Philosophical Coaching
by Dr. Paolo Terni

When coaching leaders at life’s crossroads, our conversations more often than not turn towards life in general, our place in the world, and our personal legacy.

In short, we are talking about philosophies of life.

As an experienced (ICF PPC) Coach with a graduate degree in Philosophy and an ongoing interest in it, it occurred to me that it would be beneficial for some clients to have a more structured exploration of available life philosophies. That would lead them to develop their own life philosophy informed by what stood the test of time, without reinventing the wheel so to speak.

So I decided to integrate my coaching offering with this “Philosophical Coaching” program.

If you’re curious about how a structured, philosophy-informed exploration could enrich your life, I offer a flexible program that provides guidance, reflection, and practical support.

David S. Oderberg in “Real Essentialism”

“Philosophy is what everything becomes when you think about it hard enough.”

Adapted from W. Norris Clarke, in “The One and the Many: A Contemporary Thomistic Metaphysics”

Philosophy is the systematic attempt to reflect about our experience in depth and set it in a vision of the whole.

Here’s what the standard package includes:

  • Sessions: One 60-75 minute Zoom session every 3 weeks

  • Flexibility: Pay-as-you-go, with no upfront commitment

  • Assignments: Personalized reflections and actions based on chosen philosophy

  • Ongoing Support: Email or message for quick feedback between sessions.

  • For details on session structure, scheduling, and pricing, please contact me directly.

Also note that to ensure this program aligns with your goals,

I ask prospective clients to complete a brief survey.

This helps me understand your interests, intentions, and expectations, allowing us to tailor our philosophical exploration to best suit your needs.

It’s also a way for both of us to confirm that

our approach is the right fit.

What kinds of philosophies will we use to inform our conversations and your assignments?

  • Aristotelian/Thomistic: Building a life of virtue and understanding through the teachings of Aristotle and Aquinas

  • Stoic: Cultivating resilience and clarity by focusing on what we can control

  • Epicurean: Pursuing a life of moderation and tranquility, often misunderstood as hedonistic

  • Wittgensteinian: Understanding language, thought, and the meaning of life through a unique, modern lens

If you are a practicing Catholic,

I offer a version of the program that delves deeply into the Thomistic/Aristotelian tradition,

exploring timeless questions within the context of Faith.

  • "The aspects of things that are most important for us are hidden because of their simplicity and familiarity. (One is unable to notice something because it is always before one's eyes)"

    Wittgenstein, Philosophical Investigations, #129

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PODCAST

PODCAST

ALL THESE PODCASTS ARE AI-GENERATED VIA GOOGLE NOTEBOOK LM

Episode 1: PHILOSOPHICAL COACHING

Source: this website’s content. Created on 10/10/2024

Episode 2: HOW METAPHYSICS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Source: My notes and personal reflections on the work of Norris Clarke, S.J., in particular The One and the Many and the essays in Explorations in Metaphysics.
Created on 10/21/2024

Episode 3: WITTGENSTEIN ON HINGE BELIEFS

Source: My notes and personal reflections on the book On Certainty by Ludwig Wittgenstein and on the book Understanding Wittgenstein’s On Certainty by Danièle Moyal - Sharrock,
Created on 11/14/2024

Episode 4: PHILOSOPHICAL ARGUMENTS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

Source: My notes and personal reflections on the books Five Proofs of the Existence of God by Edward Feser, the book The Best Argument for God by Patrick Flynn, and other readings.
Created on 12/10/2024

If you’re ready to explore life’s bigger questions through the lens of time-tested wisdom, I’d be honored to guide you on that journey.

About

Paolo Terni

As Senior Research Scientist at Duckworth Lab, I’ve spent years at the forefront of psychological research on grit, goal attainment, and flourishing. Alongside my research, I’m a Professional Certified Coach with over 20 years of experience across the US and Europe. I help clients deepen their understanding of life’s bigger questions, using insights from both philosophy and psychology to guide them on their unique paths.

With a Doctorate in Philosophy (University of Milan, Italy) and a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (University of Pennsylvania), I bring a unique blend of practical and philosophical perspectives to my coaching. My approach combines evidence-based methodologies with personalized, philosophy-informed strategies to support clients in developing their own life philosophies rooted in enduring wisdom.

I maintain a private practice for select clients interested in philosophical exploration, as well as those seeking leadership coaching or intercultural support. My approach is light-touch and solution-focused, empowering clients as the experts in their own lives. Drawing on my background, I particularly enjoy working with expats, senior leaders, and young talents pursuing a life of purpose and clarity.

I am also the author of several books and peer-reviewed papers on solution-focused coaching and positive psychology, including Ingredients for Mastery: How to Achieve Excellence Using Positive Psychology and Mr. Bear Wants to Be Loved—And Other Stories About Making Change Easier for Children and Their Parents, which has been translated into seven languages.