"The Stoicism Workbook" Review
Bridging the gap between therapy and philosophy
My girlfriend was a bit surprised that I could discuss the psychology of happiness and resilience when we started dating, though I’d never been to therapy or studied psychology.
A topic would arise and she’d cite academic studies and her therapeutic experience working as a clinical neuropsychologist, and I’d paraphrase long-dead philosophers and talk about applying Pierre Hadot’s “spiritual exercises.” It quickly became clear that the gap between these two models was modest; modern psychological research has usually reinforced what the Stoics thought 2,000 years ago.
Which is why I think “The Stoicism Workbook,” by
, Dr. Scott Waltman, and R. Trent Codd III can fill a critical gap in the mental health landscape. Its three authors are heavily influenced by Stoicism, and two work as mental health professionals and therapists. Because of this unusual overlap, the authors have insights that specialists in only one of the domains often lack.The Mental Health Chasm:
There aren’t enough therapists. Not even close. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that the US has only 26% of the therapists and psychiatrists it needs, and 47% of the population has poor access to mental health services. One in five Americans has a mental illness. Even if this estimate is overstated by half, the need is massive, and the ability of society to meet it is limited.
While many mental health challenges require professional help, a significant portion of the need can be met, and prevented, with tools that anyone can learn. That’s where this book comes in.
I see two audiences for it:
Anyone looking to become more resilient, calm, tolerant to stress, and compassionate, while better managing their emotions and personal lives.
Those who’ve been through therapy but find applying the ideas on their own challenging. The book takes readers beyond acute treatments to help them develop philosophies of life centered around mindfully living by their values.
“This ancient philosophy has the potential to serve as a framework for attaining coping skills similar to those offered by CBT on a permanent basis.” — The Stoicism Workbook,
Book Format:
The workbook is filled with exercises to help apply Stoic and Cognitive Behavioral Therapeutic (CBT) ideas, but a significant portion is devoted to learning about the underlying theory. Stoicism’s influence on the founders of CBT and rational emotive behavior therapy is also covered.
The Chapters:
Emotional resilience
Getting comfortable with a lack of control.
Virtues and values clarification
Stoic life
Accepting what happens.
Tolerating discomfort and decreasing suffering
Less criticism, more compassion:
Stoic interpersonal skills
Thinking like Socrates
Using Socratic thinking to get unstuck
A Book for Stoics?
People who are new to Stoicism will likely find value in seeing how Stoic ideas are applied to real-life challenges. Long-term practicing Stoics won’t find anything new, but might enjoy the complimentary takes on Stoic ideas from the psychological field’s perspective.
The authors also make some interesting observations:
Resisting reality is like an opportunity cost. If you buy a concert ticket and spend your Saturday listening to music, you can’t use that time to read a book, or the money to buy clothes. Similarly, refusing to accept reality hoovers up time and energy. Your nonacceptance won’t change things, but it will stop you from using your mind on something fun or useful.
The authors suggest most of us are guility of “person rating,” which consists of overgeneralizing about others based on a narrow set of facts. I’ve started asking myself if I’m person rating others as I go about my life. Often, I’m guilty.
I liked their chapter on self-esteem. The modern psychological diverges from what’s prevalent in society. The books quotes REBT founder Albert Ellis: “Self-esteem is the greatest sickness known to man or woman because it’s conditional.”
Society is struggling with mental health. A book like this can make an impact. Buy a copy for yourself or pass it on to someone who needs it.
Thanks so much!!