Philosophy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Donald Robertson is a registered psychotherapist (UKCP/EAP) in private practice, specialising in clinical hypnosis and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). He has been working as a therapist since 1996, and is currently the principal of the UK College of Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy, a private training provider. Donald has published dozens of articles on hypnosis, philosophy, and psychotherapy in professional journals and periodicals. He is the author of 'Teach Yourself Resilience '(Hodder), 'The Philosophy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy' (Karnac), and the editor of 'The Discovery of Hypnosis: The Complete Writings of James Braid, the Father of Hypnotherapy' (NCH). He regularly speaks at conferences and other events on issues such as hypnosis and philosophy in psychotherapy. Donald originally comes from Ayr, on the West coast of Scotland. He previously worked as a counsellor with young offenders, drug users, and schoolchildren, before opening his private practice in Harley Street, London. He studied Mental Philosophy at Aberdeen University before completing his Masters degree in Psychoanalytic Studies at the Centre for Psychotherapeutic Studies, Sheffield University. He holds a number of qualifications in different therapeutic approaches, including two practitioner diplomas in CBT, one from the Centre for Stress Management and the other from Kings College, London.

'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'Donald Robertson is blazing a trail to discover the sources of cognitive-behavioural therapy, and Stoic philosophy is prime among these. A fascinating work that should be compulsory reading for all practitioners in the field and interested lay people, providing insights into how ancient philosophy can give us the coping and life success strategies we are all looking for, both as professionals and in private life. A great read!'- Tom Butler-Bowdon, author of 50 Self-Help Classics and 50 Psychology Classics