The Philosophy of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Stoic Philosophy as Rational and Cognitive Psychotherapy Paperback – August 27, 2010
| | | 4.9 out of 5 stars | | | 27 customer reviews |
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Book Description
Why should modern psychotherapists be interested in philosophy, especially ancient philosophy? Why should philosophers be interested in psychotherapy? There is a sense of mutual attraction between what are today two thoroughly distinct disciplines. However, arguably it was not always the case that they were distinct. The author takes the view that by reconsidering the generally received wisdom concerning the history of these closely-related subjects, we can learn a great deal about both philosophy and psychotherapy, under which heading he includes potentially solitary pursuits such as "self-help" and "personal development".
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Review
“This book is a fascinating interweaving of Stoic philosophy and contemporary cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Robertson rightly reminds us of how much CBT owes its philosophical origins to the Stoics but, sadly, how often this debt is insufficiently acknowledged. He urges us to redirect our attention to the past to see how modern CBT still has much to learn from its ancient precursors. Highly recommended.” (Michael Neenan, Co-Director of the CBT Programme)
”Many of us have felt the need for a book that covers the underlying philosophy of the cognitive-behavioural therapies in much greater depth. This book provides us with the missing link between the theory and the philosophy. It is a fascinating read and could be considered as either a prequel or a sequel to the standard textbook read by a trainee or experienced cognitive-behavioural or rational emotive practitioner who wants to understand these approaches to therapy within an historical framework.” (Professor Stephen Palmer, Director)
”The author has uncovered a wealth of connections between modern cognitive-behavioural therapies and ancient Stoic philosophy. It should be read by anyone interested in understanding the historical roots of CBT or in learning about how ancient psychotherapeutic methods can add to the modern therapist’s toolkit.” (Tim LeBon, UKCP registered psychotherapist and author of Wise Therapy)
”Donald Robertson is blazing a trail to discover the sources of cognitive-behavioural therapy, and Stoic philosophy is prime among these. A fascinating work that should be compulsory reading for all practitioners in the field and interested lay people, providing insights into how ancient philosophy can give us the coping and life success strategies we are all looking for, both as professionals and in private life. A great read!” (Tom Butler-Bowdon, author of 50 Self-Help Classics and 50 Psychology Classics)
From the Author
The Philosophy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a detailed examination of the relationship between modern psychotherapy, especially REBT and CBT, and ancient philosophy, especially Stoicism. I've tried to make the book readable enough to engage non-academics and non-therapists. However, I hope that philosophers and psychotherapists will find a common ground here and a basis for further dialogue over these ideas and techniques. The emphasis throughout the book is upon the practical application of Stoic philosophy to everyday problems of living. The introduction attempts to summarise the range of strategies and techniques described later in the book, to give a flavour of the practical dimension.
See all Editorial Reviews
“This book is a fascinating interweaving of Stoic philosophy and contemporary cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Robertson rightly reminds us of how much CBT owes its philosophical origins to the Stoics but, sadly, how often this debt is insufficiently acknowledged. He urges us to redirect our attention to the past to see how modern CBT still has much to learn from its ancient precursors. Highly recommended.” (Michael Neenan, Co-Director of the CBT Programme)
”Many of us have felt the need for a book that covers the underlying philosophy of the cognitive-behavioural therapies in much greater depth. This book provides us with the missing link between the theory and the philosophy. It is a fascinating read and could be considered as either a prequel or a sequel to the standard textbook read by a trainee or experienced cognitive-behavioural or rational emotive practitioner who wants to understand these approaches to therapy within an historical framework.” (Professor Stephen Palmer, Director)
”The author has uncovered a wealth of connections between modern cognitive-behavioural therapies and ancient Stoic philosophy. It should be read by anyone interested in understanding the historical roots of CBT or in learning about how ancient psychotherapeutic methods can add to the modern therapist’s toolkit.” (Tim LeBon, UKCP registered psychotherapist and author of Wise Therapy)
”Donald Robertson is blazing a trail to discover the sources of cognitive-behavioural therapy, and Stoic philosophy is prime among these. A fascinating work that should be compulsory reading for all practitioners in the field and interested lay people, providing insights into how ancient philosophy can give us the coping and life success strategies we are all looking for, both as professionals and in private life. A great read!” (Tom Butler-Bowdon, author of 50 Self-Help Classics and 50 Psychology Classics)
From the Author
The Philosophy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a detailed examination of the relationship between modern psychotherapy, especially REBT and CBT, and ancient philosophy, especially Stoicism. I've tried to make the book readable enough to engage non-academics and non-therapists. However, I hope that philosophers and psychotherapists will find a common ground here and a basis for further dialogue over these ideas and techniques. The emphasis throughout the book is upon the practical application of Stoic philosophy to everyday problems of living. The introduction attempts to summarise the range of strategies and techniques described later in the book, to give a flavour of the practical dimension.
