Philosophical Counseling with Monica Vilhauer, Ph.D.
Individual philosophical counseling is a way to explore, in one-on-one dialogues, the philosophical dimensions of your life-challenges and quests, such as:
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Take heart
It's common to begin philosophical counseling feeling a little "lost at sea," stuck, disheartened, or disillusioned. These feelings are particularly acute in our world today. Figuring out how to handle your personal crises — with a global pandemic, environmental collapse, teetering democracy, and various forms of corruption thrown in — is hard work and takes courage. You are not alone. A more meaningful, empowered, and authentic life is possible!
Study your life-situation in the world
In philosophical counseling, we will focus on your struggles and goals as you navigate this world.
Examine ways of thinking and acting
In our discussions, we will approach problems by examining the assumptions, values, lines of reasoning, and habits of action that inform those problems. We will consider the practical effects of different ways of thinking and work to break the spell of self-defeating patterns, so that more inspiring ideas and empowering habits can emerge for you. We'll consider new perspectives that open up your thinking in productive ways, and experiment with putting new insights into practice. Our thinking together will always be directed toward your possible choices and creative plans of action for a more fulfilling life.
Consider insights from the history of philosophy
As we talk, we will bring insights from the history of philosophy into the conversation as they become relevant for our critical and creative thinking. We all need nourishing wisdom that feeds our souls more profoundly than the pop-culture fads of popular media. Philosophy provides that, and does so in a way that doesn't require any particular religious faith. Some wisdom traditions that most influence my thinking are ancient Greek philosophy, ethics, existentialism, and feminism. But you do not need an academic background in philosophy to engage in the process of philosophical dialogue — just a curious soul!
Find your life direction
I am here to bring ideas to the table, ask questions, and help you to discover, examine, and execute your agenda in a reflective and deliberate way. I am here to support you as you make big decisions, put new insights into practice, and evaluate how things are going. My goal is to help you to find your unique direction so you can thrive in your own beautiful way.
It's common to begin philosophical counseling feeling a little "lost at sea," stuck, disheartened, or disillusioned. These feelings are particularly acute in our world today. Figuring out how to handle your personal crises — with a global pandemic, environmental collapse, teetering democracy, and various forms of corruption thrown in — is hard work and takes courage. You are not alone. A more meaningful, empowered, and authentic life is possible!
Study your life-situation in the world
In philosophical counseling, we will focus on your struggles and goals as you navigate this world.
- Perhaps you've lost sight of what's really important in your life, and you're not sure how to find a new sense of purpose.
- Perhaps you've gone through a major life change, and you're not sure who you are anymore or what you are worth.
- Perhaps you find yourself caught up in dysfunctional or toxic situations at work, school, or in your sport, and you're not sure whether you should stay or go.
- Perhaps you feel crushed by the weight of external pressures in your life, and your old ways of coping just aren't working anymore.
- Perhaps mainstream expectations of success, or the common "scripts" supplied by our culture, just aren't right for you, and you need to find your own way.
Examine ways of thinking and acting
In our discussions, we will approach problems by examining the assumptions, values, lines of reasoning, and habits of action that inform those problems. We will consider the practical effects of different ways of thinking and work to break the spell of self-defeating patterns, so that more inspiring ideas and empowering habits can emerge for you. We'll consider new perspectives that open up your thinking in productive ways, and experiment with putting new insights into practice. Our thinking together will always be directed toward your possible choices and creative plans of action for a more fulfilling life.
Consider insights from the history of philosophy
As we talk, we will bring insights from the history of philosophy into the conversation as they become relevant for our critical and creative thinking. We all need nourishing wisdom that feeds our souls more profoundly than the pop-culture fads of popular media. Philosophy provides that, and does so in a way that doesn't require any particular religious faith. Some wisdom traditions that most influence my thinking are ancient Greek philosophy, ethics, existentialism, and feminism. But you do not need an academic background in philosophy to engage in the process of philosophical dialogue — just a curious soul!
Find your life direction
I am here to bring ideas to the table, ask questions, and help you to discover, examine, and execute your agenda in a reflective and deliberate way. I am here to support you as you make big decisions, put new insights into practice, and evaluate how things are going. My goal is to help you to find your unique direction so you can thrive in your own beautiful way.
Meet Your Counselor
Monica Vilhauer, Ph.D.
Hi, I'm Monica Vilhauer, Ph.D. and I have been studying and teaching philosophy for over 20 years. I'm a certified philosophical counselor, a former philosophy professor, and a published author.
Experiencing the practical power of philosophy
I know first hand the ways in which philosophy can change lives. During periods of intense internal struggle and alienation in my own life — when I was transitioning from high-pressure careers in athletics and academics — philosophical conversations and a whole lot of soul searching allowed me to examine old ways of thinking, get clear about my values and the person I wanted to be, and find a new path that was much more authentic and fulfilling.
I've watched the same transformation happen for my clients through philosophical counseling, and it is a great privilege to be a part of their journey.
Philosophical counseling vs. psychotherapy
Philosophical counseling is different from psychotherapy in some important ways. It approaches life's problems not as symptoms of sickness, but as predicaments of the human condition that we all face. In philosophical counseling, we take on existential and ethical problems with the goals of enhancing understanding, meaning, and self-determination in our lives. I do not diagnose or treat emotional or behavioral disorders. I do help you to work through big questions that can be at the root of many kinds of human distress and angst, like:
Experiencing the practical power of philosophy
I know first hand the ways in which philosophy can change lives. During periods of intense internal struggle and alienation in my own life — when I was transitioning from high-pressure careers in athletics and academics — philosophical conversations and a whole lot of soul searching allowed me to examine old ways of thinking, get clear about my values and the person I wanted to be, and find a new path that was much more authentic and fulfilling.
I've watched the same transformation happen for my clients through philosophical counseling, and it is a great privilege to be a part of their journey.
Philosophical counseling vs. psychotherapy
Philosophical counseling is different from psychotherapy in some important ways. It approaches life's problems not as symptoms of sickness, but as predicaments of the human condition that we all face. In philosophical counseling, we take on existential and ethical problems with the goals of enhancing understanding, meaning, and self-determination in our lives. I do not diagnose or treat emotional or behavioral disorders. I do help you to work through big questions that can be at the root of many kinds of human distress and angst, like:
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Dare to ask big questions!
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A partner for your journey
You might think of me as a navigation partner for the uncharted waters of life . . . someone with a lot of good questions, a discerning ear, a box full of critical thinking tools for examining ideas, and a broad array of philosophical perspectives that can open up thinking. I'd be honored to be your philosophical counselor. I approach life problems with an open mind and an empathetic heart. And I always try to hold on to humor, even when the waters get rough. |
Ready to ask the big questions?
Philosophical Counseling with Monica Vilhauer in the news:
Oprah Magazine
VICE
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