrative mindedness is recognized, and is aware of how such an approach will create more integrally informed future therapists has created a freedom in me that has allowed for my own professional and personal development to flourish!  How can we call it education without exposure to the integral nature of life itself.

Don't get me wrong.  I think that as one specializes in an area, that area will be focused on maybe a quadrant or two, which is necessary to create expertise.  So there is room for that as well.  But it must start with a wide net and then a focus versus a focus that eventually leads to a wider net...ahh..just some thoughts.

Namaste -

 Christina Zampitella, Psy.D.

--I am currently a sophomore at the University of Wyoming. I became acquainted with Integral theory early in my freshman year. I discovered Integral Naked and Integral Life online and have learned most about the Integral Operating System from online resources.

Nearly every facet of the Integral approach has helped me in the past year. The developmental lines and stages have shed light on my personal relationships as well as others' motivations. The states have helped me understand meditation and dreaming. It is the quadrants that have helped me the most in class and day to day homework.

In my education thus-far i have been exposed to many different theories. I have found all of them to be partial from an Integral perspective. They tend to be centered around one or two quadrants while ignoring/demeaning the others.The truth probably lies in a careful concept amalgamation.

I imagine myself as a professor and teaching Integral Theory during the first week of class. It is the best tool i have found for understanding the theories and perspectives of others.

I have mentioned the Integral Approach to friends and professors. I feel like it is a secret that can only be revealed at the right moment in someone's development for it to be accepted. This is the largest obstacle i have found. My closest friends are very interested but I haven't met any professors I feel would give it a go.

I extend my sincerest gratitude to KW and all the beautiful members, operators, and contributors of Integral Naked and Integral Life. The privilege of vision comes with the responsibility of action.

Shane-o