"Where we are tempted to speak of 'different senses' of a word which is clearly not equivocal, we may infer that we are in fact pretty much in the dark about the character of the concept which it represents."

— G.E.M Anscombe, Intention

What are the benefits of philosophical counseling?

Philosophical counseling cultivates independence of mind, encourages thoughtfulness, and develops mental discipline. As the practice of certain forms of yoga do for the body, so the practice of philosophical work does for the mind: it loosens the grip of entrenched habits of thinking and widens the range of perspectives and considerations that we can use in our thinking.

In doing philosophical work, we pay a great deal of attention to how clearly we grasp basic concepts and principles or reason. For these concepts and principles are the building blocks of our understanding of the problems we face in our day to day lives. They are what give a problem its particular shape, and what determine the true range of possible solutions. When these basic concepts are vaguely or incompletely understood, a problem can seem insoluble although it isn't, or (and this often comes to the same thing, practically speaking) what appears to be the only solution is not actually a solution at all.

Clients report enjoying emotional benefits as well, for example, feeling empowered to face new challenges, experiencing increased confidence, finding anxiety and confusion greatly reduced, and feeling the peace that comes from having taken the time to carefully and deeply thought matters through.