Sandru Frunza
Abstract: In order to understand the specifics of philosophical therapy and counseling as applied philosophy practices, Lou Marinoff proposes an analysis of practical philosophy relations with theoretical philosophy, psychology, psychiatry and ideology. Each of these relations is used as an argument to assert philosophical therapy and counseling as a distinct field of couseling, which needs special recognition from the state in the context of professionalizing philosophical practices. Beyond conflicting relations between practices proposed by philosophy, psychiatry and psychology, Marinoff believes there is a common interest to all of these: to provide care services at high professional level. This special vocation of various couseling practices should be based to the reciprocal recognition and work
together of distinct forms of services provided. In Lou Marinoff’s perspective, philosophical therapy and counseling should be regarded as the most complex way by which the individual can discover his/her own being so as to solve the problems he/she faces at the
intersection of the physical, social, virtual, personal and spiritual dimensions.