Wellbeing through dialogue, perennial wisdom, logical analysis, and conceptual clarity.
About
Hello! I’m John Chappé de Leonval, a philosophical consultant. Using philosophical tools, I guide clients through structured, thoughtful dialogue to build resilience, clarify values, and live more intentionally.
Professional qualifications:
MA in Philosophy, with distinction (UCT); Certified with the National Philosophical Counselling Association (NPCA)
Pleased to meet you, I'm John
Philosopher
Benefits
Many personal struggles are not caused by mental disorders, but conceptual confusions: unclear values, contradictory beliefs, unexamined assumptions, or false dilemmas. Philosophical counselling helps bring these into view – so they can be examined, tested, and, where necessary, revised.
Focuses on life’s big questions
Explores fundamental issues like meaning, purpose, ethics, mortality, freedom, and what makes a good life – areas often beyond the scope of traditional therapy.
Rooted in timeless wisdom traditions
From Socrates to the present day, philosophical counselling offers proven frameworks for resilience and flourishing that have endured for centuries.
Fosters Autonomy
Views you as a capable thinker seeking wisdom, not a patient needing to be "fixed." The goal is greater autonomy, authenticity, and self-mastery.
Ideal alongside therapy when clinical support is needed, or as a standalone option for those preferring a purely philosophical, intellectual, and forward-focused dialogue.
Promotes long-term flourishing
Goes beyond symptom relief to cultivate deeper clarity, ethical insight, and a more meaningful, examined life.
Methodology
My work draws on the philosophical tradition – from Socrates to contemporary thinkers– alongside structured approaches such as Logic-Based Therapy.
The aim is not to diagnose or pathologise, but to engage in disciplined dialogue that brings hidden assumptions, internal tensions, and fallacious reasoning into view.
Rather than treating “symptoms,” philosophical counselling examines the beliefs that shape emotional responses, decisions, and patterns of action.
Greater clarity at this level supports steadier judgment, more coherent values, and a more deliberate way of living.
Scope
Whether you are facing a crisis of meaning, ethical uncertainty at work, or a general sense of "unsettledness," philosophical counselling provides a structured environment to explore the ideas that shape your reality.
Sample problems I can help you with:
Moral issues
Existential and concerns of meaning in life
Political issues and disagreements
Time management issues
Procrastination
Career issues
Job loss
Problems with coworkers
Disability issues
Technology-related issues
Retirement
End of life issues
Problems with family
Breakups and divorce
Parenting issues
Academic or school-related issues
Discrimination
Religion and race-related issues
Entertainment-related issues
Pricing
Investment in clarity, resilience, and meaning.
FAQ
Not finding what you need?
Reach out anytime. I'm happy to answer any questions before you commit to working together.
John Chappé de Leonval
Philosophical Consultant
How does philosophical counselling differ from psychological counselling?
Philosophical counselling and psychological counselling both involve confidential conversations aimed at improving wellbeing, and they can share techniques (such as examining thinking patterns and exploring emotions). However, they differ in focus, framework, and scope. Psychological counselling typically operates within a clinical or medical model. It may involve assessing symptoms, diagnosing mental health conditions (where the practitioner is licensed to do so), and applying evidence-based therapies to treat disorders, manage distress, or address past trauma. The goal is often to alleviate suffering and restore healthy psychological functioning. Philosophical counselling, by contrast, is distinctly non-clinical and non-diagnostic. It treats emotions, doubts, and life challenges as normal aspects of human experience rather than as illnesses or pathologies. Using structured dialogue – in my practice, Logic-Based Therapy (LBT) is often used, for instance – we examine underlying beliefs, identify self-defeating reasoning patterns (known as “cardinal fallacies”), refute them logically, and apply philosophical antidotes and virtues to foster greater clarity, emotional resilience, ethical insight, and a deeper sense of meaning. Philosophical counselling is forward-focused wisdom training for living a more examined and fulfilling life. It is particularly suited to those grappling with existential questions, ethical dilemmas, life transitions, or a desire for personal growth without a medical framework. The two approaches are complementary: many people benefit from both at different times or even simultaneously. Philosophical counselling does not replace psychological or psychiatric care when clinical treatment is needed. Important note: Philosophical counselling is not psychotherapy and does not diagnose or treat mental illness. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or believe you may have a clinical condition, please consult a licensed mental health professional.
