ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a detailed review of the similarities in practise between Stoic philosophy and Albert Ellis’ rational-emotive behaviour therapy (REBT), drawing on many references to Stoicism in Ellis’ work. It also points out previously overlooked areas in which REBT appears similar and perhaps indebted to Stoicism. Ellis’ “ABC Model” is a simplified way of explaining the cognitive model of emotion to clients. Activating events plus Beliefs lead to emotional and other Consequences. This is compared to a similar model found in the Stoic literature, particularly as described by Seneca. The notion of rigid demands in REBT is compared to the sort of value judgements identified by the Stoics as the source of irrational passions (pathological desires and emotions). In particular, parallels can be drawn between the Cynic and Stoic practise of “shamelessness” and the “shame-attacking” exercises of REBT. The chapter concludes by comparing some specific examples of rational statements used in REBT and Stoicism to counteract feelings of anger.
