Using the Socratic Method in Counseling

Katarzyna Peoples, PhD, LMHC, LPC, is a counselor educator, qualitative researcher, licensed counselor, and relationship coach. She teaches full time at Walden University in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program and provides counseling and relationship coaching services for couples and clients in her private practice. Adam Drozdek, PhD, is an associate professor at Duquesne University and an author of several books and numerous articles on the subject of philosophy and theology.

"Using the Socratic Method in Counseling provides a perfect philosophical foundation for concepts counselors encounter in various clinical approaches such as: empowering clients; tapping into their inner strengths; and helping clients identify, define, take ownership, and work on personal goals. Any clinician will find in this book a treasure trove of sound wisdom for their practice." Fr. Jocelyn Gregoire, CSSp, EdD, NCC, LPC, ACS, assistant professor, Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education, Duquesne University "Using the Socratic Method in Counseling presents a refreshing and thought-provoking approach that provides a needed alternative to the mainstream theories that often comprise the theoretical sets counselors rely on. Peoples and Drozdek provide counselors and therapists with an in-depth explanation of the philosophical foundations of the Socratic method as the basis for helping clients solve life problems using knowledge they may not realize they possess. I think every counselor and therapist should be ‘schooled’ in the possibility of using this theory of counseling and psychotherapy with clients."David Capuzzi, PhD, LPC, NCC, a past president of the American Counseling Association"I find this book to be so relevant. The authors do a great job of highlighting how the Socratic method helps clients solve problems by using theory and techniques. One of my favorite aspects is that the authors describe a counseling session between a client and a Socratic counselor in the final chapter to help readers further conceptualize the Socratic method."Jessica Russo, PhD, NCC, LPCC-S, core faculty, School of Counseling, MCFC Program, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Walden University"The authors have produced a fascinating and essential piece for mental health professionals. The book is a powerful contribution to the growing voices of professionals calling for alternatives to mechanical therapeutic interaction prescribed by the medical-model approaches. I highly recommend this book to any person concerned with a philosophical basis for a holistic approach to counseling."Anthony M. Boone PhD, professor and clinician

• Introduction 1. Inborn Knowledge & Socratic Questioning 2. Inborn Knowledge of Spirituality 3. Inborn Knowledge of Language 4. Inborn Knowledge of Space, Causality & Number 4. Inborn Knowledge of Space, Causality & Number 5. Inborn Knowledge of Values & Ethics 6. Why Socratic Method is a Different Humanistic Theory 7. Structuring Sessions and Using Socratic Questioning 8. Channeling Inborn Knowledge 9. A Socratic Dialogue 10. Use of Alternative Techniques and Theories in the Socratic Method of Counseling 11. Addressing Challenging Issues in Socratic Counseling Bibliography