What if my problem isn’t strictly philosophical ?

Any subject can be discussed philosophically and no subject is taboo. If your concern involves making a decision, a relationship issue, feelings about love or friendship, family conflicts, professional dilemmas or career changes, questions of belief, faith or religion, depression, problems of a moral, or ethical nature, including sex, or substance abuse, the search for meaning, a sense of identity, or simply the desire to examine your life,……….You may feel free to discuss them openly, in a non-judgmental, objective, philosophical framework.

However, if I feel that your problem is beyond my competence to discuss using philosophical techniques and procedures, I would refer you to another form of professional assistance.

Philosophical consulting does not involve any particular method, theory, nor any particular philosophy. Most philosophers have a very rich variety of theories at their disposal, from Plato (500 years BC) to Wittgenstein (21 st century). Philosophers often have a predilection for certain philosophies, and might refer to or rely on their favorites more often than others. I have a personal preference for the existentialists, who place an emphasis on subjectivity, the present, freedom of consciousness, assuming moral responsibility, the self as mutable, and authenticity.

No formal pilosophical education is necessary. Some academic philosophers deny that philosophy can be “applied”, and maintain that it is strictly theoretical or hypothetical. (What probably “turns off” most people from philosophy). But “the love of wisdom” (what philosophy literally means), should be accessible to ordinary people. A good philosophical counsellor will engage in a dialogue which involves useful rather than formalized language. The important point is that the philosopher and his client communicate, and mutually understand one another, so that the client is conducted to think philosophically.

There is never any obligation nor necessity to study philosophy. However, if I observe that a client might benefit from reading a particular philosopher's work, I will suggest it. Some famous or even lesser known philosophers can be immensely inspiring, comforting and instructive.

Can philosophical consulting be applied in the case of adolescents ?

I think that philosophical counselling can be especially effective with adolescents.* For the past five years, I've been working in a national educational program in France, in which philosophers are assigned to discuss philosophical themes with young teenagers in inner-city schools, many of whom have parents who are immigrants and unemployed.
Most of these students, categorized as “difficult,” are adamantly “anti-psy.” They are tired of being psychologically dissected, analysed and diagnosed. However, they are entirely open to discussing philosophical concepts, abstract ideas and cross-cultural belief systems. When treated as rational, logical, thinking individuals, they feel encouraged to express themselves in an intelligent manner and their self-confidence improves considerably.
Adolescence, as we all know, is a time of conflict with authority, an age of self-assertion and a search for identity. Philosophical dialogues are non-manipulative, non-dogmatic discussions which can help a young person, who is extremely susceptible to peer pressure, to think for himself, to clarify his beliefs and to find consistency between his beliefs and actions. Being clear about what he thinks, and becoming more sensitive to the fact that others may think and believe differently, will inevitably develop his communication skills and enable him to resolve conflicts with parents, teachers, or other authoritative figures.

*Needless to say, an adolescent, under the age of 18, can only be consulted in the presence of, or with the written permission of, his or her legal guardian.

A session runs about one hour and costs 50 euros.

Can I receive counselling by phone or internet ?

If you are not in the Paris area, a consultation by phone is an excellent alternative. The phone call is free of charge to the client, whether in France, Great Britain or the U.S.

I find the internet too impersonal and time consuming to be effective, except for brief follow up's after a regular session.

How do I make an appointment ?

You may contact me by phone Tel. +33 (0)6 07 55 20 18 or email.