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, 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'.
From the Author
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.
This book attempts to draw parallels between ancient philosophy and modern psychotherapy, with a particular focus on practical psychological techniques of relevance today.
About the Author
Donald Robertson is an integrative psychotherapist and trainer, who specialises in the treatment of anxiety and the use of cognitive-behavioural approaches to clinical hypnotherapy. He is the author of a number of articles on philosophy and psychotherapy in professional journals, and the forthcoming book, 'The Discovery of Hypnosis: The Collected Writings of James Braid'. Donald's background in academic philosophy has helped him to appreciate the relationship between modern psychotherapy and ancient philosophy, a subject that he has frequently written about and lectured upon in training courses and professional conferences over the years.
