FAQS FOR PHILOSOPHICAL COUNSELING
As the practice of certain forms of yoga do for the body, so the practice of philosophical work does for the mind: it loosens the grip of entrenched habits of thinking and widens the range of perspectives and considerations that we can use in our thinking.
- Lauren Tillinghast, Ph.D
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PHILOSOPHICAL COUNSELING?
Clients gain a deeper appreciation of the issues they discuss, along with an increased ability to engage personal philosophical questions. They feel empowered and are able to face their situation with insight and renewed confidence. When the issue is a concrete problem, such as a decision, they gain assurance that the solution they have settled on is the right one -- because they have thought about it with rigor and in depth.
DO I NEED A BACKGROUND IN PHILOSOPHY TO BENEFIT FROM PHILOSOPHICAL COUNSELING?
No previous academic study of philosophy is required. I will help you discover your own way of reasoning through the issue. Together we will find or craft the appropriate conceptual lenses, informed by any specific theories and frameworks we’ll need to draw on view your problem or situation. An academic background in philosophy can enhance conversations, but sometimes might also provide an additional set of hindrances in approaching an issue.
HOW IS PHILOSOPHICAL COUNSELING DIFFERENT FROM PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNSELING OR PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Both mental health professionals and philosophical counselors should be good listeners. However, philosophical counselors and mental health professionals bring different lenses to their practices. The psychotherapist focuses on curing or alleviating mental health problems, such as depression. As a philosophical counselor I do not employ the mental health/illness assumptions about your problem. Instead I use my in- depth knowledge of conceptual and frameworks and my critical thinking skills to help you pay close attention to your beliefs, attitudes and actions.
CAN PHILOSOPHICAL COUNSELING BE DONE OVER THE PHONE OR BY SKYPE?
Consultation over the phone or via Skype or Face Time can be as effective as face-to-face dialogue, so long as communication is direct and honest. There is also the added benefit of being able to stay comfortably in your own environment during a session.
WHAT QUALIFIES DR. DAVE HILDITCH TO BE A PHILOSOPHICAL COUNSELOR?
In addition to having a Ph.D. in Philosophy and over thirty years of experience teaching philosophy at the college level, I have fifteen years of experience as a practicing philosophical counselor. I was trained and certified by the American Philosophical Practitioners Association, an internationally recognized certifying agency for philosophical practice.