How Stoicism formed Modern therapy

Stoics have 2500 years of strategies for mastering our emotions.

EPICTETUS (c. 50–135 CE)

Epictetus, a former slave who became a teacher, emphasized the distinction between what is within our control and what is not. He taught that our judgments about events, rather than the events themselves, determine our emotional responses.

Sound familiar - yep...it's CBT. How we can learn to see and challenge our negative belief systems.

SENECA (c. 4 BCE–65 CE)

Seneca, a Roman statesman and writer, highlighted practical advice for dealing with anxiety, grief, and anger through rational reflection. He talked about reflecting and preparing for events and problems in advance. In advance...AHA...preparing the mind for adversity, a method resembling exposure therapy techniques to diffuse a trigger, and also cognitive reframing strategies. Who knew this technique was utilised so long ago.

MARCUS AURELIUS (121–180 CE)

The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, reflected on self-discipline and the fragility and unpredictability of external events. He dwelt on how his rationality helped control his emotions. Mindfulness, self reflection and emotional regulation. A very person centred approach to life....journaling at it's finest...

If you have been inspired to study any of these Philosophers, please comment below to help enrich the appreciation of how the human spirit appears so anchored in Stoicism.