Guy du Plessis
Addiction Specialist - Philosophical Practitioner - Author 


Research & Publications


My current research is in developing the theory and practice of 'philosophy as a way of life' for addiction recovery, the development of an integrated meta-theory of addiction [Integrated Metatheoretical Model of Addiction], developing an addiction ontology, and articulating the Theory of Ideology Addiction. 

My other research interests are: Friedrich Nietzsche's moral philosophy and metaphysics; Karl Popper's Myth of the Framework; philosophy as a way of life; philosophy of addiction; philosophical practice; existential philosophy and psychology; Simone de Beauvoir's existential ethics; and the role of humor, creativity and beauty in dealing with the existential givens of existence. 


Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications


  • West, R., Cox, S., Nortley, C., Du Plessis, G. & Hasting, Janna (in press). Achieving consensus, coherence, clarity, and consistency when talking about 'addiction.' Addiction (Editorial)
  • Du Plessis, G. (In press). A dispositional account of self-deception: A critical analysis of Sartre’s theory of bad faith.
  • Du Plessis, G. (In press). Simone De Beauvoir’s existential ethics as an antidote for ideology addiction. International Journal of Philosophical Practice
  • Du Plessis, G. (2022). Philosophy as a way of life for addiction recovery: A logic-based therapy case study. International Journal of Applied Philosophy, 35(1), 68 - 87. (Download)
  • Du Plessis, G. & Weathers, R. (2022). The utility of Jan Smuts' theory of Holism for philosophical counseling. International Journal of Philosophical Practice, 8(1), 80-104. (Download)
  • Du Plessis, G. (2019). An existential perspective on addiction treatment: A logic-based therapy case study. International Journal of Philosophical Practice. 5(1), 1-32. (Download)
  • Du Plessis, G. (2014). An integral ontology of addiction: A multiple object existing as a continuum of ontological complexity. Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, 9(1), 38–54. (Download)
  • Du Plessis, G. (2012). Integrated recovery therapy: Toward an integrally informed individual psychotherapy for addicted populations. Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, 7(1), 124-148. (Download)
  • Du Plessis, G. (2012). Toward an integral model of addiction: By means of integral methodological pluralism as a metatheoretical and integrative conceptual framework. Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, 7(3), 1-24. (Download)
  • Du Plessis, G. (2010). The integrated recovery model for addiction treatment and recovery. Journal of Integral Theory and Practice, 5(3), 68-87. (Download)


Books


  • Du Plessis, G., Weathers, R., Tollefson, D., & Webb, K. (Forthcoming, 2023). Addiction Recovery & Relapse Prevention Workbook: An I-System Model Application. Cambridge University Press.
  • Du Plessis, G., Weathers, R., Tollefson, D., & Webb, K. (Forthcoming, 2023). Recovery Resilience Program Facilitator’s Guide: An I-System Model Application. Cambridge University Press.
  • Du Plessis, G., Webb, K. G., & Tollefson, D. (2022). Productive Mind Program Workbook: Facilitator’s Guide. Utah State University. ISBN 978-1-4118024-8-3
  • Du Plessis, G., Webb, K. G., & Tollefson, D. (2021). Resilient Mind Skills Workbook. Utah State University. ISBN 978-14118-0203-2
  • Block, S. H, Block, C. B., Tollefson, D.  & Du Plessis, G. (2020). Social Unrest: Resolving the Dichotomies of You/Me an Us/Them. Utah State University. ISBN 978-1-4118-0164-6
  • Du Plessis, G. (2018). An Integral Foundation for Addiction and its Treatment: Beyond the Biopsychosocial Model. Integral Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4951-8778-0
  • Block, S., Block, C., & Du Plessis, G. (2016). Mind-body Workbook for Addiction: Effective Tools for Relapse Prevention and Recovery. New Harbinger. ISBN 978-1-6262-5409-1
  • Du Plessis, G. (2015). An Integral Guide to Recovery: Twelve Steps and Beyond. Integral Publishers. ISBN 978-0-9904-4195-3



