Medications Cannot Treat Everything About the Human Soul

Reading philosophy for the past 40+ years has helped my sanity. Professional philosophers are intellectual problem-solvers. Reading certain philosophers has helped solve some of my inner problems, and greatly stimulated my mind. And, as a theistic philosopher myself, I am pleased with the recent comeback among my kind. There are many theistic philosophers in America's universities.

Often, when I counsel others, I draw on problem-solving skills I have learned in logic as well as philosophical wisdom. I now remember an independent study I had with Wheaton College philosopher Arthur Holmes, who taught me that "all truth is God's truth."

It doesn't strike me as odd that philosophical counseling is increasing. "Philosophical counselors are becoming increasingly popular at a time when Americans are taking more antidepressants than ever before. According to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs, non-psychiatrists are increasingly prescribing drugs for patients who haven’t even gotten a diagnosis of mental illness." ("Philosophical counselors rely on eternal wisdom of great thinkers")

Philosophical counseling need not be, and mostly will not be, "New Agey" stuff. Ph.Ds in philosophy are not interested in channelling ancestors or getting in touch with the universe. If all truth is God's truth, then I think there is a lot of truth to be discovered in academic philosophy that can assist people in living.

A lot will depend on the particular philsosophical counselor. What is their worldview? But I agree with philosopher Dr. Patricia Murphey when she says, “Not everyone needs to be medicated. Whereas drugs can treat the body, there may be other things that the soul needs.”