Journal of Psychiatry

Re-contextualizing counselling psychology: The importance of philosophy in counselling classrooms

5^th International Conference on Psychiatrist, Geriatric Psychiatry and Counseling Psychology

December 08-09, 2016 San Antonio, USA

Jennifer Bojm

City University of Seattle, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Psychiatry

Abstract:

Counselling psychology, as a discipline of study, is by and large understood to be a social science. Where this definition has been beneficial in solidifying the validity of the subject within academia, it has also estranged the study of counselling from significant components of its academic ancestry; particularly that of philosophy. The diminished presence of philosophy, and related critical discourse, in counselling curriculums has created a barrier to the education and development of counsellors. This has a direct effect on the work of counselling itself. Counselling education tends toward the study of developed and contemporary theoretical approaches. These theories are necessary and important. However their reception is all too often popularized and disengaged from philosophical roots. Such roots represent dynamic ways of understanding fundamental themes of human experience as well as creative ways of conceptualizing and connecting. Humanistic, narrative, cognitive behavioral, existential, and psychoanalytic theories, for example, all have rich histories seated in deep, often challenging philosophical thought. Without the mental exercise, related development and resulting holistic integration inherent in the study of counselling-philosophy, the field of counselling psychology risks growing barriers to the education and work of counsellors. As counsellors, we are seldom to approach a client without thorough attention to context. Philosophy represents a diminished chapter in the context of the academic discipline of counselling psychology; a chapter intent on educating counsellors to develop not only ways of knowing, but ways of being. The important role of philosophy within counselling education, work and collegial communities will be discussed as a part of this presentation, along with an exploration of counselling psychology�??s academic lineage. Further, this presentation will be supported by literature illustrating the important counselling-philosophy connection.

Biography :

Email: info@jennbojmcounselling.com