Ali Ṣafāei Ḥāeri’s Approach to Philosophical Counseling

This study discusses some main approaches in philosophical counseling and explains Ali Ṣafāei Ḥāeri’s approach based on his works. 

This fundamental and qualitative study adopted a theoretical descriptive-analytical method. Ali Ṣafāei Ḥāeri’s approach can be called a truth-oriented self-transformation approach based on logical and refined thinking. The difference between his approach and others is that he draws a coherent thought system in which each sub-approach has a specific place. Moreover, he does not consider human life confined to short-term material life.

In his approach, thinking should be freed from deviations, and human knowledge should start from immediate perceptions by raising fundamental questions. In the right raw materials, deliberation is done, the power of thought makes conclusions, and the results are compared with the power of reasoning and emulation. The power of perfectionism determines the best goals and the best way to reach them while man chooses with his own free will. Using these cognitions, man reaches the correct worldview and understanding based on the truth about human beings, existence, creator, purpose, and role of humans. These bits of knowledge are developed through reminders and exercises, and the philosophical advisor plays his role in all these stages.