Research & Publications
My research interests include: Friedrich Nietzsche's moral philosophy and philosophical psychology; addiction; philosophy as a way of life; philosophical practice; Albert Camus' absurdism; existential philosophy & psychology; psychodynamic psychology; Jan Smuts' Holism; integral metatheory; critical realism; and the philosophy of humor.
Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications
- West, R., Cox, S., Nortley, C., Du Plessis, G. & Hasting, Janna (2023). Achieving consensus, coherence, clarity, and consistency when talking about 'addiction.' Addiction, 119 (5): 796-798 (Download)
- Du Plessis, G. (In review). A dispositional account of self-deception: A critical analysis of Sartre’s theory of bad faith. International Journal of Applied Philosophy
- Du Plessis, G. (2023). Simone De Beauvoir’s existential ethics as an antidote for ideology addiction. International Journal of Philosophical Practice, 9 (1), 141-157. (Download)
- 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, 2025). Recovery Resilience Program Facilitator’s Guide: An I-System Model Application for Addiction Recovery & Relapse Prevention. Cambridge University Press.
- Plessis, G., Weathers, R., Tollefson, D., & Webb, K. (2024). Building Recovery Resilience: Addiction Recovery & Relapse Prevention Workbook: An I-System Model Application. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-100937-877-2
- 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 and 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. (Forthcoming, 2025). Psychotherapy and Philosophy as a Way of Life. In Oxford Handbook of Philosophy as a Way of Life (Oxford University Press).
- Du Plessis, G. (Forthcoming, 2024). Logic-Based Therapy for Addiction Recovery: Friedrich Nietzsche's Affirmation of Life as an Exemplar of an Uplifting Philosophy. 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 & Preprint Publications
- Du Plessis, G. (2023). Will to Power: The utility of Nietzsche's moral philosophy for philosophical counseling. Qeios, 1-22
- Du Plessis, G. (2023). Friedrich Nietzsche's affirmation of life: An exemplar of an uplifting philosophy for logic-based therapy for addiction recovery. Qeios, 1-22.
- 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). Will to Power: The Utility of Nietzsche's philosophy for philosophical practice. [Paper presentation]. 6th International Conference of Philosophical Counseling and Practice. (Download)
- 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., Olsen, N. & Du Plessis, G. (2019, May). An Introduction to the I-System Analysis. [Abstract]. 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. [Abstract]. 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. & Newmark, R. (2018, March). Family and commercial mediation for specialization areas: Disability and substance abuse. [Abstract]. 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.
- 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)
- 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.
Online Articles
- "Virtual Reality as a Pharmakon: A Posthumous Warning from Nietzsche," Medium, 2023.
- "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, Medium, 2021.
- “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.
Presentations and Seminars
- " A Philosophical View of Addiction Recovery, Ideological Possession, & Utopian Fantasy," Global Existential Summit, January, 2024.
- "An Integral Approach to Addiction and its Treatment," Holistic Recovery Summit, The Weekend University, December 2023.
- “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
- “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.
Masters Dissertation
Towards an Integral Model of Addiction. Unpublished Masters Dissertation, University of South Africa (Download)
University Curricula, Training Manuals & Workbooks
- 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).
My Research Profile Links
Academic books that reference and discuss my research and therapeutic methodologies
- 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
- Existential Therapy: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions by Claire Arnold-Baker, Simon Wharne, Nancy Hakim Dowek, Neil Gibson, Jo Molle, Emmy van Deurzen
Trade books 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