his special issue of Counseling and Values is the first scholarly mentalhealth-related journal issue devoted to sharing integral approaches to the counseling profession. Integral theory is an evolving "theory of everything" developed by pioneering philosopher Ken Wilber. Integral theory is cross-disciplinary and provides a framework for embracing human knowledge of body, mind, and spirit in self; culture; and nature. The Integral Institute and the soon-to-be-launched Integral University are dedicated to applying the theory in a broad range of disciplines, including counseling and psychotherapy. The articles in this issue describe the relationship of key aspects of integral theory to counseling. Andre Marquis's article "What Is Integral Theory?" provides an overview of the integral framework (called the "all-quadrants, all-levels" [AQAL] framework) and outlines its application in counseling. The second article, by Susanne R. Cook-Greuter and Jeffrey Soulen, illustrates how a developmental perspective and an understanding of ego development, in particular, can be used in clinical practice that is integrally informed. The third article on the self-system in integral theory, coauthored by Susanne R. Cook-Greuter and myself, outlines a model of the self that transcends and includes theory-specific models of psychological growth and psychogenic pathology. Willow Pearson's article then presents a three-factor model of defenses that builds on the self-system. Finally, Durwin Foster and Timothy G. Black present an integral approach to ethics for counselors.
Working with these scholar-clinicians has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my academic career, and I want to thank them for taking on the daunting challenge of summarizing a voluminous and complex theory in relatively short, succinct pieces. Thanks are also due to Christopher Sink, editor of Counseling and Values, for his belief in this issue. Finally, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Ken Wilber, who gave generously and graciously of his much-sought-after time to work with me and all the authors on the finer points of applying his theory in these articles. His integral vision has much to offer our field of counseling, and it is that vision that we are excited to share in this issue.