Book Chapters


  • Du Plessis, G. (in press). Logic-Based Therapy in the Treatment of Addicted Populations. In E. Cohen (Ed.), Logic-Based Therapy and Consulting Anthology. Lexington Books. 
  • Du Plessis, G. (2023). The Integrated Metatheoretical Model of addiction. In E. Ermagan (Ed.) Current Trends in Addiction Psychology. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. (Download)
  • Du Plessis, G. (2019). Incompatible Knots in Harm Reduction: A Philosophical Analysis. In T. Waetjen (Ed.), Opioids in South Africa: Towards a Policy of Harm Reduction. Human Sciences Research Council Press. (Download)


 

Open Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications



  • Du Plessis, G. (2023). A dispositional account of self-deception: A critical analysis of Sartre’s theory of bad faith. Qeios, 1-13. 
  • Du Plessis, G. (2023). Simone de Beauvoir’s existential ethics as a prophylactic for ideological obsession and addiction: An uplifting philosophy for philosophical practice, Qeios, 1-14
  • Du Plessis G. (2023). More human than all too human: Challenges in machine ethics for humanity becoming a space faring civilization. Qeios, 1-14. 
  • Du Plessis, G. (2022). The Integrated Metatheoretical Model of Addiction: Towards an architectonic of a metatheory of addiction. Qeios, 1-25
  • Du Plessis, G. (2022). Philosophy as a way of life as a pathway to recovery for addicted individuals. Qeios, 1-15.
  • Du Plessis, G. (2022). A philosophical analysis of the foundational suppositions in harm reduction theory and practice. Qeios, 1-12.
  • Du Plessis, G. (2022). A philosophical analysis of Sartre’s critique of Freud’s depth-psychological account of self-deception, Qeios, 1-9. 
  • Du Plessis, G. & Weathers, R. (2022). Jan Smuts’ theory of Holism as an uplifting philosophy for philosophical practice, Qeios, 1-22. 

 


Peer-Reviewed Conference Papers & Abstracts 


  • Du Plessis, G. (2023, February). Simone de Beauvoir’s Existential Ethics as a Prophylactic for Ideology Obsession and Addiction: An Uplifting Philosophy for Philosophical Practice. [Paper presentation]. 5th International Conference of Philosophical Counselling and Practice. (Download)
  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K. (2022, June). The recovery resilience program: A novel relapse prevention and addiction recovery program. [Paper Presentation]. Addictions Update Conference, University of Utah, Utah, Salt Lake City.
  • Du Plessis, G. (2022, February). A philosophical psychotherapy: Logic-based therapy in the treatment of addicted populations. [Paper presentation]. 4th International Conference of Philosophical Counselling and Practice. (Download)
  • Webb, K. & Du Plessis, G. (2021, September). Mind-Body Bridging for professional self-care: Preventing and treating secondary trauma. [Paper presentation published online]. Domestic Violence Solutions Conference, Utah State University, Utah, Provo.
  • Du Plessis, G., Webb, K. (2019, May). Addiction as mode of being: An existential-psychodynamic foundation for Mind-Body Bridging Therapy in the treatment of addicted populations. [Paper Presentation]. 2nd Annual Mind-Body Bridging Conference, University of Utah, Utah, Salt Lake City.
  • Webb, K. & Du Plessis, G. (2019, September). Mind-Body Bridging for professional self-care: Treating Secondary Trauma. [Paper presentation published online]. Domestic Violence Solutions Conference, Utah State University, Utah, Provo. (Download)
  • Du Plessis, G., & Weathers, B. (2015, July). The Integral Jan Smuts. [Paper presentation]. 4th International Integral Theory Conference, California, San Francisco(Download)
  • Du Plessis, G. (2013, July). The import of integral pluralism in striving towards an integral metatheory of addiction. [Paper presentation]. The Third International Integral Theory Conference, CA: San Francisco. (Download)



