The Philosophy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
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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, Centre for Stress Management, Bromley, Kent, UK
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, PhD, FARBT, FBACP, Director of the Centre for Stress Management, London
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'
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, PhD, FARBT, FBACP, Director of the Centre for Stress Management, London
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'
Product 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. Donald Robertson 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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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a ground-breaking look at the fascinating dialogue between modern cognitive therapy and ancient Greek philosophy.
The relationship between Stoicism and CBT has been briefly discussed by some - including by the founders of CBT - but this is the first time a book has been written on the philosophical roots of the therapy.
CBT is not the same as Stoicism - there are important differences, as Robertson recounts. But CBT has taken from ancient Greek philosophy not just their cognitive theory of emotions (the idea that our emotions follow our thoughts or beliefs about the world) but also many of their therapeutic techniques, such as the thought journal, training one's attention to the present moment, and the 'Socratic method' of subjecting one's beliefs to rational scrutiny.
Robertson is particularly good at describing the practical therapeutic techniques the Stoics had in their armoury - including some powerful techniques that modern psychotherapy has yet to really exploit, such as the View From Above visualisation technique.
Of course, there are differences between psychology and moral philosophy - their aims, their methods, their context, their professional qualifications. For example, the aim of therapy is 'feeling good', while the aim of Stoicism was more explicitly moral.
But there is a rich dialogue to be had between the two, if both sides have the openness and willingness to talk. Robertson is to be applauded for advancing this dialogue, and transforming our idea both of philosophy, and of psychotherapy.
The relationship between Stoicism and CBT has been briefly discussed by some - including by the founders of CBT - but this is the first time a book has been written on the philosophical roots of the therapy.
CBT is not the same as Stoicism - there are important differences, as Robertson recounts. But CBT has taken from ancient Greek philosophy not just their cognitive theory of emotions (the idea that our emotions follow our thoughts or beliefs about the world) but also many of their therapeutic techniques, such as the thought journal, training one's attention to the present moment, and the 'Socratic method' of subjecting one's beliefs to rational scrutiny.
Robertson is particularly good at describing the practical therapeutic techniques the Stoics had in their armoury - including some powerful techniques that modern psychotherapy has yet to really exploit, such as the View From Above visualisation technique.
Of course, there are differences between psychology and moral philosophy - their aims, their methods, their context, their professional qualifications. For example, the aim of therapy is 'feeling good', while the aim of Stoicism was more explicitly moral.
But there is a rich dialogue to be had between the two, if both sides have the openness and willingness to talk. Robertson is to be applauded for advancing this dialogue, and transforming our idea both of philosophy, and of psychotherapy.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I'll be honest... I wasn't originally going to buy this book because although I am very interested in all things CBT I didn't think I was at all interested in Philosophy. I decided to buy it anyway because I have a huge respect for the author, and other publications of his which I have read have all been superbly written.
In turns out that I really am interested in Philosophy, certainly in so far as it relates to CBT; it was just that I had previously had a complete misunderstanding about what Philosophy was and how much it can contribute.
If you are interested in CBT in terms of its origins or practice, or if you are involved with CBT as therapist, client or academic, or if you are interested in self improvement, or if you get the feeling that we've probably been here before in terms of psychological problems and solutions, or if you want to lift the bonnet of CBT and take a good look at the engine, or if you are just interested in getting the most out of life, then this book will likely prove to be a fascinating and useful resource.
Donald always impresses with his in-depth knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, his subject areas. This book is no exception... he has taken a really interesting area and communicated the material with clarity and insight. I would certainly recommend this book to anybody interested in, or involved with CBT as a book thoroughly worth reading and keeping on the bookshelf!
In turns out that I really am interested in Philosophy, certainly in so far as it relates to CBT; it was just that I had previously had a complete misunderstanding about what Philosophy was and how much it can contribute.
If you are interested in CBT in terms of its origins or practice, or if you are involved with CBT as therapist, client or academic, or if you are interested in self improvement, or if you get the feeling that we've probably been here before in terms of psychological problems and solutions, or if you want to lift the bonnet of CBT and take a good look at the engine, or if you are just interested in getting the most out of life, then this book will likely prove to be a fascinating and useful resource.
Donald always impresses with his in-depth knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, his subject areas. This book is no exception... he has taken a really interesting area and communicated the material with clarity and insight. I would certainly recommend this book to anybody interested in, or involved with CBT as a book thoroughly worth reading and keeping on the bookshelf!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I think this book is Magical in that it successfully connects modern CBT with stoic philosophy. This is an incredible achievement given the complexity of the two areas. The Author is able to make connections clear and simple making it a book that is easy to read. A definite bonus to any book. He takes us on a journey through history to present day practice drawing on wonderful insight and deep understanding of philosophy and therapy along the way. It is a must read for anyone interested in therapies or philosophy and anyone who wants to enhance their practice in these areas. This is a fantastic book to have on the shelf or by your bed, to dip in and out of, or to read from cover to cover. It's one of those books that fills you with lots of knowledge and wisdom making you feel quite satisfied and content with your choice of book!!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
An Excellent read
An excellent book - the best I have read on the history and evolution of CBT with insightful suggestions as to application, and written with clear evidence of research on the... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Bloo
The Philosophy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy
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. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Alyson Dunlop
Fascinating
The author Donald Robertson is blazing a trail to discover the sources of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, and Stoic philosophy is prime among these. Read more
Published 20 months ago by T. Butler-Bowdon
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