Philosophy is about working on oneself in relation to the world. Philosophy asks the kinds of questions that help us navigate the uncertainties of our moment and encourages us to think and see differently than we usually do: what are the conditions of our existence? What are the social forces that shape our sense of self, our values, and our connections to others? Consider the soaring levels of anxiety and depression in our society: we are living in the midst of climate change, an ongoing global pandemic, and increasing public violence in response to political disagreements. Rather than seeing anxiety and depression as illnesses of individuals, philosophy encourages us to see them as reasonable responses to these broader social forces. Philosophical counseling thus situates personal struggles within the context of the world we inhabit and the structural conditions of our lives. The goal isn’t to “fix” a client but to help them shift perspective on themselves and their experiences, to open up new ways of thinking about, and hence approaching, life’s difficulties.
Philosophy also enables us to come to know ourselves better in relation to our world by asking the big questions: what is the meaning of life? What do I value, and what should I value? What do I owe other people? What is freedom? Really any “big question” has at some point been addressed by philosophers. In trying to better understand ourselves, to improve ourselves, and to make our way through difficult times, philosophical counseling provides an opportunity to think differently about ourselves and our world by shifting our perspective.
Shifting perspective starts with dialogue—between the client and the philosopher, and between them and specific philosophical texts. Socrates, the original philosophical counselor, is a model here: he defines himself as a midwife, encouraging those around him to clarify their own thinking, to see their own assumptions, and to examine their beliefs, values, and choices; he never tells someone else what they should think, value, or do. By turning to Socrates himself, or the Stoics, or Hannah Arendt, you and I can begin a similar dialogue aimed at understanding and revisioning the challenges and struggles life has thrown your way.
I am particularly interested in questions of identity and social power with the goal of empowering women and LGBTQ+ people who are often told that there is something wrong with them, or that they are not worthy of success. Untrue! Examining cultural conceptions of sex, gender, sexuality, and gender identity, along with their intersections with race and class, can explain how wrong those messages are.
Philosophical counseling is not, however, psychotherapy—philosophical counselors do not diagnose mental illness, emotional or behavioral disorders, or prescribe medications. We tend to position individual struggles not as pathologies but as part of the human condition, reflection upon which can open up new possibilities. Because philosophical counseling is not psychotherapy, it is not covered by health insurance. Insurance companies require that you have a diagnosed mental health disorder in order to cover the cost of counseling.
Our initial conversation will help determine which approach would most benefit you. We will discuss why you are seeking counseling, what goals you have for yourself, and how philosophical counseling might benefit you. If psychotherapy seems a better fit right now, I will do my best to recommend some options for you. If philosophical counseling feels right, we can get started!
Contact me for information about rates for individuals and groups.
Email me for a free consultation: forloveoftheworld58@gmail.com.
For Love of the World: 