Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Philosophical Counseling
Through thoughtful and reflective dialogue, philosophical counseling provides a unique space for deeper understanding, personal growth, and meaningful change.
What is Philosophical Counseling?
Philosophical counseling is a dynamic and educational process where trained philosophers engage in meaningful dialogue with clients.
It provides a thoughtful space to explore questions, resolve dilemmas, and address challenges that emerge in everyday life. By fostering reflection and critical thinking, this approach helps individuals navigate complexities with clarity, purpose, and greater self-understanding.
Philosophical counseling is an emerging field that uses philosophical dialogue and reflection to help individuals navigate life’s challenges, clarify values, and achieve greater well-being. It explores fundamental questions about meaning, purpose, and ethical dilemmas, offering a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
How is Philosophical Counseling Different from Traditional Therapy?
Traditional therapy focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health challenges, offering tools to manage emotions, heal trauma, and enhance well-being.
Philosophical counseling, in contrast, is rooted in the wisdom of philosophy. It emphasizes critical thinking, reflective dialogue, and the exploration of life’s existential and ethical questions.
Rather than viewing struggles as disorders, philosophical counseling sees them as opportunities for growth and clarity. Together, we uncover deeper meaning, explore values and purpose, and navigate life’s complexities with confidence and insight.
Psychotherapy:
- Diagnoses mental illnesses or behavioral disorders.
- Focuses on emotions, trauma, and personal history.
- Uses psychological methods to treat patients.
Philosophical Counseling:
- Does not diagnose; views challenges as part of the human condition.
- Explores meaning, purpose, values, beliefs, ethics, and identity.
- Examines how thoughts influence feelings, choices, and actions.
- Draws on philosophy’s wisdom traditions and critical thinking.
- Treats clients as collaborators, not patients.
Philosophical counseling helps reframe perspectives, explore alternative ways of thinking, and empower authentic, purposeful living. If medical concerns arise, a doctor will be recommended.
Who Can Benefit from Philosophical Counseling?
Philosophical counseling is for anyone seeking clarity and direction in their lives.
Whether facing personal or professional decisions, wrestling with existential questions about meaning and purpose, or striving for a deeper understanding of your values and beliefs, this approach offers a thoughtful and empowering space to explore.
It’s ideal for individuals navigating transitions, resolving ethical dilemmas, or simply seeking to align their lives with their core principles and aspirations.
Do I Need a Background in Philosophy?
Not at all! Philosophical counseling is designed for everyone, regardless of your familiarity with philosophy. Whether you’ve never studied philosophy or are well-versed in its concepts, sessions are tailored to meet you where you are.
The counselor acts as a guide, facilitating discussions in a way that is accessible, engaging, and relevant to your unique questions and experiences. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to explore!
What Can I Expect During a Session?
In a friendly and welcoming environment where you’ll feel at home, sessions are designed to put you at ease for meaningful conversation.
Our discussions will be open-ended, guided by thought-provoking questions that invite reflection and exploration. Rather than giving advice, I create a space for you to uncover insights, clarify your thoughts, and strengthen your reasoning.
It’s a relaxed, collaborative process aimed at helping you find clarity, direction, and deeper understanding.
Why choose philosophical counseling?
Philosophical counseling offers a unique approach to well-being by focusing on wisdom, ethical living, and self-understanding. It provides tools to navigate uncertainty, resolve conflicts, and align actions with deeply held values.
If you’re curious about how philosophical counseling can help you, it might be time to explore this innovative and thought-provoking approach to personal growth.
Where Do Sessions Take Place?
All philosophical counseling sessions are held online via Zoom, allowing you to connect conveniently and comfortably from your own space. To make the most of our time together, I recommend choosing a private, quiet location where you can speak freely and reflect without distractions.
This virtual format ensures accessibility and flexibility no matter where you are. Whether at home, in your office, or in a peaceful corner of your favorite retreat, our sessions are designed to create a thoughtful and engaging environment tailored to your needs.
Is Philosophical Counseling Religious?
Not necessarily. While my background in theology, philosophy, and environmental thought equips me to engage with questions about religion and spirituality, philosophical counseling is non-dogmatic and unaffiliated with any specific faith.
It offers a space to explore life’s deeper questions, whether rooted in traditional teachings or entirely new perspectives. Many clients seek this approach to move beyond their religious upbringing, and I’m here to meet you where you are—embracing curiosity, honesty, and even unconventional ideas along the way.
How Do I Know if Philosophical Counseling is Right for Me?
The best way to find out is to schedule a free 20-minute discovery call. This no-obligation conversation allows us to explore your goals, challenges, and what you're hoping to achieve. I’ll explain how philosophical counseling works and how it can address your unique concerns.
Whether you're seeking clarity, perspective, or meaningful change, this call is an opportunity to see if we’re a good fit to work together. Take the first step—your journey toward deeper understanding and growth begins with a simple call.
