Philosophical Counselling
Philosophy as a domain of inquiry allows us to explore diverse ways of understanding human life. The goal is to have a deeper understanding of the issues, and perhaps one might find a solution through it. Philosophers often argue by identifying the problem, explaining the issue and its importance, then interpreting it and deciding whether it needs consideration. Furthermore, it is also about resolving the ambiguity and vagueness of language. Thus, philosophy is a way of being-in-the-world that is investigated intellectually in the broadest sense.
Philosophical counselling is a redefined approach where the counsellee philosophically engages with their concerns and problems. The philosophical counsellor addresses these concerns via different philosophical tools and methods. It is an interactive process that works through extensive dialogues and discussions about clients' beliefs, actions, values, purposes, and commitments, not only what they presently are but also whether and to what extent they can be evolved.
The primary aim is to make the counsellee self-reliant. The counsellor helps the counsellee unravel implicit assumptions by revealing hidden patterns and structures, training the counsellee to do the same for themselves. As a result, the client can eventually apply the different philosophical tools and methods in any situation, making him independent instead of dependent upon the counsellor.
However, Philosophical Counselling does not compete with Psychiatry or other forms of psychological practices. Rather, it works at the roots of different concerns that may be better resolved with philosophy.
In the end, the counsellor's primary role is to facilitate self-discovery, self-realisation, and self-actualisation. With the help of philosophical tools and methods, counsellees can gradually interpret their life situations from their own self-defined and self-understood philosophy of life.
Contact a Philosophical Counsellor
Akhil Sharma
A certified associate in Client Counselling from the American Philosophical Practitioners Association and Philosophical Practitioners Association of India.
Praachi Moghay
A certified associate in Client Counselling from the American Philosophical Practitioners Association and Philosophical Practitioners Association of India.