See all Editorial Reviews
Product Specifications
| Paperback: | 318 pages |
| Publisher: | Routledge; 1 edition (August 27, 2010) |
| Language: | English |
| ISBN-10: | 1855757567 |
| ISBN-13: | 978-1855757561 |
| Product Dimensions: | 5.8 x 1 x 9 inches |
| Shipping Weight: | ) |
| Average Customer Review: | 4.9 out of 5 stars 27 customer reviews |
Customer reviews
Excellent Read on the Origin of CBT/REBT Through Stoicism!
| | | November 27, 2016 November 27, 2016 |
There are 3 subjects that resonate deeply with me: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Positive Psychology (PP) and Stoic Philosophy! I have read and re-read the works of Albert Ellis (REBT/CBT), Aaron Beck (CBT) and Martin Seligman (PP) among others within the genre of CBT and Positive Psychology, and I have read Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus (among others) within the genre of Stoicism. In addition, I have read modern stoic authors such as William B. Irvine (A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy) and Jules Evans (Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations: Ancient Philosophy for Modern Problems). Without any hesitation I recommend adding this book to the list! And, although this book is better than some books mentioned above, it's not my objective to rank them. To build practical wisdom takes a great amount of time, persistent dedication and redundancy of material so as to know it well. Daily practice! Deep familiarity! This book helps serve that goal - to build practical wisdom that is! In addition, you might want to read "Stoicism and The Art Of Happiness" also by this author!
Wonderfully illuminating and insightful -- even for those already well-read on Stoicism
| | | March 26, 2015 March 26, 2015 |
I am a "fan" of Stoicism and I consider myself well-read both in the originals (Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius ... and even the more pedantic Musonius Rufus) and in the more modern literature and commentaries on the classics (e.g. the awesome Pierre Hadot's books.) I've noticed the similarities between REBT/CBT and Stoicism a while ago, so I was looking forward to reading this book and was cautiously optimistic about learning a few new things from it --- in the form of different wordings or perspective. I thought that, at best, I would be able to add a few details, or see basic stoic concepts from a slightly different angle, I was wrong. I gained A LOT from Donald Robertson's wonderful book. I can't imagine a better book to bridge REBT/CBT and Stoicism, he has deep knowledge (and an obvious passion) for both and weaves them together wonderfully and convincingly.
I thought that few could equal the great Pierre Hadot when it comes to explaining and bringing Stoicism alive and into practice, but Mr Robertson is in the same league.
Highly recommended to anyone interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding of both Stoicism and REBT/CBT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MR. ROBERTSON!
I thought that few could equal the great Pierre Hadot when it comes to explaining and bringing Stoicism alive and into practice, but Mr Robertson is in the same league.
Highly recommended to anyone interested in deepening their knowledge and understanding of both Stoicism and REBT/CBT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH MR. ROBERTSON!
The Ancient philosophers grappled with the same problems of the human predicament as our modern therapists!
| | | November 17, 2013 November 17, 2013 |
Many people are superficially aware that modern cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and rational-emotive therapy (RET or REBT) have roots in the Greco-Roman philosophy of the ancient Stoics. For those select few who are interested in knowing more about the nexus between ancient philosophy and modern psychotherapy, this book is a great place to start.
