Philosophy in Philosophical Counseling: Unasked Questions, Open Answers

Philosophy in Philosophical Counseling: Unasked Questions, Open Answers provides a critical analysis of approaches to philosophical counseling that fail to be philosophical or relevant to counselees' concerns. It argues that conversations in which participants disagree are the appropriate context for questioning tacit assumptions and exploring alternatives, and that philosophical assumptions play an important role in education, religious guidance, and psychological treatments. The book addresses counselors' dilemmas by presenting examples of hypothetical counseling conversations and true sessions with real people and discusses the necessary philosophical knowledge and expertise for doing the job adequately.

Format: Hardback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Philosophy in Philosophical Counseling: Unasked Questions, Open Answers serves as a critical foundation for assessing approaches to philosophical counseling that fall short of being genuinely philosophical or pertinent to the counselees' concerns. It delves into the profound influence of tacit, unexamined philosophical assumptions and explores their impact on the quest for solutions. Through meticulous analysis, the book elucidates how these assumptions can hinder the search for meaningful resolutions. Ora Gruengard posits that disagreements within conversations provide the ideal setting for challenging and exploring tacit assumptions, paving the way for alternative perspectives. Her extensive research demonstrates how philosophical assumptions evolve in informal settings and highlights their crucial role in education, religious guidance, and psychological therapies. However, it is emphasized that the most effective approach to addressing philosophical issues lies in explicit philosophical dialogues, where counselees are esteemed as philosophical partners who are encouraged to engage in critical thinking and make independent judgments. This book addresses the challenges faced by counselors by presenting hypothetical counseling conversations and genuine sessions with real individuals. Gruengard also delves into the specific philosophical knowledge and expertise required for delivering philosophical counseling services with excellence.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793649096