Compassionate Inquiry and Philosophical Therapy

Compassionate Inquiry (developed by Gabor Mate) and philosophical therapy (based on Socrates) with the related REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy) use gentle and compassionate questioning to help the client evaluate beliefs, behaviours, perceptions, adaptations and discover root causes where these appear corrupted or distorted.

Trauma in particular causes adaptation, that is to say the client in the period of trauma adapts to the issues that are harming them, be that abuse, violence or perhaps isolation or neglect. Whatever the elements of trauma, we naturally seek to adapt in order to survive them. If the trauma lasts more than a very short period, we tend to get stuck in the adapted state, as we physiologically and mentally assume that this is the “new normal”.

When we try to move on from the survival stage of trauma to recovery and thriving post trauma, we tend to suffer from both being stuck in our adaptations, and so used to them we no longer realise they are not natural, but also unaware of all the many parts of us that are repressed. Parts get repressed such as elements of our identity, dreams, aspirations, desires and so forth because we were so busy adapting and surviving. ASD and ADHD clients will hear an echo in this of the experience of masking.

The methods we are discussing here therefore help us to both challenge the unnatural adaptations that we seek to release now that they are no longer needed, and also to uncover, reveal, release and nurture those parts of us that were hidden and repressed.

In purest therapeutic thinking, especially person centred therapy, “open ended” “non-judgemental” and “neutral” are phrases often linked to any challenging of belief. And of course we do not need judgmental or aggressive questioning, especially if we have survived trauma! However many clients respect and crave direct and honest questioning and not phrasing that might seem manipulative or “tricksy”, since they have probably experienced that from dominant people in the past. Therefore part of the skill of the therapist is to determine the style to use – subtle and open ended, humour based or very open and transparent. This may be a work in progress and it can be useful for therapist and client to discuss this and decide on styles to try – with the input and permission of the client to try different methods.

REBT, CBT, DBT, IPT and various other therapy models use versions of Socratic challenge or Socratic questioning as a matter of course. Compassionate Inquiry is almost entirely based around gentle but probing questioning. Other philosophical methods intersperse metaphor and teaching, and other methods move between philosophy and science to give a nice balanced approach.

Socratic Challenge

The Socratic challenge, also known as Socratic questioning, is a therapeutic technique used in various forms of therapy, most notably in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It involves the therapist asking a series of open-ended questions to guide the client towards:

  • Examining their thoughts and beliefs: Helping the client identify and challenge unhelpful or inaccurate thought patterns.
  • Exploring alternative perspectives: Encouraging the client to consider different viewpoints and interpretations.
  • Developing new insights: Guiding the client towards discovering new understandings and solutions.

The Socratic challenge is not about the therapist providing answers or telling the client what to think. Instead, it’s about facilitating a process of self-discovery and critical thinking. The therapist acts as a guide, using questions to gently nudge the client towards greater awareness and understanding of their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Key Elements of the Socratic Challenge:

  • Open-ended questions: Questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” encouraging the client to elaborate and explore their thoughts.
  • Guided discovery: The therapist uses questions to lead the client towards their own conclusions, rather than imposing interpretations or solutions.
  • Collaborative approach: The Socratic challenge is a collaborative process between the therapist and client, working together to explore and understand the client’s experiences.
  • Respectful and non-judgmental: The therapist maintains a curious and accepting stance, creating a safe space for the client to explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.

Examples of Socratic Questions:

  • Challenging thoughts:
    • “What evidence supports this thought?”
    • “What are some alternative explanations?”
    • “How might someone else view this situation?”
  • Exploring emotions:
    • “What does this feeling tell you?”
    • “How does this feeling affect your behavior?”
    • “What would happen if you allowed yourself to feel this fully?”
  • Identifying values and goals:
    • “What is important to you in this situation?”
    • “What are your goals for the future?”
    • “What steps can you take to move towards your goals?”

Benefits of the Socratic Challenge:

  • Increased self-awareness: Helps clients gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
  • Challenge unhelpful thoughts: Encourages clients to question and reframe negative or distorted thinking patterns.
  • Promote critical thinking: Develops the client’s ability to analyze situations and consider different perspectives.
  • Empowerment: Empowers clients to take ownership of their thoughts and feelings and develop their own solutions.
  • Improved problem-solving: Helps clients develop more effective problem-solving skills.

In Summary:

The Socratic challenge is a valuable therapeutic tool that can be used to promote self-reflection, critical thinking, and personal growth. By guiding clients through a process of questioning and exploration, therapists can help them develop greater self-awareness, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and create positive change in their lives.

Philosophical Therapy

Philosophical therapy is a type of therapy that draws upon philosophical concepts and methods to address life’s challenges and enhance well-being. It involves exploring fundamental questions about existence, meaning, values, and knowledge to gain greater self-awareness and develop more fulfilling ways of living.  

