ABSTRACT
This chapter explains what CBT and Stoicism are and the historical influence of Stoicism on the founders of CBT, Aaron T. Beck and Albert Ellis, by citing from their writings in which they state that Stoicism constituted the main element in the “philosophical origins” of Ellis’ rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) and Beck’s cognitive therapy. The Serenity Prayer used by Alcoholics’ Anonymous has made famous the central doctrines of Stoicism, that wisdom consists in distinguishing what is “up to us” from what is not. The basic psychological principles of Stoicism are introduced: that we should take more responsibility for our own thoughts and actions and be more accepting of events beyond our direct control. Some little-known references to Hans Eysenck and Donald Meichenbaum, behaviour therapists influenced by ancient philosophy, are explored.
