Philosophical approaches to professional and personal development: learning through existential challenges of lived experience - Dr Steven Segal.

How we respond to lived experience is important for professional and personal development. Effective habits of practice, skills, mindset, emotions, identities develop through embracing the existential disruptions of lived experience. In short, our competence and confidence is formed through the way we respond to the contingencies of lived experience.

The challenge of tuning into lived experience is that we tend not see it! And so we tend not to focus on it. We tend to focus and work on the subject matter before us. University based forms of education tend to encourage us to learn the theory of our discipline but abandon us at the most crucial existential point: applying theory and skills in practice. We are existentially alone when we leap into the practice of our profession. How we emerge through the leap is crucial for professional development.

In this DD I will use a series of stories to bring out the importance of a philosophical approach to lived experience. A framework called “From Novice to Mastery (Practical Wisdom)” will be used to map out the process of developing through leaping into and embracing lived experience. Some of the skills for working with lived experience will also be articulated.

We'll be discussing:

• Identifying the existential paradox of the novice
• Framework of Hermeneutic Existential Phenomenology” as approach to personal and professional development.
• Skills of working through the paradox of lived experience: “trying” vs “allowing.”

Dr Steve Segal - I am currently practicing as a psychologist, business coach and philosophical counselor. My approach in all areas is influenced by my background in philosophy, psychology, and social theory. I find that including a philosophical lens in psychotherapy and coaching offers clients a more nuanced set of frameworks through which to work with their existential challenges.
Current webinar series:

In April and May, I will be running a PD webinar series called “Philosophical Reflections and Insights for Psychologists and Psychotherapists.” The series is open to all those who have an interest in the relationship between philosophy and psychology as they apply to professional and personal development. More information can be found on my website: https://www.drstevensegal.com.au/philosophicalreflectionevent

My email address is: [email protected]

Please reach out to me if you are interested in psychotherapy, leadership coaching and/or philosophical counseling – or a combination.

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