Do You Accept Health Insurance?
Health insurance does not cover philosophical counseling because it is considered an educational and reflective practice rather than a medical service.
Unlike therapy or counseling focused on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, philosophical counseling centers on exploring meaning, values, freedom, and authenticity. While insurance may not cover it, the insights and growth it offers can be invaluable for enhancing personal flourishing and navigating life’s challenges with clarity and purpose.
If you have questions about fees or affordability, I will discuss options during a free consultation.
What’s Your Cancellation Policy?
Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. The entire session fee will be charged if you cancel within 24 hours’ notice. To ensure flexibility and availability for all clients, I encourage you to cancel as early as possible, preferably a week in advance.
Do I need a philosophy background?
Not at all! I’ll guide our discussions and bring relevant philosophical insights to the table. All you need is curiosity and a willingness to explore new perspectives.
Which Philosophies Inspire Your Work?
By profession, I am trained in both Western and Islamic philosophy, but my approach is enriched by the wisdom of diverse philosophical traditions from the East and West. I draw inspiration from:
- Western Thought: Ethics, existentialism, feminism, and religious philosophy, engaging with thinkers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Sartre, Viktor Frankl, Karl Marx, Hannah Arendt, Kant, Mill, Spinoza, Kierkegaard, and Descartes.
- Eastern and Islamic Philosophy: The teachings of Confucius, al-Kindi, Rumi, Ibn Arabi, Ghazali, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), Averroes (Ibn Rushd), and Tagore, whose works explore meaning, spirituality, and the human condition.
This broad spectrum of philosophical traditions allows me to address life’s complexities with depth and nuance, offering insights tailored to your unique challenges and aspirations.
Are there assignments?
Occasionally, I suggest exploring reflections or actions between sessions to deepen your insights. I also use bibliotherapy by recommending readings tailored to your interests or needs if appropriate. However, there’s no mandatory “homework”—everything is designed to support your personal growth at your own pace.
How Can I Get the Most Out of Philosophical Counseling?
- Approach with an Open Mind: Be willing to explore new perspectives and challenge your assumptions.
- Embrace Reflection: Be prepared to dive deep into your thoughts, values, and experiences and experiment with fresh ideas.
- Trust Yourself: Have confidence in your capacity to create meaningful change and take ownership of your growth.
- Stay Curious: Bring your questions, uncertainties, and aspirations to the conversation—curiosity is the gateway to discovery and growth.
- Keep a Sense of Humor: Life’s challenges can be severe, but laughter and lightheartedness often lead to unexpected insights.
By engaging fully and authentically, you’ll unlock the potential of philosophical counseling to inspire clarity, purpose, and transformation.
What’s the Immediate Benefit?
My experience with clients shows that the immediate benefit of philosophical counseling is gaining a dedicated thought partner—someone who truly listens, respects your unique perspective and values your experiences.
Together, we’ll explore your challenges with depth and clarity, empowering you to uncover insights, make thoughtful decisions, and confidently navigate life’s complexities.
What’s the Long-Term Benefit?
First, we should remember Socrates’ timeless reminder from 2,500 years ago: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Over time, philosophical counseling helps cultivate a deeply examined and purpose-driven life. You’ll foster meaningful connections, approach challenges with confidence and creativity, and live with greater authenticity.
By the end, you’ll be ready to navigate life boldly, leaving your unique mark on the world—fully empowered and unapologetically yourself.
What are your qualifications?
I bring a rich academic and professional background to my work as a philosophical counselor, grounded in extensive education, certifications, and global experience. My qualifications include:
- M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey.
- Certified Philosophical Counselor by the American Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA).
Over three decades of teaching experience in philosophy, critical thinking, environmental philosophy, ecofeminism, and environmental justice at universities in the US, Finland, South Africa, Maldives, Indonesia, and Turkiye. I am a member of several prestigious organizations:
- Philosophical Practitioners Association (APPA).
- The North American Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (NAAIMS).
- International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture, USA.
- The Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions (CPWR).
- The Turkish Philosophical Association.
Visiting Scholarship:
- Harvard University (1998).
- University of Cape Town (1998).
- Åbo Akademi University, Finland (2018–2020).
- Clark University, Worcester, MA
Editorial and Scientific Council Roles
- Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae, the Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Poland.
- International Journal of the Asian Philosophical Association (IJAPA).
- The Journal of Happiness and Well-Being, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkiye.
- Journal of NeuroPhilosophy, Istanbul, Turkiye.
- Acta Via Serica, Keimyung University, South Korea.
- The Journal of Islamic Ethics, Brill Publishing.
- Former Editor-in-Chief of the Uskudar University Journal of Social Sciences, Turkey.
These qualifications reflect my commitment to philosophy's theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring a robust and interdisciplinary approach to philosophical counseling.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.
Simply message me—I’m here to help and happy to assist!
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