Online Articles


  • "The Glass Bead Game as Addiction Recovery: A Metaphor for an Integrated and Philosophical Approach,” Illumination, Medium, 2023.
  • “More Human than All Too Human: Challenges in Machine Ethics and Artificial Intelligence for Humanity Becoming a Spacefaring Civilization,” Illumination, Medium, 2023.
  • “Narcissists in Wonderland: Simone de Beauvoir’s Existential Ethics as a Prophylactic for Ideology Addiction, Illumination, Medium, 2023.
  • “Ideology Addiction,” Illumination, Medium2021.
  • “Jan Smuts' Influence on Philosophy and Psychology,” Medium, 2021.
  • “The Ontology of Addiction,” Illumination, Medium, 2021
  • “'Incompatible Knots' in Harm Reduction,” Medium, 2021.
  • “The Influence of the Philosophy of Pragmatism on the 12-Step Program,” Illumination, Medium, 2021.
  • “Addiction as a Misguided Method for the Satisfaction of Basic Existential Needs,” Illumination, Medium, 2021.
  • “Philosophy as a Way of Life for Addiction Recovery,” Illumination, Medium, 2021
  • “An Existential-phenomenological Perspective of Addiction Recovery and 12-Step Programs,” Medium, 2021.
  • “Is Addiction Really a Brain Disease? No, and Here’s Why,” Clinicians Corner, New Harbinger, 2016.
  • “Mind-Body Bridging Skills,” Quick Tips for Therapists, New Harbinger, 2016.



 

Conference Presentations & Proceedings

 

  •  Webb, K., Olsen, N. & Du Plessis, G. (2019, May). An Introduction to the I-System Analysis. [Conference Presentation]. 2nd Annual Mind-Body Bridging Conference, University of Utah, Utah, Salt Lake City.
  • Webb, K., & Du Plessis, G. (2019, May). I-System Analysis and Mind-Body Bridging treatment planning. [Conference Presentation].  2nd Annual Mind-Body Bridging Conference, University of Utah, Utah, Salt Lake City.
  • Du Plessis, G. & Newmark, R. (2018, March). Family and commercial mediation for specialization areas: Disability and substance abuse. [Conference Presentation]. Mediation and Justice in South Africa Conference, Western Cape, Paarl.
  • Block, S & Du Plessis, G. (2015, August). An Overview of Mind-Body Bridging [Keynote presentation.] Inaugural Mind-Body Bridging Conference: Origin, Theory and Practice. University of Utah, Utah, Salt Lake City.
  • Dupuy, J., Harris, B., & Du Plessis, G. (2010, June). The theory and practice of Integral Recovery. [Conference Panel]. 2nd International Integral Theory Conference, San Francisco, United States.

 


Presentations, Trainings and Seminars


  • “What is Phenomenology, and its Relevance to Virtual Reality?” Presentation for the Department of Philosophy, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, March 2023.
  • “Theory and Practice of the Recovery Resilience Program: Facilitator’s Certification Training,” Finnish Association of Mental Health and the Finish Mind-Body Bridging Association, 2 – 28 March 2022.
  • “The Unconscious in Nietzsche and Schopenhauer: Antecedents to Freud.” Presentation for the Department of Philosophy, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, May 2022.
  • “Building Teams with the Productive Mind Business Solutions Program.” Training presentation for the Department of Education, Western Cape Government, Cape Town, July 2022.
  • “An Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation.” Training presentation for the Education Department, Western Cape Government, Paarl, February 2020.
  • “A Metatheoretical Foundation for Mind-Body Bridging in the Treatment of Addicted Populations.” Presentation at the Addiction Seminar, Finnish Mind-Body Bridging Association, Finland, Helsinki, September 2019.
  • “Theoretical Foundation of the Mind-Body Bridging Sleep Program.” Presentation at the Mind-Body Bridging Sleep Seminar, Finnish Mind-Body Bridging Association, Finland, Helsinki, September 2019.
  • “Metatheory of Addiction: A Philosophical Perspective.” Opioids and Harm Reduction in South Africa: Opening a Multidisciplinary Conversation. Presentation at the Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, August 2017.
  • “Perspectives from Philosophy: Current Research and Reflections on Applications/Relevance.” Panel discussion on Opioids and Harm Reduction in South Africa: Opening a Multidisciplinary Conversation. Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, August 2017.
  • "Integral Metatheory within a South African Context." Presentation to students of the Master in Health Administration program from TIAS Business School, University of Tilburg, Netherlands, 15 May 2014
  • “Theory and Practice of Integrated Recovery Meta-Therapy.”  Training presentation to staff at Drakenstein Recovery Centre, Paarl, December 2014.
  • “Theory and Practice of the Integrated Recovery Program.”  Training presentation to staff at Seascape Recovery Centre, Cape Town, June-November 2010.
  • “Foundations of Integrated Recovery Program.”  Training presentation to staff at Tabankuklu Secondary Recovery Centre, Cape Town, June-December 2008.
  • “The Integrated Recovery Model.”  Training presentation to staff at Tabankuklu Primary Care Centre, Cape Town, March-June 2007.
  • “The Integrated Recovery Approach and Aftercare.”  Training presentation to staff at Tabankuklu Tertiary Recovery Centre, Cape Town, October-December 2007.



