The Philosophy of CBT: Stoic Philosophy as Rational and Cognitive Psychotherapy

I love this book for many reasons. Having studied classics and cognitive-behavioural hypnotherapy separately, I found this book to be invaluable in understanding more about both. When people first encounter philosophy, it can be overwhelming. It can also be difficult to see its value in our modern society, an unfortunate error that has led to the subject being mistakenly thought of as out-dated and of little importance in the modern world. However, the author of this book presents the subject in such a manner so that anyone – academic or amateur – may understand it. Not only understand it, but appreciate the significance of philosophy to both ancient and modern psychology. Psychotherapists, like the Stoics before them, are in the business of challenging unfounded and irrational beliefs. The ideas set out by these ancient philosophers are the foundations upon which psychotherapy has built itself. The ancient texts have cognitive-behavioural techniques almost identical to those found in CBT today. The importance of this book to anyone practising or studying any branch of psychotherapy or, indeed, philosophy goes without saying. It is an invaluable text to have in any collection. Donald Robertson is to be commended on bringing together the two subjects, which are actually much closer than you might think. Bravo!