Philosophy and Psychotherapy

Jean-François Lyotard, the French philosopher, delivered four lectures, “Why Philosophize?” at the Sorbonne in 1964, arguing passionately that we philosophize out of desire, a sense of absence, and even a kind of lifelessness that permeates our lives. I think this reflects the core of philosophy and psychotherapy: we seek to understand what isn’t yet within our grasp. As Lyotard suggests, the human condition is marked by alienation and gaps between our intentions and actions and what we say and do. This is where philosophy and therapy come alive: in those spaces where something is missing or unfulfilled, waiting to be explored.

Lyotard’s statement, “In truth, how can we not philosophize?” captures this essential drive to explore life’s deeper meanings. The desire to live as fully and meaningfully as possible compels philosophers and therapists to question and reflect. However, this is no easy task. We often don’t know what is correct or complete in advance, and I believe this uncertainty is also at the heart of the therapeutic process. Clients come to therapy seeking answers, but the real growth happens in exploring these unknowns, in questioning what seems comfortable or obvious.

Psychotherapy as Philosophical Inquiry

For psychologists, Lyotard’s argument has profound relevance. In my experience, psychotherapy is much like philosophy in its focus on life’s possibilities and how individuals engage with the world. Therapists help clients navigate the gaps between their ideals, actions, desires, and realities. Lyotard’s concept of “lifelessness”—a feeling of disconnection from one’s life—often mirrors what clients bring into therapy. This makes me think of psychotherapy as a kind of philosophizing, where the client and therapist work together to explore what is lost, missing, or yet to be created in the client’s life.

Lyotard’s insights also align with therapy in another way: his view that life is shared and lived in connection with others. I often reflect on how therapy isn’t just about an individual’s experience in isolation but about understanding that experience within a broader web of relationships. Just as philosophy creates a dialogue between personal and shared experiences, therapy encourages clients to see themselves in relation to others and to their environment. Much like philosophical inquiry, this collaborative process brings new understanding and meaning to light.

Philosophy begins in wonder, as Plato famously stated. In therapy, I often see wonder emerge when clients come to a new realization about themselves or their world. It’s that moment when something shifts—when a person sees their life in a way that unsettles their previous understanding, opening up new possibilities. For me, this is one of the most potent aspects of therapy: helping clients linger in that space of wonder rather than rushing to conclusions or solutions. It’s about being open to the unknown and remaining curious about life.

Lyotard’s view that philosophy creates new concepts to help us make sense of the incomprehensible also strikes me as incredibly relevant to therapy. In the therapeutic process, we often assist clients to push past their habitual ways of thinking and being, encouraging them to explore new possibilities for living. This calls for nonjudgmental attentiveness, where the therapists approach each session with openness, allowing space for what is unspoken or unknown to surface.

Philosophy, Psychotherapy, and Shared Inquiry

Lyotard’s point that philosophy isn’t a solitary endeavor resonates with me. He suggests that philosophy is tested and lived within a community. Similarly, I see psychotherapy as a shared, collaborative process. The therapist and client work together to solve immediate problems and explore more profound existential questions about meaning, identity, and the nature of life. This shared inquiry, for me, is one of the most profound aspects of therapy. It’s not just about “fixing” something—it’s about creating a space where life’s more significant questions can be explored.

In conclusion, exploring why we philosophize offers rich insights for psychologists and therapists. Like philosophy, therapy deals with the gaps in life—the absence of meaning, the disconnection between desire and reality, and the search for what is not yet within our control. Both disciplines encourage us to wonder, question, and engage deeply with human existence’s complexities. For me, adopting a philosophical approach in therapy enriches the process and invites clients to explore more profound questions about what it means to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.