Invited Talks

Presentation given at Helsinki, Finland
  • “The Theoretical Foundation of the I-System Model.” Webinar presentation for the Finnish Association of Mental Health and the Finish Mind-Body Bridging Association,  July 2020.
  • “The I-System Model of Individual and Collective Human Behavior.” Webinar presentation for the Finnish Association of Mental Health and the Finish Mind-Body Bridging Association, October 2020.
  • “Existential Considerations for Rural Substance Use Disorder Treatment.” Presentation for the LSAAG community-based substance abuse outpatient treatment program launch conference, Paarl, South Africa, February 2019.
  • “Integrally Informed Approaches to Addiction Treatment.” Presentation for Momentum Mental Health Care, Stellenbosch, September 2017.
  • “The Application of Integral Theory in Addiction Treatment,” Presentation for Educational Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, June 2016.
  • “A Metatheoretical Approach to Theories of Addiction,” Presentation for Educational Psychology Department, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, June 2016.
  • Towards an Integral Metatheory within a South African Context.” Presentation for students in the MA Health Administration program from TIAS Business School, University of Tilburg, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, May 2014.
  • “Philosophy for Children” Presentation 7th grade students at Waldorf School, Kommetjie, South Africa, June 2014.
  • “Dangers of Drug Use.” Various presentation to students at Camp Africa, Noordhoek, South Africa, 2011-2013.

 



Dissertation


Towards an Integral Model of Addiction. Unpublished Master's Dissertation, University of South Africa (Download)

 


Manuals, Workbooks & University Curricula

 

