Philosophies for Living

Philosophy is a continuous conversation between people who are interested in the both the big, and the ordinary questions of life. This conversation has been exploring what it is to be a human, and how we can live our lives as individuals, and with each other within our societies, for nearly three thousand years.

For the last few centuries it has gradually located itself within academic institutions, however Philosophical Practitioners are now coming back out into the community. Combining the insights of both Philosophy and Psychotherapy, within the context of a counselling process. This approach to Philosophy has been rediscovered over the last few decades both in Europe and North America. It is often called a Socratic approach to Philosophy, because it was Socrates who first took to the streets of Athens to talk to everyone that was interested, about the questions and problems of human life. He focused on Practical Wisdom.  

As a Philosophical Practitioner I want to help people to embrace wisdom as they deal with the problems of living.

Through directed questioning and discussion, as individuals and within groups, Philosophy can open up our thinking, and expand our understanding of ourselves. This helps us understand others, and the moral dimension of action in the world. It helps us look at meaning and purpose within the framework of our values, so that the answers we find to the dilemma's of life, are true and authentic to who we are, and who we want to be.

Using a philosophical approach to dealing with life enhances our ability to be aware of self and others, to cope with the problems that confront us on a daily basis, and to develop intellectual skills of critical thinking and analysis.

The advantage of learning to be philosophical in our thinking early in our lives can not be underestimated, when we look at the dilemma's that confront us all as individuals from the time we start to venture out into the world.

I believe that to teach children how to critically reflect on their experiences, and how to evaluate their own responses to life, gives them valuable skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Teaching children ethics in small groups, where they can discuss the problems of life in an age appropriate and safe process empowers them, building confidence and resilience.

I provide small group ethics classes for children aged from eight years to sixteen years. These classes are divided into three age groups - eight to ten year olds.

Eleven to thirteen year olds, and fourteen to sixteen year olds. These are run after school and during school holidays.

Together with the founder of 'Making Good Men Great', I have explored the nature of  the gender divide that continues exist in our culture as well as in other cultures.

As a philosopher and clinician with 45 years experience this exploration has spanned the human sciences to create an understanding of what is needed in rethinking masculinity and the curriculum for change that men can utilise.  In a nutshell I bring the female perspective to the project.