Who is philosophical counselling for?
Philosophical counselling is for anyone who wants to live more intentionally, thoughtfully, and resiliently – particularly those navigating life’s deeper questions or challenges without needing or wanting a clinical or medical framework. It is especially well-suited to: • Individuals grappling with existential concerns — such as finding meaning and purpose, questioning life’s direction, or coming to terms with mortality, freedom, or authenticity. • People facing major life transitions – career changes, relationship shifts, parenthood, retirement, or loss – who seek clarity and perspective rather than symptom-focused treatment. • Those experiencing ethical or values-based dilemmas – deciding between conflicting obligations, aligning actions with personal ideals, or cultivating virtues like courage, wisdom, or integrity. • High-functioning individuals feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or emotionally unsettled despite outward success – often described as a sense that “something is missing” or that life feels superficial. • Professionals and leaders seeking sharper decision-making, emotional resilience, or work-life meaning – without pathologising normal stress or ambition. • Anyone drawn to self-examination and intellectual growth – who enjoys ideas, reflection, and structured dialogue inspired by philosophy (Stoicism, Existentialism, Aristotle, and others).
What kinds of issues are appropriate to bring to a session?
If there's an issue that is bothering you enough that you feel the need to work through it with someone, no matter how big or small, then it suitable for a session. Philosophical counselling is remarkably broad in scope. One of its key strengths is that it welcomes almost any issue or question that matters to you, even those that might feel too vague, abstract, or “non-clinical” for traditional psychological counselling.
Do I need a background in philosophy?
Absolutely not. Just as no background in psychology is required to benefit from psychological counselling, no background in philosophy is required to benefit from philosophical counselling. Philosophy, in this context, is not about memorising theories, debating obscure texts, or mastering academic jargon. It is a practical tool for clearer thinking and better living. During our sessions, I introduce relevant ideas (from Stoicism, Existentialism, Aristotle, or other traditions) only as needed, in plain language, and always tailored to your specific situation.
What happens in a first session?
The first session is a gentle, low-pressure introduction designed to help you experience philosophical counselling first-hand, explore whether it’s a good fit, and begin gaining clarity — often with immediate insights. Here’s what you can typically expect in a 50–60 minute initial meeting: 1. Welcome and orientation We start with a brief overview of how philosophical counselling works (especially Logic-Based Therapy), the non-clinical nature of the process, and practical details like confidentiality. This ensures you feel informed and at ease. 2. Getting to know you I’ll invite you to share a bit about what brought you here — whether it’s a specific question, ongoing concern, life transition, or simply curiosity about living more intentionally. There’s no pressure to have a “big problem”; many people come with vague feelings of unrest or a desire for deeper reflection. 3. Exploring your concern We’ll gently focus on one or two themes that feel most relevant. Using open, Socratic-style questions, we begin clarifying your thoughts, feelings, and underlying beliefs. This often reveals fresh perspectives surprisingly quickly. 4. Introducing philosophical tools Depending on what emerges, I may introduce a relevant philosophical idea or lightly apply an element of Logic-Based Therapy (e.g., spotting a common thinking pattern and exploring a constructive alternative). You’ll experience how philosophy can offer practical leverage on real-life issues. 5. Wrapping up and next steps We’ll reflect on what felt useful or insightful, discuss how ongoing sessions might look, and address any questions you have. There’s no obligation to continue — many people find the single session alone provides valuable clarity. A first session should be engaging, thought-provoking, and refreshingly different from other forms of counselling – more like a structured conversation with a thoughtful guide than a clinical intake. If you’re hesitant, know that the goal of the first meeting is simply to give you a clear sense of the approach and whether it resonates. You’re welcome to book one with no commitment beyond that session
Is everything I share confidential?
Yes, absolutely. Unless disclosure of some particular information is required by law or is justified in order to prevent imminent, substantial harm to you (the client) or to others, everything shared in the session(s) will remain confidential. In all such exceptional cases, disclosure may be made provided that it is made to the appropriate party or authority and no more information than necessary is disclosed. In such an extraordinary circumstances, I will inform you (the client) of my break of confidentiality.
