Psychagogy

Psychagogy, originally a spiritual concept, refers to the guidance of the soul. It is recognized as one of the antecedents and components of modern psychology. In its contemporary context, psychagogy is a psycho-therapeutic method that influences behavior by encouraging the pursuit of meaningful life goals.

European psychagogy's beginnings can be traced back to the time of Socrates and Plato. Psychagogic methods were implemented by such groups as the Stoics, Epicureans, and Cynics. The method was also eventually adopted by Paul the Apostle, James, as well as other early Christian thinkers. Enduring well into the 20th century, psychagogy began to influence and be influenced by other psychological disciplines. Eventually the term psychagogy itself largely died out during the 1970s and 1980s, however the concept continues to be practiced through modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy, life coaching and pastoral counseling.