Barbara Alexander

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Certified Integral Coach^®

Specialties: Spiritual development; communication; family and business system analysis, women’s issues, practical application of Integral Theory in religious organizations and professions (clergy and spiritual directors)
Languages: English
Country: U.S.A.

What is most inspiring to me about being an integral coach is frankly, the method works. I am gratified to see how my clients change. I am a veteran in the field of development, devoting my life to this project called change - my own included. Seeking to synthesize a variety of change modalities, I undertook Integral Coaching training. I got that and a lot more. I never expected the profound changes I’ve made in my own life. Through exquisite attention to developing the heart, mind, body and spirit of the coach, this brilliant application of Integral Theory is a powerful method of change!

Some significant life, experiences, education or practices that have contributed to my ability as an Integral Coach include the fact that since I was young people just talk to me. Somehow I create a space where others feel comfortable to reveal themselves. I see this trait as one of my most important gifts. The confidence that others place in me is an honor. And I feel responsible to use that gift well, and so I attend to my own development. I trained first in psychology, (MA Counseling Psychology and Certification as a Gestalt Therapist), energy healing, and then in theology and spirituality (M.Div.), all so that I can be an effective agent for change. My training and work as an Integral Coach is the fruition of a life’s vocation helping people become more of who they can be.

Integral Life Practices I am currently involved in are meditating regularly, using the ILP kata, Pilates, walking and hiking. I am always reading, as authors are often my conversation partners. I follow the advice of an early teacher to “always to have a novel going,” so I read for pleasure as well. I nurture friendships with people who share my desire to evolve the future. I am continuing development with my Integral Coaching class. I nurture my relationships with my husband, children and grandchildren. Of course I do that because they are dear to me, but also because in those relationships I get the clearest measure of how I’m doing. (You know the old adage, “Ask the family what one is really like?!”) With all that, I engage in the fundamental Integral Practice inquiry: what is my the next step?

I live an Integral Life because I am devoted to creating the future. An Integral Life supports me, frees me, and strengthens me, as I show up to serve an ever evolving world.

People would be surprised to learn that when I made the unpopular decision to not have children many people felt to express their displeasure! I was too polite to say what I wanted to say so instead I said, “I only want children if they come 8.” Throughout my twenties I said that phrase many, many times. When I married, my husband came with an 8 year old. When I married again, he, too, came with an 8 year old. Turns out that was exactly what I wanted. Mmmm . . .