Philosophy in Philosophical Counseling

Ora Gruengard is an independent scholar and philosophical counselor.

Ora Gruengard’s eloquent book is a noteworthy addition to the expanding descriptive and explanatory literature on philosophical counseling or practice. In its carefully researched and expertly presented chapters, Dr. Gruengard responds to the allegation that theoretical or academic philosophy is largely irrelevant to philosophical practice or counseling. She discusses what philosophy in counseling is, is not, and ought to be in no uncertain terms by contrasting it with practices such as religious indoctrination, political propagandizing, clinical psychology, and so on. She offers a carefully detailed discussion of the minimal philosophical education required of anyone planning to enter the counseling or therapeutic professions. Dr. Gruengard combines a historical perspective on philosophy with its current application in counseling and therapy in a clear style accessible to professionals, students, and interested lay readers alike. She warns potential patients to beware of counselors and therapists trained exclusively in psychotherapy. Many attempt to appropriate the historical legacy of philosophy by dishonestly claiming that their psychiatric methods are in fact philosophical. This book is an easy-to-read, deeply satisfying, and convincing argument that philosophy is indeed relevant, not only to various practitioners and counselors but to everyone. It’s an important addition to any student’s or practitioner’s library.

• Introduction: The Relevance of PhilosophyChapter One: Philosophical Questions Chapter Two: Coping with the Questions of the CounseleesChapter Three: The Philosophical CounselorChapter Four: Some Concrete Examples Chapter Five: Who Does Not Need Academic Philosophy? Chapter Six: The Irrelevance of Philosophy: The Scientific Perspective Conclusion: The Relevance of Philosophy Appendix A: Wisdom: Knowing When to Decide Rationally to Be Non-Rational Appendix B: Philosophical Controversies Appendix C: Philosophical Influences and Presuppositions in Psychotherapy