Here are some key aspects of philosophical therapy:

  • Focus on Existential Questions: Philosophical therapy delves into questions like:
    • What is the meaning of life?
    • What are my values and how do I live in accordance with them?
    • How do I make sense of suffering and loss?
    • What is my place in the world?
  • Examining Beliefs and Assumptions: It encourages individuals to critically examine their beliefs, assumptions, and values to identify any inconsistencies or limitations that may be hindering their well-being.  
  • Developing Self-Awareness: By exploring philosophical concepts and engaging in self-reflection, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their motivations, and their place in the world.  
  • Promoting Critical Thinking: Philosophical therapy encourages critical thinking skills to analyze problems, evaluate different perspectives, and make more informed decisions.
  • Cultivating Meaning and Purpose: It helps individuals explore their values and create a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.  
  • Enhancing Emotional Resilience: By exploring philosophical ideas about emotions, individuals can develop greater emotional resilience and cope with challenges more effectively.  

Techniques Used in Philosophical Therapy:

  • Dialogue: Engaging in philosophical dialogue with the therapist to explore ideas and perspectives.  
  • Reflective Writing: Writing about philosophical questions and personal experiences to deepen self-reflection.
  • Reading and Discussing Philosophical Texts: Exploring the works of philosophers to gain insights and broaden perspectives.
  • Mindfulness Practices: Cultivating present-moment awareness to enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation.  
  • Values Clarification: Identifying and prioritizing personal values to guide decision-making and life choices.  

What Philosophical Therapy Can Help With:

  • Existential Concerns: Addressing questions about meaning, purpose, and identity.  
  • Life Transitions: Navigating major life changes, such as career changes, relationship endings, or aging.
  • Grief and Loss: Making sense of loss and finding ways to cope with grief.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Developing philosophical perspectives on stress and anxiety to manage them more effectively.  
  • Relationship Issues: Exploring philosophical ideas about relationships and communication to improve interpersonal dynamics.  
  • Personal Growth: Enhancing self-awareness, critical thinking, and emotional resilience.  

In conclusion, philosophical therapy offers a unique perspective on addressing life’s challenges and enhancing well-being. By exploring fundamental questions and cultivating self-reflection, it can help individuals develop greater self-awareness, meaning, and resilience.

Compassionate Inquiry

Compassionate Inquiry (CI) is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté and Sat Dharam Kaur that focuses on uncovering and healing the underlying emotional and psychological roots of mental and physical health challenges. It emphasizes deep listening, empathy, and compassionate curiosity to explore the connections between an individual’s early life experiences, emotional patterns, and current struggles.

Here are the core principles of Compassionate Inquiry:

  • Trauma-Informed: CI recognizes the profound impact of early trauma and attachment wounds on an individual’s development and well-being. It seeks to understand how these experiences may be contributing to present-day challenges.
  • Mind-Body Connection: CI acknowledges the interconnectedness of the mind and body, recognizing that emotional and psychological experiences can manifest as physical symptoms and illnesses.
  • Compassionate Curiosity: The therapist approaches the client with genuine compassion and curiosity, creating a safe and supportive space for exploration and vulnerability.
  • Somatic Awareness: CI incorporates somatic (body-centered) awareness, encouraging clients to tune into their bodily sensations and emotions to gain deeper insights.
  • Uncovering Unconscious Patterns: CI aims to bring unconscious beliefs, emotions, and behaviors into conscious awareness, allowing individuals to understand and transform them.

Techniques Used in Compassionate Inquiry:

  • Deep Listening: The therapist listens attentively to the client’s narrative, paying close attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues.
  • Open-Ended Questions: The therapist asks gentle, open-ended questions to guide the client’s exploration and encourage self-reflection.
  • Somatic Exploration: The client is invited to notice and describe bodily sensations and emotions that arise during the session.
  • Inquiry into the Past: The therapist may guide the client to explore significant events from their past, particularly those related to early childhood and attachment experiences.
  • Focusing on the Present: While acknowledging the past, CI also emphasizes the importance of bringing awareness to present-moment experiences and patterns.

What Compassionate Inquiry Can Help With:

  • Trauma: Healing from childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, and attachment wounds.
  • Mental Health Conditions: Addressing anxiety, depression, addiction, and other mental health challenges.
  • Chronic Pain and Illness: Exploring the emotional and psychological roots of physical symptoms and illnesses.
  • Relationship Issues: Improving interpersonal relationships by understanding and transforming unhealthy patterns.
  • Personal Growth: Enhancing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and compassion for oneself and others.

In conclusion, Compassionate Inquiry is a powerful therapeutic approach that can help individuals uncover and heal the deeper roots of their emotional, psychological, and physical challenges. By fostering compassion, curiosity, and self-awareness, it can lead to profound personal transformation and healing.

Stuart has a deep interest in the use of philosophy in the therapeutic process as a trauma specialist. One of his degrees is a BA(Hons) in Psychology & Philosophy of the Mind, he is completing additional post graduate study in the field (largely also for pleasure and personal interest), and has trained in a range of methods that use Socratic questioning as well as using compassionate inquiry as a core part of his practice. He has trained with many of the leaders in the trauma therapy field including Gabor Mate and Bessel Van Der Kolk, and his full list of competencies and trainings etc can be found HERE