Ora Gruengard’s eloquent book is a noteworthy addition to the expanding descriptive and explanatory literature on philosophical counseling or practice. In its carefully researched and expertly presented chapters, Dr. Gruengard responds to the allegation that theoretical or academic philosophy is largely irrelevant to philosophical practice or counseling. She discusses what philosophy in counseling is, is not, and ought to be in no uncertain terms by contrasting it with practices such as religious indoctrination, political propagandizing, clinical psychology, and so on. She offers a carefully detailed discussion of the minimal philosophical education required of anyone planning to enter the counseling or therapeutic professions. Dr. Gruengard combines a historical perspective on philosophy with its current application in counseling and therapy in a clear style accessible to professionals, students, and interested lay readers alike. She warns potential patients to beware of counselors and therapists trained exclusively in psychotherapy. Many attempt to appropriate the historical legacy of philosophy by dishonestly claiming that their psychiatric methods are in fact philosophical. This book is an easy-to-read, deeply satisfying, and convincing argument that philosophy is indeed relevant, not only to various practitioners and counselors but to everyone. It’s an important addition to any student’s or practitioner’s library.

Peter Raabe, University of the Fraser Valley

Ora Gruengard presents an erudite and insightful treatment of core issues not only in contemporary philosophical counseling, but also in the history of ideas that led to the prominence of this growing global movement. Her sharp distinctions between psychological versus philosophical approaches to the human condition are compellingly drawn from her richly-informed perspective as a pioneering practitioner.

Lou Marinoff, Professor of Philosophy, The City College of New York

By reflecting a rich variety of examples from philosophical practice and from literature Ora Gruengard shows in a convincing way how fruitful it can be to take everyday experiences as the point of departure for philosophizing. Particularly important is her emphasis of the relevance of philosophical practice also for academic philosophy; taking philosophical practice seriously may lead to a renewal of the understanding of philosophy in our time.

Anders Lindseth, professor emeritus, Nord University