  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K., & Tollefson, D. (2022). Recovery Resilience Program Workbook. I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K., & Tollefson, D. (2022). Recovery Resilience Program Facilitator’s Guide. I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K., & Tollefson, D. (2021). Resilient Mind for Law Enforcement Officers. I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K., & Tollefson, D. (2020). Resilient Mind for Child Welfare Workforce Workbook. I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K., & Tollefson, D. (2020). Resilient Mind Program for Athletes. I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies, Utah State University.
  • Webb, K., Du Plessis, G., & Tollefson, D. (2020). Mind-Body Bridging Certification Course (Foundation) Syllabus. Academic Publishing, Utah State University.
  • Webb, K., Du Plessis, G., & Tollefson, D. (2020). Mind-Body Bridging Certification Course (Intermediate). Academic Publishing, Utah State University.
  • Webb, K., Du Plessis, G., & Tollefson, D. (2020). Mind-Body Bridging Certification Course (Advanced). Academic Publishing, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K., & Tollefson, D. (2020). Resilience and Human Flourishing. Academic Publishing, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K., & Tollefson, D. (2019). Building Resilience Program. I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K., & Tollefson, D. (2019). Big Mind for Schools Program Manual (Grades K-3). I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K., & Tollefson, D. (2019). Big Mind for Schools Program Manual (Grades 4-6). I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G. & Webb, K., & Tollefson, D. (2019). Big Mind for Schools Program Manual (Grades 7-12). I-System Institute for Transdisciplinary Studies, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G, Dupuy, J., & Weathers, B. (2018). Integral Recovery Client Workbook: Certification Program. Integral Recovery Institute.
  • Du Plessis, G., Webb K., & Tollefson, D. (2018). Mind-body Bridging Skills Workbook 1st Printing. Academic Publishing, Utah State University.
  • Du Plessis, G., Webb K., & Tollefson, D. (2018). I-System Analysis. Academic Publishing, Utah State University.
  • Block, S. H. & Du Plessis, G. (2016). Mind-Body Bridging Sleep Program Client Workbook. I-Systems Inc. Listed on the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHA), US Department of Health and Human Services (HSS), (Unpublished document).
  • Du Plessis, G. & Block, S. H. (2016). Mind-Body Bridging Substance Abuse Program Client Workbook. I-Systems Inc. (Listed on NREPP by the SAMHA, US Department of HHS), (Unpublished document).
  • Block, S. H. & Du Plessis, G. (2016). Mind-Body Bridging Sleep Program: Therapist Guide. I-Systems Inc. (Listed on the NREPP by SAMHA, US Department of HHS).
  • Du Plessis, G.  & Bloch, S. H. (2016). Mind-Body Bridging Substance Abuse Program: Therapist Guide. I-Systems Inc. (Listed on NREPP by the SAMHA, US Department of HHS).
  • Du Plessis, G. (2014). Clinical Program Manual of Rustenburg Addiction Care. Momentum Mental Health Care South Africa.
  • Du Plessis, G. (2014). Therapeutic Intervention Manual for HKZ Holland. Momentum Mental Health Care South Africa.
  • Du Plessis, G. (2008). Integrated Recovery Workbook: Tabankulu Secondary Care. Tabankulu Addiction Treatment Centre.
  • Du Plessis, G. (2008). Integrated Recovery Workbook: Tabankulu Tertiary Care. Tabankulu Addiction Treatment Centre.
  • Du Plessis, G. (2007). Integrated Recovery Workbook: Tabankulu Primary Care. Tabankulu Addiction Treatment Centre.
  • Du Plessis, G. (2007). Counsellor Manual: Tabankulu Primary Care. Tabankulu Addiction Treatment Centre.
  • Du Plessis, G. (2007). Counsellor Manual: Tabankulu Secondary Care. Tabankulu Addiction Treatment Centre.

 



My Researcher Profile Links

 

 

 

 

 

Academic publications that reference and discuss my research and therapeutic methodologies on the application of integral-metatheory in addiction treatment and studies.


  • The SAGE Encyclopaedia of Theory in Counseling and Psychotherapy by Edward S. Neukrug (Editor)
  • ‪Understanding Psychopathology: An Integral Exploration by R. Elliott Ingersoll and Andre Marquis
  • The Routledge Handbook of Philosophy and Science (Routledge Handbooks in Philosophy) by Hanna Pickard (Editor), Serge H. Ahmed (Editor)
  • Integral Theory and Transdisciplinary Action Research in Education (Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design) by Veronika Bohac Clarke
  • Theoretical Models of Counseling and Psychotherapy 3rd Edition by Kevin A. Fall, Janice Miner Holden and Andre Marquis

 


 


Trade publications that reference and discuss my research and therapeutic methodologies

  • Integral Recovery : A Revolutionary Approach to the Treatment of Alcoholism and Addiction by John Dupuy
  • Religion of Tomorrow: A Vision for the Future of the Great Traditions - More Inclusive, More Comprehensive, More Complete by Ken Wilber 

 




The idea of self-emancipation through knowledge, which was the basic idea of the Enlightenment, is in itself a powerful enemy of fanaticism; 
for it makes us try hard to detach ourselves or even to dissociate ourselves from our own ideas (in order to look at them critically) instead of identifying ourselves with them.  
And the recognition of the sometimes overwhelming historical power of ideas should teach us how important it is to free ourselves from the overpowering influence of false or wrong ideas. 
In the interests of the quest for truth and of our liberation from errors we have to train ourselves to view our own favourite ideas just as critically as those we oppose.

― Karl Popper