Epictetus
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Theory which grows out of and actively utilizes strong philosophical underpinnings. In fact, Dr. Ellis has selected a quotation from Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher from the first century A.D, as one of the benchmarks of REBT:
“Men are disturbed not by things, but by the views which they take of them.”
Disturbance, in other words, is largely (but not completely) a function of our perception, our evaluations, and our value systems – components of our personal philosophies. REBT is, in part, a philosophical model and, as such, has embedded within it an epistemology, or a theory of knowledge; a dialectic, or a system of reasoning; a system of values; and ethical principles.
REBT provides therapists with an elegant process theory of human change; yet, at the same time, it allows them great latitude in technique and style. In its bare-bones, parsimonious form, Ellis’s theory of psychopathology asserts that demanding, magical thinking leads to disturbed emotions. According to REBT, the therapist facilitates change by teaching clients to challenge their thinking and to change their demanding philosophy to a preferential philosophy, utilizing a wide variety of techniques and strategies.
Psychotherapeutic Applications of Philosophy 