Practical philosophy has its origins in ancient Greece, where philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle saw philosophy not just as a theoretical discipline but as a way of life. The goal was to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and peace of mind through reason and reflection. Socrates, for example, famously practiced philosophy as a form of dialogue aimed at self-examination and moral improvement. The Stoics, another influential school of thought, emphasized living in accordance with nature and accepting what cannot be changed, offering practical strategies for achieving inner tranquility.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, practical philosophy continued to be a guiding force, particularly in the form of Christian ethics and scholasticism. Thinkers like Thomas Aquinas sought to harmonize reason with faith, providing a philosophical framework for living a virtuous life in accordance with divine principles. The Renaissance revived interest in classical philosophy, with humanists like Erasmus and Montaigne focusing on the application of philosophical ideas to personal development and the pursuit of wisdom.
In the 20th century, practical philosophy began to intersect with psychotherapy, especially in the United States and Europe. Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus explored themes of anxiety, freedom, and the search for meaning, laying the groundwork for existential psychotherapy. This approach, developed by figures like Viktor Frankl and Rollo May, used philosophical concepts to help individuals confront life's inherent challenges and find meaning in suffering.
In France, practical philosophy took on a more public role, with philosophers like Michel Foucault and Pierre Hadot advocating for philosophy as a way to challenge societal norms and cultivate personal freedom. Hadot, in particular, emphasized the idea of philosophy as a spiritual exercise, drawing on ancient practices to help individuals achieve inner peace and wisdom.
As the 20th century progressed, practical philosophy evolved into various forms of philosophical counseling and therapy across the globe. In the United States, philosophical counseling emerged as a distinct profession in the 1980s, with practitioners like Lou Marinoff advocating for the use of philosophy to address everyday problems and life challenges. This movement spread to other countries, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands, where philosophical counseling has become a recognized alternative to traditional psychotherapy.
Today, practical philosophy continues to offer tools for personal growth, ethical decision-making, and mental well-being, providing a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern therapeutic practices.
My journey into philosophy began at age 17, when I fell in love with its unique ability to explore the deepest questions of life and understanding. This passion led me through an intense course of study, beginning with the hypokhâgne and khâgne programs—a rigorous two-year journey that could be seen as an intellectual boot camp for the humanities. I later earned two master's degrees at the Sorbonne University: one in human sciences with a focus on philosophy, and another in Logic, Philosophy of Knowledge, and Science, with a specialisation in Cognitive Science. Since then I have continued my education in other leading research and academic institutions, always inspired by philosophy’s ability to sharpen our understanding and enrich our lives.
Early in my career, I worked in several public institutions (embassy, cabinet, parliament...), hoping to drive meaningful change in diplomacy, governance, and public service. However, I quickly realised that creating deep, lasting impact for individuals was next to impossible within these institutions. Or maybe I was just not ready for this quite yet. This realisation led me to education, where I’ve spent the past decade helping educators inspire others and shape meaningful learning experiences.
In our world, where so many people compete for your attention, claiming back your right to think and feel independently is crucial. My coaching and facilitation styles, known as posture basse, are grounded in humility and openness. I've done enough personal work to ensure that my own vision does not overshadow yours; instead, I seek to provide a space for you to cultivate your unique perspectives, help you shape your own philosophy, creating a space for you to explore, question, and find your unique perspective.
PS: I first arrived in New Zealand in 2012. I then met my partner, with whom I now live, on Banks Peninsula. I am a permanent resident of New Zealand and am bilingual in French and English, allowing me to facilitate sessions ans workshops in both languages.