Welcome to An Intrgral Life

What is an integral Life?

An Integral Life is the name of the practice of Dr. Nancy Maguire, a psychologist in Philadelphia. I chose the name because it reflects how I practice as a clinical psychologist. I see the whole person, not one aspect and then mistake this for the whole. I also work in a community of practitioners who offer services such as massage therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture. I bring a relational style to my work, whether that is psychotherapy, teaching or mentoring.

An integral life is one that is balanced between four areas: mind, body, community and spirit. By caring and developing each of these areas a fuller, more satisfying, life is available. Psychologists are usually more focused on the mind. Integral Psychology takes a broader view. What this means for therapy is that the body, community and spirit will be explored. An Integral Psychologist might suggest using massage, tai chi or other ways of impacting the body to create psychological change. An integral psychologist will ask about your eating habits, routine medical care and exercise habits. Similarly the development of community, what can be thought of as "finding your tribe" may also be the focus of integral psychology. Looking at your satisfaction with intimacy, friendships and family is a part of therapy with an integral psychologist. A spiritual life is also encouraged by an Integral Psychologist. This does not necessarily mean religious practice; it means connecting to that "something larger than me" feeling, or maybe seeing the interconnectedness of life. Each area is important, and it is the Integral Life, not just a sound mind, that is the focus of therapy.

What is A Relational Perspective ?

A relational perspective means the connections you make to the people in your life- at work or home, as well as in therapy – are the source of learning about yourself and creating change. It means that relationships are valued. A relational perspective also means that treatment is a collaborative effort. Goals are decided on together. The relationship in therapy becomes a source of self awareness and opens up the possibility of an integral life. Being relational means being non-pathological. This means that the medical model, which sees the person seeking care as sick and needing the intervention of practitioner, does not work. Being in a relationship means you are listened to and respected. This does not always mean agreeing! The "patient" is not the passive recipient of treatment, but an active and collaborative member of a relationship. A relational perspective is also dynamic. Dynamic or psychodynamic means that the interaction between two people tells us something about the psychological functioning of the person