A brief history

Applying philosophy in a personal therapeutic way is not new. The practice of providing philosophical assistance is as old as Socrates, 5 th century B.C. The Hellenistic philosophical schools in Greece and Rome did not practice philosophy as a detached intellectual or academic theory but as immersed in regulating human suffering and world problems. For the last two thousand years, many philosophers, from Epicurus, who considered philosophy “therapy of the soul”, to Descartes who counseled Queen Christina of Sweden, to Locke who counseled the Earl of Shaftesbury, have used their philosophical insights to solve human problems.

The modern philosophical counseling movement is not an outgrowth of psychotherapy but an attempt to return philosophy to its original mission, to address the problems of human life. This movement began in 1981, when Gerd Achenbach opened his practice in Germany in an attempt to remove philosophy from it's ivory tower of the university. He applied philosophy in private consultations creating a "free place" where people might use philosophy to develop their own thoughts on matters of concern. This movements has grown steadily ever since and has now taken roots in other European countries, Israel, India, South Africa, the United States, Canada, and South America.

Can philosophy be therapeutic? Yes and No.

Philosophy is therapeutic in the original sense of the term. Therapy comes from the Greek word “therapeuein” which means “to attend to” or “to assist.” In this sense, philosophy can definitely be considered therapeutic. Socrates compared the philosopher's role to that of a “midwife.” During a philosophical inquiry, a good philosopher helps to “bring out” or “unveil” a truth that lies within. The philosopher's role is to “awaken” a person's capacity to philosophize. The insights which are discovered will help the person to develop his own natural talents and to consciously move towards his goals.

Philosophy is not a therapy if a person expects to receive a treatment and be healed. Today, the term “therapy” is often identified with a sickness, a diagnosis and a cure. Though a person can expect to make changes in his thinking and behavior, and consequently benefit from a philosophical consultation, any human transformation is not a “passive” matter. The philosopher does not diagnose, treat or “fix” anyone, and there is no guarantee that philosophy will magically fulfill any client's expectations.

What is the difference between philosophical and psychological counselling ?

Philosophical counselling is not psychotherapy, but , the distinctions are not perfectly clear. Philosophy and science were once a common discipline: before the eighteenth century, psychology was a branch of philosophy. Philosophers have always observed human nature, and subjects like perception, cognition, consciousness, and emotions,(now considered the domain of psychology), have been studied in philosophy for over 2000 years! Many psychological therapies are quite philosophical, (Carl Rogers client centered approach, Robert Ellis' Rational Emotive Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Victor Frankl's, or Rollo May's Existential Therapy); and some philosophical approaches are quite psychological, (Phenomenology or Existentialism).

Neither psychology without philosophical insight, nor philosophy without psychological insight can be thoroughly complete. It is obvious that the two disciplines share common means, dialogue , as well as a common goal, solving human problems .

There are however, some immediately observable differences if we characterize psychotherapy in a stereotyped manner.

In addition to the requirements of empathy, genuineness, and positive regard, the success of an effective counsellor or therapist is due to his capacity to understand his client's problems. Philosophers follow a rigorous curriculum that involves understanding some of the greatest thinkers in history, many of whom are notoriously hard to understand.
Philosophers do not memorize texts, but analyse them. They study those thinkers, what they assumed or proved, how they were influenced, how their ideas connected, or failed to connect, and attempt to understand exactly what they mean. Since philosophers are trained specialists in conducting a general inquiry, it seems that a well-trained philosopher, who also has the essential requirements of being committed and empathetic, should make a very qualified personal consultant.

In accordance with my own ethical standards, and as an APPA (American Philosophical Practitioners Association) certified counsellor, I am morally bound to abide by a code of ethics. The first cannon of the APPA code of ethics, which is analogous to the “Hippocratic Oath, ” is “philosophical practitioners will, above all, endeavour to do no harm.