FROM ANCIENT GREECE TO THE MODERN CLINIC: AN ANALYSIS OF STOIC INFLUENCES ON ELLIS AND BECK'S COGNITIVE THERAPIES

Abstract

Cognitive therapies have eclectic philosophical underpinnings, but Albert Ellis and Aaron Beck highlight Stoicism. But which aspects of this philosophy, exactly, influenced them? This essay aims to identify such aspects and discuss whether this influence was just an inspirational or intentional adaptation of Stoic precepts. It presents a Stoicism synthesis and comments on the differences between Ellis and Beck regarding theoretical-philosophical emphasis, based on an analytical reading of selected seed documents from his works, which, taken together, span a period of 75 years (1945-2020). Different parallels with Stoic precepts are elucidated, especially in Ellis. It is suggested that the main theoretical affinity is translated by the stoic concept of cataleptic impressions. Deepening such philosophical bases is essential to meet existential demands in psychotherapy.