Each of us encounters various moral dilemmas and questions that can be categorized as philosophical issues, and sometimes we don't have anyone to discuss them with. This is precisely what philosophical counseling offers. A client speaks with a person who is an expert in philosophical analysis and thinking about problems from different perspectives (a philosophical practitioner). The aim is to understand problems and questions on a deeper level and to explore different possible solutions together. In essence, philosophical counseling is considered an individual ethical consulting, reflecting the most original application of philosophy as a practical activity. This practice has roots in Western philosophical tradition, where early philosophers, especially ethicists, acted as public advisors rather than merely academic teachers. Their work involved advising rulers and ordinary people on matters of the good life, moral decisions, duties, and personal rights.
Today, philosophical counseling is re-emerging as a popular form of service, particularly in the United States and Western Europe. This practice presents philosophy as a daily, practical activity, utilizing thousands of years of experience and thinking from great human minds. It is especially suited for addressing moral dilemmas that often arise in professional and personal situations.
It is important to emphasize that philosophical counseling is not a substitute for treating mental disorders and illnesses but is focused on personal development and addressing specific life problems.
The training lasts a total of four semesters. After completing 2 semesters, the participant receives a Practitioner Certificate under Supervision, issued by the Amigdala Center and the Croatian Association for Philosophical Practice, which allows them to work with clients. After completing four semesters, the participant receives a full certificate issued by Amigdala Center, the Croatian Association for Philosophical Practice, and the Logic-Based Therapy & Consultation Institute, which allows for independent work with individuals, groups, and for corporate counseling.
| Prof. Aleksandar Fatić, Ph.D., Consultant with Full Certification |
|---|
|
Aleksa Babić, M.A. Phil., Consultant with Full
Certification |
|
Elliot D. Cohen, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Executive Director of the National Philosophical Counseling Association, Founder of LBT |
|
Florin Lobont, Ph.D., Head of the European branch of LBT |
|
Assoc. Prof. Bruno Ćurko, Ph.D. |
|
Sandro Belić, Master of Theology and Master
of Gestalt Psychotherapy |
|
Andrija Piskać, Master of Psychology |
|
Aleksandar Prica, Master of Philosophy
|
The online education program lasts for 2 years
(4 semesters) and is designed to allow
participation alongside work.
The literature is covered with the help of
mentors during sessions held once every 14
days, lasting two academic hours per course
(totalling 8 academic hours) and, periodically,
through group work and consultations. Group
meetings are held monthly or bimonthly,
depending on the dynamics dictated by the
current phase of the educational program.
During each semester, a face-to-face meeting
and work session with the mentor are planned.
| 1st Semester: Introduction to Philosophical Counseling |
|---|
|
1. Basic Principles and Core Ideas (A. Fatić)
|
|
2. Basics of Socratic Dialogue and Dereflexion
(L. Janeš)
|
|
3. The Relationship Between Philosophical
Counseling and Psychotherapeutic Schools (A.
Prica)
|
|
4. Existential Questions and Philosophical
Counseling (A. Babić) |
| 2nd Semester: Integrative Dynamics of Counseling |
|---|
|
1. Systematization and Conceptual
Understanding of Empathy (A. Fatić) |
|
2. Application of Ethics of Care and Ethics of
Responsibility in Counseling (L. Janeš/D.
Rupčić Kelam) |
|
3. The Influence of Culture, Spirituality, and
Religion on Counseling (A. Volenik/A. Piskać) |
|
4. Integration of Existential Phenomenology
into Counseling Practice (L. Janeš) |
|
5. Modern Approaches Based on Lacanian
Theories (A. Babić) |
| 3rd Semester: Advanced Theories and Approaches |
|---|
|
1. Application of Epistemological Concepts to
Philosophical Counseling (A. Fatić) |
|
2. The Influence of Language and Logic in
Philosophical Counseling (I. Skelac) |
|
3. Techniques and Approaches in Therapeutic
Work |
|
4. LBT 1 (E.D. Cohen/F. Lobont) |
|
5. LBT 2 (E.D. Cohen/F. Lobont) |
| 4th Semester: Specialized Practice and Counseling Work |
|---|
|
1. Work with Children and Vulnerable Groups
(B. Ćurko/L. Janeš) |
|
2. Philosophical Counseling in Corporate
Environment (A. Fatić/A. Babić/S. Belić) |
|
3. LBT 3 (E.D. Cohen/F. Lobont) |
|
4. Practical Experience and Supervised Work
(A. Fatić/A. Babić/L. Janeš) |
The education program is designed for all interested candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree in social or humanistic disciplines.
The cost of the online education is 2,250 EUR ( 1,800 EUR + VAT) annually for full payment. The cost of the program for payment in two to a maximum of 12 monthly installments is 2,500 EUR (2,000 EUR + VAT).
Upon enrollment in the program, a deposit of 250 EUR (200 EUR + VAT) is required, which is non-refundable in case of withdrawal from the program. The remaining balance of the education fee is reduced by the amount of the paid deposit.
After completing 2 semesters, the participant will receive a Practitioner Certificate under Supervision, which allows them to work with clients. After completing 4 semesters, the participant will receive a full certificate that enables independent work with individuals, groups, and for corporate counseling.
