Philosophical Counseling

An increasingly popular application for philosophy is in counseling. It is commonly held that so-called philosophical counseling began in 1981 when Dr. Gerd Achenbach opened his practice near Cologne, Germany. Today there are philosophical counselors, professional associations, and certification programs in the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, Austria, France, Switzerland, Israel, Great Britain, the United States, and many other countries. But the idea that philosophy can be used to alleviate distress, help individuals come to a better understanding of themselves and their world, and improve a person's life dates back to antiquity.

How Philosophical Counseling Differs from Psychotherapy

In many ways, philosophical counseling is similar to therapy. In both fields, the counselor or therapist seeks to raise the client’s level of self-awareness in order to assist her in solving problems, attaining emotional balance, or increasing self-esteem. In fact, the intersection between the two disciplines is great; many of today’s psychologists study and use the understandings of philosophical schools in their therapy sessions. Conversely, many professional philosophers have used the scientific discoveries of the social sciences - particularly psychology - to gain deeper insight into the nature of mental processes, cognition, memory, intelligence, and other related subjects.

The main difference is that the philosophical practitioner, having been trained in the discipline of philosophy, is specially adept at helping the client think through his issues rationally. His keen command of inferential thinking and inductive reason makes him particularly skilled at pointing out to the client the illogical thought patterns that may be dominating or frustrating the client’s journey toward individuation. Additionally, the philosophical practitioner is often well-versed in cultural peculiarities; she understands that an individual’s ethnic or national background can significantly affect how she thinks, processes, and reasons. Also, the philosophical practitioner is often freer to employ the methods of non-orthodox psychological schools in his or her work.

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YouTube Recent Videos Gallery: Philosophical Counseling

1- Qué hace que una discusión sea filosófica? (1de 2) - Oscar Brenifier

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Author: philocarmen
Keywords: practica debate discusion filosofica Rivara de Tuesta Langon
Added: September 14, 2009

人生逆境的哲學輔導座談會16

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人生逆境的哲學輔導座談會11

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Wikipedia Philosophy Feeds

The Future of Retail Is Now

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A look back at Nicholas Negroponte's 1998 predictions for the future of retail and the realities of today's markets.

Blog Focus: Fort Hood

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As more information about Major Nidal Malik Hasan emerge, bloggers give their two cents on what occurred at Fort Hood

Cold & Flu Survival Toolkit - Remedies From My Home To Yours

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All the tips and tools we use in our home to survive cold & flu season. Some you've tried and some will likely be new. See what works for you.

UNM Soccer Player Elizabeth Lambert Suspended Indefinitely For Violent Play

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Was UNM defender Elizabeth Lambert competing in soccer or the WWF? You be the judge.

Android Won't Take Over The World

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DTN protocol will be used with Google's OS to increase interplanetary communication.

Top News Stories: Philosophical Counseling

Counseling cooperative offers help reviving the spirit (The Suncoast News Pasco)

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In these angst-filled chaotic times, many people are seeking the tools to relieve stress at an oasis of healing at which they are taught methods of reconnecting with their body, mind and spirit.

Rabbi Fleer to make annual visit (The Jewish Advocate)

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BOSTON — Rabbi Gedaliah Fleer, an authority on Jewish mysticism and Chassidic philosophy, returns from Jerusalem this month for his annual series of programs, classes and workshops (and private counseling) in Newton, Brookline, Cambridge,

His commitment to his faith was everlasting (Arizona Daily Star)

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Posing for a family photo in the 1950s with his parents and two of his sisters, Jack Cotter did not imagine a future that included a family of his own.

IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Reverend Ken Kondratowski (The West Milford Messenger)

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West Milford He believes that being approachable is important, so if you like, you can just call him Ken. But officially he is Reverend Ken Kondratowski, the pastor of Calvary Bible Church on Union Valley Road in West Milford.

External Links

American Philosophical Practitioners Association

Page tags: counseling philosophical philosophy psychology
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