ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the forgotten prehistory of CBT in the early twentieth century “rational psychotherapy” of Paul Dubois and others and how this was heavily influenced by Stoicism, often in ways that didn’t continue into later CBT. Dubois mainly draws on Seneca, whereas Ellis was more influenced by Epictetus. Emile Coue and the New Nancy School are introduced as the forerunners of Dubois’ Stoic approach to psychotherapy and the influence of Couéism on Ellis and REBT is examined. Baudouin’s approach, combining Couéism, Stoicism, and the rational psychotherapy of Dubois, provides one of our best examples of early twentieth century Stoic-inspired psychotherapy. Dubois and Baudouin provide many interesting The general transition from Victorian hypnotism through autosuggestion to early rational psychotherapy and subsequently behaviour therapy and CBT is explained.
