Philosophy Practice: An Alternative to Counseling and Psychotherapy

by Shlomit C. Schuster

Although philosophy has become a purely academic discipline over the last few centuries, it once played an important role in the politics of many Western nations. Now, the end of the 20th century, philosophy seems to be returning to its original, practical purposes, thanks to the new practice of philosophical counseling, which is now emerging as an alternative to psychoanalysis and other clinical approaches. This volume describes the main theoretical aspects of this practice based on an open-ended dialogue between a philosophical practitioner and a client or a group, and places it in a historical context, while contrasting it with various forms of psychological counseling. To illustrate how philosophy can be beneficial, the author, a practicing philosophical counselor, also presents several case studies from her own practice.

Genres: Psychology

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 30, 1999

Reviews

[Dennis]

Steeds vaker kloppen mensen aan bij de filosoof voor verheldering van levensvragen, morele dilemma's, depressies of relatieproblemen. De filosofische praktijk is een vruchtbare en eigentijdse manier om zulke vragen en problemen te verhelderen. Shlomit Schuster laat zien wat de filosofische praktijk kan bieden: een denken dat vrij is van vooroordelen, vrij van dogmatiek en van de overmoed alles te weten.

[PlayfulProcess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I initially approached Shlomit Schuster’s Philosophy Practice as a trove of wisdom largely unseen in American therapy. Indeed, the modern philosophical counseling movement burgeoned in Europe – most of its founders' work “is still not translated into English” – and it felt like a hidden continent of knowledge; potentially a haven from all the problems of the so often criticized medical model of which psychotherapy has in recent decades become a hostage in the U.S..

Schuster recounts how in 1981 Achenbach opened the first philosophy praxis in Germany as an alternative to psychotherapy (pointedly “no therapy at all” in his view). I was inspired to the point of considering becoming a philosophical practitioner myself. I was especially moved by the book’s stories of helping people with life dilemmas without pathologizing them.

Over time, however, I realized there’s no need to polarize philosophy and therapy. Many of Schuster’s critiques and ideas have been absorbed into therapies now in vogue. Existential psychotherapy (à la Irvin Yalom), humanistic client-centered counseling (Carl Rogers), and trauma-informed practices all emphasize authentic meaning, the client’s perspective in a non-hierarchical setting, and the healing relationship – principles much akin to philosophical practice.

Still, Philosophy Practice offers a bracing critique of psychotherapy’s hubris. Schuster argues that much of what passes as “scientific” therapy is questionable – research findings often conflict, so one “must be doubtful about any of the conclusions” drawn from them. Even so, she references thought-provoking studies. For example, she references studies that have found that therapists' credentials do not impact the helpfulness of counselors, a drink of humility, especially those overly enamored of manualized, evidence-based protocols. The book is a reminder that therapy shouldn’t lose sight of the person’s own worldview and values in the rush to diagnosis and treatment.

Above all, Schuster champions counseling as neither academic navel-gazing nor clinical coercion. Philosophical practice is presented as a grassroots revival of philosophy as a way of life, empowering clients to live by their values and inviting philosophers to actually meet life in its own terms, instead of locking them in an ivory tower of theory. She contends philosophical practice is superior to traditional therapy because it openly embraces the client’s values rather than surreptitiously imposing a preset agenda, as Jeffrey Masson famously argued. In building her case, Schuster invokes mavericks like R.D. Laing and Thomas Szasz – prominent anti-psychiatry critics of the psychiatric orthodoxy – alongside trailblazers within philosophy such as Achenbach.

Her tone can be so combative that the reader might be tempted by the idea that philosophical practice is indeed superior to psychotherapy. However, I would humbly advocate that readers should refrain from falling into the trap of antagonizing, as Irvin Yalom did. All forms of therapy serve a purpose, and there is more to gain by selecting what is best in each than dismissing great chunks of psychological knowledge altogether. Even so, this book remains a thought-provoking, worthwhile read – a healthy antidote to professional hubris and a celebration of keeping philosophy and therapy grounded in what truly matters to the client.