What is
Socratic Counseling?
Socratic Counseling is a 1-1 practice in the Philosophical Counseling tradition.
We hold a distinct orientation towards wisdom, the stance of a "philosophical midwife” from the Socratic tradition, a commitment to joining clients in the inquiry of their lives. The practice is guided by principles of self-knowledge, reflection, and genuine curiosity.
The practice is authored by Dr. Rick Repetti, Christopher Mastropietro, and Ryan Barton, with the scientific oversight of cognitive scientist Dr. John Vervaeke. It is motivated by a crisis of meaning in our culture; as many of our Western spiritual traditions have declined alongside the rise in the scientific worldview, modern life has become more dissolute and unguided, and we need a stronger form of discernment to help light the way. This argument is explored in Dr. Vervaeke’s Awakening from the Meaning Crisis series, among other works.
We are currently authoring a monograph on the Socratic Counseling approach. It will be posted later in 2024 for those who are interested in the intellectual, spiritual, and academic essence of the practice.
What is meant by "midwife"?
A midwife does not create life. She helps to deliver it. Similarly, a Socratic Counselor does not heal or transform the client, but educes him – she draws out insights from the client that are not yet clear, and helps to name and pronounce them. In the words of Socrates: "My art of midwifery is in general like theirs; the only difference is that… my concern is not with the body but with the soul that is in travail of birth."
Is Socratic Counseling therapy?
Therapy is often oriented towards resolving trauma, and healing wounds of the past. It follows a "mental health" model. While unease and discomfort are inevitable parts of self-inquiry – and are handled with compassion by the counselor – Socratic counseling is not intended for trauma work. If this kind of work is needed, a therapist should be engaged.
The philosophical midwife stance is central to Socratic counseling, but the practice can also incorporate techniques from other traditions like existential therapy, coaching, and other psychological modalities. It is also complemented by outside practices like meditation, journaling, reading, and group contemplation exercises.
Does one have to have specific beliefs or knowledge to do Socratic Counseling?
Socratic counseling is rooted in Socratic ignorance. The client does not have to hold any specific knowledge, beliefs, or opinions about the world, but must commit genuinely to the process of inquiry, and be open to unforeseen discoveries in the course of the exploration. This attitude and process is more important than any insight that comes out of it.
The practice is rooted in philosophical principles, but it also maintains a close dialogue with the innovations of cognitive science and cognitive psychology. It endeavors to learn from and incorporate theoretical models in the scientific disciplines, including those related to neuroplasticity, rationality, intelligence, healing, addiction, and their associated empirical studies.