Integral psychology, a path to well-being

Integral psychology is a perspective that is interested in the development of a healthy individuality. It is a model of consciousness that seeks well-being through growth and creativity. Furthermore, he proposes that to reach the desired state, each person needs to carry out different practices, because we are all different because of who we are and what we have experienced.

The idea is that, through integral psychology, We could reach a state of plenitude by developing our consciousness and avoiding suffering. Thus, this practice would be a way to bring out the best in us. It is a branch of psychology, which seeks the well-being of human beings through different tools.

Embracing different theories through integral psychology

In integral psychology They take into account different therapeutic models. The important thing is to apply the one that best suits the person to improve their quality of life. Therefore, there is no struggle over which theory is best. On the contrary, each one has the same importance, and different principles can be used.

Thus, Integral psychology tries to include everything that can serve for personal development. Thus, it makes an attempt to reconcile the existing psychological theories, highlighting the benefits of each one. In addition, it integrates various spiritual practices outside the study of the mind that could also be useful.

In integral psychology, what prevails is the person. Each one has a different personal development in which they go through different levels. Depending on the moment in which she is, she will have to carry out one practice or another, because each vital moment brings with it different problems.

How was integral psychology created?

Integral psychology was born because some authors believed that a theory was needed that unified psychological knowledge. In other words, a discipline that took into account different spiritual beliefs and practices was necessary. Thus, this current emerged, a model that covers various fields of the human being to pursue his personal growth.

The author most related to this practice is Ken Wilber, an American writer. He was the first to describe what integral psychology consists of, studying aspects related to psychotherapy and spirituality. Additionally, he discussed the nature of different branches of psychology, and promoted new avenues for the interpretation and practice of human mental health.

Ken Wilber also founded the Institute of Integral Psychology in 1998, in addition to formulating the integral theory. He highlighted a 4-quadrant scheme, which described the fields with which the human being relates:

Intentional quadrant. It is the individual area of ​​the people. Disciplines such as psychology, philosophy and aspects related to spirituality are involved in its study.Behavioral portion. It has to do with technical skills. To study it, knowledge from areas such as physiology, neurology and behavioral psychology, among others, is used.Cultural section. It is related to the collective aspects of change. For example, myths, beliefs, stories and constructed symbols are studied.Social quadrant. It is associated with areas such as technology, politics and systems.

According to Wilber, it is necessary to integrate these four quadrants for full personal development. That is, we have to achieve balance in each quadrant to achieve supreme well-being. This would make it easier to know our role in the world, in addition to developing different levels of consciousness in an integrative way.

Nevertheless, Integral psychology continues to develop today. It is a perspective that is practiced around the world. For example, it is used as therapy, and as a form of knowledge, through workshops, seminars, courses, support groups, meditation and personal growth.

Benefits of comprehensive psychology

Practicing integral psychology increases well-being, since it provides different benefits for the quality of life. Here we show you some of the most important ones.

Personal development. Through the practice of integral psychology, we enter into a process of constant transformation in which we get to know ourselves more and more. The transformation must occur in different fields at the same time. Enhance creativity. This consists of generating new ideas to face what life brings us. We are creative beings, so by making this practice habitual, we will be able to act more appropriately when faced with our problems.Expansion of consciousness. Integral psychology helps us connect with the deepest part of our being. It also broadens our vision of life.Learn new resources to be healthier. Through the development of consciousness and spiritual connection, we can come to know important aspects for our well-being. It is about seeing what virtues we have when it comes to taking on problems and using them when we face them.Empathy. In integral psychology, the relationship we have with ourselves and with others is very important. Thanks to this discipline, we can develop our empathy effectively.

Therefore, through this model, we can enhance the best of ourselves, emphasizing each area in which we operate. Thus, we improve in our way of relating, of assuming problems and of making decisions through creativity and the search for balance.

As we see, integral psychology is a therapeutic and knowledge model that we can apply to our lives. Creativity and openness will be the tools to reach a state of plenitude in the relationship with ourselves, with others and with nature. In this way, the development of consciousness will become our best ally in each learning process.

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