Arthritis Self-Management

Socratic Dialogue

The Greek philosopher Socrates believed that it was the task of the teacher to elicit from students what they already intuitively knew. Researchers into quality-of-life markers believe the same thing — that wisdom is hidden within each individual and can be uncovered by asking questions and patiently listening for answers. Several questions serve as guideposts for the individual who struggles with a given situation. They are meant to gradually lead you to where you want to be. The following are questions that a counselor might use to start a Socratic dialogue. You might find them helpful yourself.

• Given the nature of your illness, what makes you feel good now? (If you have difficulty describing these instances, make a list of the things that you like to do and mark those that you actually have done in the last two weeks.)
• What does “feeling good” mean to you? Describe situations, since the diagnosis, when you have had the feeling that the world is good and orderly, and that you are a part of it. What quality is common to these situations?
• What are your strong points? Your talents? How does thinking about these talents help you understand the person you are? Or the person you want to be?