The most interesting aspect of the book for me was learning how little the fundamental problems of being human have changed in 3,000 years - from the time of Diogenes, Pythagoras, Socrates, and Epictetus through to Spinoza and right up to the present day. In the time of the Stoics, philosophy was not an abstract exercise in parsing the meaning of language as it is today, but rather a vital, pragmatic attempt to find the right path in living. This book shows that our modern cognitive-behavioral therapists didn't so much discover solutions to life's worries, but rather re-discovered ideas and formulas first propounded much earlier by the Ancients.
The author discusses a number of interesting topics including: the quest to find the path of "virtue" (i.e., character development) in life; how to find tranquility amid life's chaos; the power of anticipation (e.g., "memento mori") in mitigating life's tragedies; how to manage emotions; and how to live a deeper, more profound life.
Also, the lives of some amazing ancient Stoics, including the former slave turned philosopher Epictetus, Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Roman Senator Seneca, and others bring a narrative life to what is otherwise a textbook-like work. In sum, for those with an interest in philosophy, psychology, and classical history, this is a very interesting and enlightening read.
The most interesting aspect of the book for me was learning how little the fundamental problems of being human have changed in 3,000 years - from the time of Diogenes, Pythagoras, Socrates, and Epictetus through to Spinoza and right up to the present day. In the time of the Stoics, philosophy was not an abstract exercise in parsing the meaning of language as it is today, but rather a vital, pragmatic attempt to find the right path in living. This book shows that our modern cognitive-behavioral therapists didn't so much discover solutions to life's worries, but rather re-discovered ideas and formulas first propounded much earlier by the Ancients.
The author discusses a number of interesting topics including: the quest to find the path of "virtue" (i.e., character development) in life; how to find tranquility amid life's chaos; the power of anticipation (e.g., "memento mori") in mitigating life's tragedies; how to manage emotions; and how to live a deeper, more profound life.
Also, the lives of some amazing ancient Stoics, including the former slave turned philosopher Epictetus, Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, Roman Senator Seneca, and others bring a narrative life to what is otherwise a textbook-like work. In sum, for those with an interest in philosophy, psychology, and classical history, this is a very interesting and enlightening read.
Rooting cognitive behavioural therapy in values for life
| | | November 28, 2017 November 28, 2017 |
Perhaps the most attractive feature of this book is its uniqueness. I am not aware of any work that attempts to connect cognitive behavioural therapy with stoic philosophy. Robertson is careful to avow that he is no classical scholar but his knowledge of stoicism and relevant classical works are more than equal to the task he sets himself. His knowledge of the evolution of cbt is also impressive to the lay reader. His arguments linking the two are generally persuasive, occasionally compelling and rarely forced and ingenious. They also strike a sound balance between readability and academic gravitas. My favourite section was the final chapter in which Robertson imaginatively reconstructs classical stoic practices. The book will be of interest to both practitioners and recipients of cbt, as well as practicing stoics. What it hints at is that those in therapy may find ther progress and recovery may be strengthened should they be able to adopt the principles of stoicism as a value system for both recovery and life that underpins and extends beyond cbt.
A practical and philosophical gold mine
| | | October 14, 2017 October 14, 2017 |
Having been interested in both Stoicism and REBT for decades, this book does a laudable job of explaining and discussing the impact of Stoicism on modern psychotherapy. It also gives countless pearls - both ancient and modern - for using these principles in everyday life. An excellent read.
This book truly delivers
| | | December 3, 2017 December 3, 2017 |
This is a great book! He has balanced being thorough with giving me exactly the practical things I was looking for. As a clinical psychologist, this book was perfect to expand and deepen my use of CBT. I can't wait to read his other books.
Practical book on stoicism
| | | February 11, 2017 February 11, 2017 |
One of the best and most practical books on stoicism. Robertson shows how one can easily enact stoics principles and habits in your life.
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