What is philosophical counseling?

Philosophical Counseling is an intellectual encounter between equals. It is assumed that the answers to your dilemma are already within you and that you can effect the changes required to solve them – if the right questions are asked by the philosopher. Philosophers are trained to listen. They are trained to look at a given issue from different angles and see ‘the big picture’. We use the points of view of many historically significant wise men and women (philosophers) to give you new vantage points from which you can better understand what your problem actually is.

Philosophical counseling is offered in person or over the phone.


How long has philosophical counseling existed?

Though its roots lay in ancient Greece, the modern philosophical counseling movement started in the west in the 1970’s. The movement has grown steadily and today there are philosophical counselors, professional associations, and certification programs in the United States, Canada, Europe and Israel. In many places philosophical forums or ‘Café-Philo’s’ are held. These are open to the public and offer a dynamic discussion guided by a philosopher.


What other profession resembles philosophical counseling?

The closest profession to philosophical counseling is Life Coaching. The two share assumptions and guide lines, as well as actual means. The client is whole, creative and resourceful, and has all the answers. Both approaches are client-centered. The client describes their needs and the work proceeds according to their agenda. Both fields create a fuller, more satisfying life for the client in a Pro-Active way. Both the philosophical counselor and the Life Coach have a broad view and are trained to set aside traditional thinking patterns such as judgment, to focus on the client’s best interest.


How does philosophical counseling differ from Life Coaching?

Life coaching is a rapidly growing new field and it requires absolutely no credentials or formal (academic) training to call oneself a ‘life coach’. Philosophical counseling on the other hand requires years of formal study, a master’s degree, as well as various courses and certifications. It is also important to note that philosophers are born not trained. It takes a certain, very special type of mind to devote one’s entire life to this cause.


How does philosophical counseling differ from Psychological Counseling?

Psychological counseling is more apt to view clients from a medical model; it diagnoses and treats. A philosophical counselor does not diagnose a client according to societal standards for normalcy, mental health etc. The client is not viewed as a patient but as an active participant in an intellectual encounter. As such, the client is also required to be accountable and do their ‘homework’ between sessions.

Psychological counseling focuses on healing and understanding whereas Philosophical counseling focuses on evolving and manifesting potential.

Psychological counseling typically requires extensive background exploration, often going back to childhood. The duration of treatment is thus very long, sometimes running for years, even a lifetime. Philosophical counseling achieves fast results. Emphasis is on present and future. The client is guided towards an understanding of the current situation and its implications for the future. Hence even without insurance philosophical counseling is much less expensive.

There is also no dependency between the client and the philosopher. The philosopher does not dictate any solutions to the client but encourages the client to reach solutions on their own while using their own thinking, values and convictions. Continuous treatments are not necessarily better. Quite often the issue at hand is specific and can be dealt with in a short amount of time. The philosophical counselor offers to educate the client in more effective ways of thinking, to be able to better handle similar situations on their own.

Psychological counseling is problem oriented; Philosophical counseling is solution oriented.


How does one know when it’s better to talk to a philosopher than a psychologist?

Most of your daily issues and concerns are essentially philosophical problems. When you want to talk about them, you are much better off talking to a philosopher. A philosopher spends years studying issues such as the meaning of life, questions of right and wrong, logic, and hundreds of other such topics. For that reason alone you are better off with a philosopher when the issue at hand is of a philosophical nature. These days people are quick to run to their “shrink” for every little question. When you talk to a philosopher the solutions to your problems come from your gaining a better understanding of your own mind. You will experience increased self awareness and well being. You will become clear on your true values and goals.

The key is to be bold enough to try something new. If you have been ‘seeing a shrink’ for problems that are not psychological in nature or if your sessions have gone on with no concrete results, it is time to try a philosopher.


Is Philosophical Counseling covered by Health Insurance?

Not at this time. The APPA is in the process of getting recognition and state licensure. After that it will be also recognized by the Insurance companies. However the current situation has its advantages: Many people today pay for psychotherapy through their health insurance benefits. Insurance companies require that people have a diagnosis for this. Very often a meaningless diagnosis (e.g., "adjustment reaction") is used to meet this requirement. Diagnosis and the involvement of health insurance companies reinforce the inappropriate application of the medical model. Philosophical counseling is handled on a more straightforward "fee for service" basis. No third-party payment is involved. Whereas with insurance-reimbursed psychotherapy there is an incentive for the patient to prolong therapy, with philosophical counseling the client has an incentive to seek fewer, more focused and efficacious sessions.


What do I talk about with a philosophical counselor?

Given that you found me on the web, you must be searching for an answer to something or looking to solve a specific problem. Maybe you have an ethical or moral dilemma that is keeping you awake at night. Possibly you just don’t feel like your life is going anywhere and you need some help to get going in the right direction. Why not start by talking to me about that? I will ask you all the right questions and after the first session you will understand completely what it is all about and you will already be mentally preparing for the next session.


What does Philosophical counseling cost?

I offer a free introductory session. After that the price for a 1 hour session is $75.
Packages are also available at $199 for three sessions and $299 for five sessions. Payment is made online.


Do I need to prepare for the session?

No, during the session I will gather general background information and work with you on defining your goals and the means to achieve them.