Monica Vilhauer (she/her)

In philosophical counseling we address the philosophical dimensions of your life problems, like: the search for meaning and purpose, struggles with identity and changing identity, disillusionment and difficulties concerning beliefs and values, ethical dilemmas, problems with social power, alienation, and oppression, and the big work of developing an empowered and authentic life that is your own. These are the challenges of the human condition we all face.

In my philosophical counseling practice, I draw on existential thinkers like Nietzsche, Sartre, De Beauvoir, Buber, Frankl to help clients to work through different versions of the "existential crisis." Together we work through the loss of meaning brought on by an experience of disillusionment, the loss of self brought on by various identity crises, and the loss of freedom and authenticity brought on by experiences of alienation, objectification, oppression or "bad faith".

In my philosophical counseling practice, I draw on existential thinkers like Nietzsche, Sartre, De Beauvoir, Buber, Frankl to help clients to work through different versions of the "existential crisis." Together we work through the loss of meaning brought on by an experience of disillusionment, the loss of self brought on by various identity crises, and the loss of freedom and authenticity brought on by experiences of alienation, objectification, oppression or "bad faith".

In philosophical counseling we address the philosophical dimensions of your life problems, such as: the search for meaning and purpose, struggles with identity and changing identity, disillusionment and difficulties concerning beliefs and values, ethical dilemmas, problems with alienation and oppression, and the big work of developing an empowered and authentic life that is your own. These are the challenges of the human condition we all face.

In my philosophical counseling practice, I help clients to work through different versions of the "existential crisis." Together we work through the loss of meaning brought on by experiences of disillusionment or disorienting change; struggles surrounding the "self" brought on by various identity crises (often at quarter-life, mid-life, retirement); and the loss of freedom and authenticity brought on by either "bad faith" or alienation in society.

In my philosophical counseling practice, I rely heavily on feminist wisdom about the problematic social expectations and gendered "scripts" placed upon women that reduce our personhood, freedom, and ability to pursue our own authentic lives. Together with my clients, I work to dismantle the assumption that these cultural scripts are somehow "the way of nature," shed light on the inequities that they create, and free up our thinking for new self-perceptions and aspirations.

Depression is the symptom, but what is the cause? Often times it is a lack of clear meaning and purpose in one's life. Other times it is living in a toxic or dehumanizing situation where you are treated as less than human. Together, we'll get clear on YOUR values and aspirations in life, and figure out how to take steps in creating a life that is personally fulfilling for you. We'll also figure out what choices you can make to re-claim your own freedom so you can feel fully human again.

Depression is the symptom, but what is the cause? Often times it is a lack of clear meaning and purpose in one's life. Other times it is living in a toxic or dehumanizing situation where you are treated as less than human. Together, we'll get clear on YOUR values and aspirations in life, and figure out how to take steps in creating a life that is personally fulfilling for you. We'll also figure out what choices you can make to re-claim your own freedom and feel fully human again.

Depression is the symptom, but what is the cause? Often times it is a lack of clear meaning and purpose in one's life. Other times it's living according to others' expectations and never your own goals. And on occasion, its living in toxic situations where you are treated as less than human. Together, we'll get clear on YOUR values and aspirations in life, figure out how to re-claim your own freedom, and find the path that is personally fulfilling for you.

Life is a work in progress. Sometimes we feel stuck and can't seem to get any movement. And sometimes things feel like they're moving way too fast. Big changes can be disorienting and shake up our old beliefs, our sense of what's true, what we really care about, who we are, and who we want to be. In philosophical counseling we can examine old beliefs and values and find new ways of thinking that can help you move forward, embrace change, find new clarity, and become the artist of your life.

One of the biggest destructive forces on self-esteem is those toxic situations in which your value as a person is not recognized. When people treat you like you are not worthwhile, you can begin to think that about yourself. And then the littlest criticism can trigger self-doubt, discouragement, and powerlessness. Together, we can clarify the respect, care, and love you deserve, embrace all the unique, wonderful, weird ways that you are YOU, and help you to feel re-empowered.