Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions that aren’t answered below, please don’t hesitate to connect with me.
What
What is philosophical counseling?
Philosophical counseling is a personal growth and transformation process that uses guided dialogues to orient you toward insight, self-understanding, and wiser living.
My approach is rooted in empathetic listening, mindful presence, and Socratic engagement—a type of conversation that aims not at teaching, labeling, or telling you what to do, think, or feel, but instead helps bring into awareness the values, beliefs, perceptions, emotions, and default reactions that shape your interpretation of yourself and the world.
Having become aware of these default patterns that affect your ways of thinking, feeling, and acting, you are empowered to decide for yourself how you want to update yourself to live a more meaningful life.
Is philosophical counseling for me?
Do you have a need to achieve lasting growth and transformation in your life?
Are there big questions about your self, your identity, your life or your relationships that you want to get clarity about?
Do you need to make an important decision that will affect the course of your life, but don’t know which decision to make? Are you unsure of what will happen when you do?
Are you lacking meaning in your life?
Are you feeling stuck in your career, life, marriage, or other relationships?
Does your business need help clarifying its purpose or its mission?
Do you feel a need to realign your life or your business to align with who you are?
Are you blocked or struggling spiritually, ethically?
Are you experiencing self doubt or are you unable to accomplish your dreams and goals?
Is modern life confusing, angering, or frustrating you, or does it feel like it doesn’t align with your soul?
Do people in your life not listen to you, but instead simply talk at you, or tell you how to live, yet you need someone to listen so you can work out your thoughts and feelings about your self?
Are you simply interested in increasing the depth of your thoughts or understanding your values in your life more?
Are you curious about what a self even is?
Could you use someone to talk to, who won’t tell you what to think, but who is there to help you develop or clarify your very own thinking on the values and issues most important to you in your life?
If you answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, then philosophical counseling is likely a good fit for you.
Do I need to know any philosophy?
No philosophical knowledge is needed. All you need to get started is the ability to carry on a conversation and the desire to begin a journey of self-reflection that may lead to unexpected places.
Will I receive a diagnosis?
No. Philosophical counseling is a personal growth practice, not a psychotherapy or mental health care service. We focus on deep dialogue and personal reflection, not diagnosis.
Do you take clients who are in psychotherapy?
As a method for personal growth, what I offer may not conflict with any therapy you may be in, but it all depends upon your particular circumstances. Reach out to me and let me know a bit about your situation.
How
Are our meetings confidential?
Yes, our meetings and what you share is fully confidential. Our discussions remain fully private, consistent with federal and state law.
Why don’t you accept insurance?
Our current insurance systems in the U.S. typically require a diagnosis, and I do not give diagnoses, nor do I practice medicine or mental health care.
Do you serve clients world wide?
I do — although, alas, I am limited to the English language. Our sessions take place over Zoom. I am based in the Pacific Standard Time Zone in the U.S. If you live somewhere else in the world and my set time for scheduling sessions doesn’t work for you, email me to discuss your needs.
Where do we meet?
Zoom is my standard way of meeting with you. Once you book a time with me, you will be sent a calendar invite with a link to the meeting.
How often do we meet?
Once a month is my suggested minimum. Meeting 2 times per month is better. Weekly meetings are most effective for maintaining continuity of personal reflection and growth.
I recommend committing to a 3-month period of regular sessions. But even a few sessions can often bring significant improvements, depending on your circumstances.
How should I prepare for our meeting?
Please find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, so that we can devote our full attention to the process. Make sure you have a stable Internet connection, a web cam, and microphone. I strongly recommend using a computer or tablet, as that will allow you to see me on a larger screen. However, a smartphone can also work, if that’s all you have.
We will use Zoom to host our video call. After you book an appointment with me, you will receive a link in your confirmation email to my confidential Zoom room. You do not need a Zoom account to join my Zoom room.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Purchased sessions are nonrefundable. However, they can be rescheduled if necessary.
If you are unable to keep your appointment with me, please cancel it at least 24 hours before the meeting start time. You may reschedule your session for anytime within 60 days of the original appointment.
Since I am unable to fill meeting appointments on short notice, meetings canceled within 24 hours of the meeting start time cannot be rescheduled. Please feel free to book another session.