Scott D. Gelfand, Ph.D.

Philosophical Counselor

What I Offer

A space to reflect and seek clarity

I don’t provide medical diagnoses, therapy, medication or psychological treatments. Instead, philosophical counseling involves having a thoughtful, open conversation that is focused on your values, and the kind of life you want to live. Together, we have an honest dialogue about the not-so straightforward questions in life – in a calm, safe and non-judgemental environment.

What Our Conversations Can Explore

Let's Have a Meaningful Conversation To:

Clarify Your Values

Life pulls us in many directions. Together, we’ll pause and uncover what truly matters, so you can make choices with confidence and integrity.

Explore Relationships & Communication

Conflict, distance, or confusion in relationships can feel heavy. Our conversations create a calm space to reflect on trust, empathy, and the way you want to connect with others.

Find Meaning & Purpose

If you’re feeling lost or questioning what it’s all for, you’re not alone. We’ll explore what gives your life meaning, without rushing to fix, so you can imagine the life you truly want.

Work Through Ethical Dilemmas

Hard choices don’t come with clear answers. I won’t tell you what to do, but I’ll guide you to reflect honestly on your values so you can decide with clarity.

Examine Your Beliefs

We all carry old ideas about success, love, or identity. These sessions help you question what no longer serves you, so you can live with more freedom and authenticity.

Face Life’s Big Questions

Loss, change, and uncertainty touch us all. Together, we’ll sit with these big questions, with honesty, curiosity, and compassion, grounded in your own lived experience.

Also, don’t let pricing hold you back.

Thoughtful, honest conversation should be accessible regardless of income. If you’re interested in working together but unsure
about the cost, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll find something that works for both of us.

And remember, you don’t need a diagnosis or a crisis to start. Some of the most meaningful work happens when you’re simply feeling stuck or questioning what’s next.

People often ask me…

What can I expect in my first session?
We’ll begin by getting to know each other. I’ll ask what brought you here, what questions or concerns you’re wrestling with, and what you’re hoping to explore. You don’t need to have a clear goal or a neatly packaged “problem”-just a willingness to reflect, speak honestly, and think deeply.
By the end of the session, we’ll decide together whether it feels like a good fit-and whether you’d like to continue.
That’s entirely up to you. There’s no fixed number of sessions and no pressure to commit. We can treat each session as a self-contained conversation-or continue building over time, depending on what you’re looking for.
Philosophical counseling isn’t about fixing something broken; it’s about thinking more clearly and living more deliberately. You decide how far you want to go.
I do not work with insurance, as philosophical counseling is not a medical or clinical service. However, I offer a sliding scale because I believe thoughtful, reflective conversation should be accessible to anyone who seeks it.
My standard rate is $95 per session, but I’m happy to adjust based on your financial situation. If cost is a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out-we can usually find a rate that works.
If you’re interested in working together but worried about cost, please feel free to reach out. There’s no need to explain or justify your situation because I trust you to know what’s manageable for you. I reserve several sliding scale spots each month and will do my best to accommodate you. My goal is to make this work possible, not exclusive.
Life happens-and I understand that plans sometimes change. If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please try to let me know at least 24 hours in advance.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may be subject to the full session fee, unless there’s an emergency or unavoidable circumstance. If something unexpected comes up, just reach out and we’ll handle it with flexibility and respect.
Communication is key, and I’m always happy to work with you to find another time.
Philosophical counseling is generally best suited for older teens and adults who are able and willing to reflect on their values, beliefs, and choices. While it’s not therapy and doesn’t involve diagnosis or treatment, it can be a meaningful resource for teens facing ethical questions, identity concerns, or big life decisions.
For clients under 18, I require written parental or guardian consent. I’m also happy to speak with parents beforehand to help determine whether philosophical counseling is a good fit for their child.
If you’re unsure, feel free to contact me. We can explore what’s appropriate for your teen’s age and situation.
No. I’m not a medical or clinical professional, and I do not prescribe medication.
Philosophical counseling is a non-medical, non-clinical practice focused on thoughtful conversation, reflection, and moral inquiry, not diagnosis or treatment. If you’re looking for medical advice or psychiatric care, I encourage you to consult a licensed healthcare provider. That said, philosophical counseling can be a valuable complement to therapy or other forms of support, especially if you’re interested in exploring your values, beliefs, or life’s deeper questions.
Many clients notice that, unlike psychotherapy, which often centers on emotions and how you feel, philosophical counseling focuses on why you feel that way. We explore the thinking behind your feelings: your beliefs, assumptions, values, and judgments. Together, we ask deeper questions like: Is this true? Is it fair? What does it mean? And ultimately, what do you want to choose and why?
It isn’t therapy. It’s not coaching, life advice, or a self-help routine. Philosophical counseling helps you reflect on your values and see your life from a new, deeper perspective. You can talk openly, without judgment, and explore what’s hard to share elsewhere. By understanding yourself better, you gain insight, direction, and emotional ease.