Curious Soul Philosophy

Facing the uncharted waters of life?
Find your direction with Curious Soul Philosophy.

Come with us to think deeply and live deliberately.

Are you a curious soul?

If you're a curious soul, you find yourself on the verge of some very big questions. The spirit of philosophy is awakening.

Philosophy literally means "love of wisdom." The love of wisdom is not just an interest in abstract intellectual puzzles. It is a yearning to live a better, wiser life — an "examined life," as Socrates called it.

Sometimes the spirit of philosophy is sparked by experiences of awe and wonder. Sometimes it arises from everyday perplexities or frustrations. And sometimes it emerges from a deep sense of confusion, powerlessness, meaninglessness, or despair.

In times of personal, political, or global crisis, "the big questions" come streaming in like never before.

What's the point of it all?
What's my purpose?
Where do I belong?

How can I break free?
How can I live according to what I care about most?
How can I help make the world a better place?

These questions can be overwhelming and disorienting. But take heart — times of crisis are opportunities for new insight and productive transformation.

In the midst of big crises, it is possible to live with greater clarity, meaning, and freedom.

We can help.

Our work

With inspiration from ancient and contemporary wisdom traditions, we develop the practical relevance of philosophy for everyday life to help you find your direction.

Curious souls, come to us:

seeking meaning and purpose
inquiring into who you are and want to be
questioning the status quo
grappling with ethical dilemmas, injustice, or alienation

We help you:

examine and clarify core beliefs and values
explore issues of identity, change, and choice
align your actions with your values and sense of integrity
create a more self-determined and authentic life

Monica Vilhauer, Ph.D.

Founder of Curious Soul Philosophy
Ph.D. in Philosophy
Certified Philosophical Counselor
Workshop and Retreat Leader
Former Professor of Philosophy
Published Author

Philosophical
Counseling

One-on-one dialogues for individuals seeking meaning and self-determination in an uncertain world.

Find a new perspective with Philosophy Workshops

Conversational
Workshops

Facilitated group study of personally and politically relevant texts from the history of philosophy.

Live deliberately with Philosophy Retreats

Experiential Learning
Retreats

Practical experiments in intentional living. Don't just think like a philosopher, live like one too!

Ready to ask the big questions?

I'd be honored to be your philosophical counselor.

Contact Monica for an initial consultation

Philosophical Counseling with Monica Vilhauer in the news:

Oprah Magazine

VICE

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Monica meets you on every level: She’ll readily engage with any abstract ideas you have about the world or the self, and analyze those ideas with you, but she also has a way of making you feel that she viscerally understands the difficulty of the situations you’re describing. When I talk to her, I have the feeling that I’m talking to someone who is very present, who is on my side, and who has also fought to be able to live her own life on her terms."

"Conversations with Monica feel non-hierarchical. She is working through the questions with you, not diagnosing you or analyzing you."

"I get the sense that philosophical counseling for Monica is an extension of who she is. These difficult topics are a part of her own life, and she is comfortable talking about what is uncomfortable."