Talking to a psychologist about stoicism - ancient philosophy and influence on modern psychotherapy

[@beadld]

What a brilliant and original idea to have invited a psychologist, it is interesting to see how much philosophy has a real impact on our psyche and that it is important to make it a daily practice. Healing is within our reach. Thank you so much.

[@anniepasquier59]

This was quite simply amazing. You are so passionate about your subject and it is beautiful to behold. I am a retired psychotherapist living in Yorkshire England and this video brought back so many memories for me. Thank you for starting this channel. I am enjoying it immensely. Believing in these universal and timeless ideas can leave you in a very lonely place because your family and friends may not understand, some even think you're weird, which I choose to take as a compliment of course. My 92 year old supervisor used to say to me always remember Anne that you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink.

[@golden1789]

Thank you so much for this... Fear & loss is my never-ending cycle and so I keep listening to your philosophy and the great Marcus Aurelius in the hope that one day it will sink in. Thank you for being there.

[@Mortezu1982]

Thank you so much for this video. Socrates said something also about death, which can help anyone who fears death. "To fear death is nothing other than to think oneself wise when one is not. For it is to think one knows what one does not know. No one knows whether death may not even turn out to be the greatest blessings of human beings. And yet people fear it as if they knew for certain it is the greatest evil". Also if you are looking for a ruler to keep you straight, try meditation. Practice mediation every day, once a day or even better, twice a day. Starting and ending your day with 25 minutes of meditation, is in my opinion and experience after 11 years, the best way to go through life. It will both physically and mentally make you straight, strong and heal you.

[@Englishroserebecca]

So much useful information in this video. I’ll be watching it more than once. If only it was taught in schools. What a great start for young minds. I remember when I was a child growing up I was always pondering on so many things like why are here and why do we have to do that but not mentioning my thoughts to anyone as they seemed so odd ball to every day life. Now I have philosophy which lights up my life. Thanks for this video.

[@seandunlap1743]

What a gift of perspectives. Thank you both for sharing your experience, knowledge and thoughts on your strategies for being a continual student of self.

[@krishnapartha]

Thanks! Please get Aaron Abke. It will blow up the internet for us fans of Stoicism and Eastern Philosophy and wisdom. ❤

[@favOriTe-v6e]

please no

[@eugenia1286]

Amazing video with fantastic ideas to think about. Thanks to you, I have been pondering about these ancient ideas all summer. I’ll be forever grateful for these incredible insights and discoveries that you have allowed me to make!

[@acceptingtheuniverse]

Thank you for the kind words. However, I have done nothing: what you are seeking is seeking you!

[@PrinceJha-fz4cv]

Stumled upon it by chance... Thank god I did. Brilliant Stuff. Thank you for bringing this to us for no cost other than out time. Which some might say is most valuable currency out there. If there is one place I'd spend it , its definitely here.

[@conniefearnside2279]

What an unexpected and pleasant surprise to have this "premiere" moved to Thursday, Aug 22! That's my birthday and this will make the day extra special for me:). Thank you for making it in the evening too since I have a meeting at 4:30 that I must attend. I'll be back just in time to join you all! I guess it's 5:57PM your local time?

[@tomascarro07]

Your videos are so awesome, you have an incredible vocabulary and you're clear with the message that you want to leave, keep up doing this sort of videos and you will never lose the support that you have been receiving, follow you for 3 months already, have a nice one!

[@maraL_A]

What a beautiful conversation Thank you both 🙏🏼

[@ericknudten7272]

Best thing ever written by a human being in my opinion was "On the Shortness of life" by Seneca. Its not that we dont have enough time..its that we dont use the time correctly. So deep and so true.

[@deniselabrie3347]

Thank you for making these videos. They're so very helpful.

[@skaleru772]

Great discussion! Philosophy has always been an interest of mine, but thanks to your content, I've finally taken the leap to engage with it seriously and start writing more about these issues. I owe that to you-so thank you! :)

[@writingwithdifficulty]

I say this with full understanding that everyone's experience is different with therapy, but as someone who grew up without parents, or any trusting adults, therapy to me is a safe place to come back to. I do not see therapy as something that will heal me. It is a tool. I can go explore the world further, test my 'fears', and come back to a person who reassures me that I can trust myself. While being new to the realm of philosophical teachings and primarily being Mr. Universe's student, I see that there may be a day when the [people] I come back to are long gone and ancient; living in books. Currently in my journey, having both my therapist and these teachings are a must. Also loved the idea Howarth brings up about how ideas are said and how to some it seems morbid, others very awakening and enlightening. I learned this quickly after passionately quoting Seneca once. I had to laugh!

[@FastTrackFitnessNow]

Grateful for this episode and recommendations by Mitchell.

[@ginnyleedays]

Unexpected blessing thank you

[@sunity12]

Looking forward to the conversation! I’m sure it will be a fascinating one.

[@thomasquick9131]

Brilliant video - We are all overstimulated in this modern world, and it is so easy to become distracted and not think about what your purpose is. Thank you both for some very practical advice. A good fictional book that I think can relate to this topic is ‘A Gentleman In Moscow’ by Amor Towles. Yes, it is a fictional story, but if you analyse deeper you will realise that amongst other things, the story is about finding purpose and meaning in circumstances beyond your control.

[@adoremus4014]

Very much looking forward to this with anticipation. Even though it will be 11pm London UK, I'll stay awake for this one!

[@rodcc]

I believe it is very important to consider that although CBT is based on stoic principles, CBT is a standardized therapeutic model that has gone through several revisions, and a peer review process. Drawing a parallel between the doctrine of ancient philosophers and the modern day practice of CBT does not, in anyway, “scientifically” prove that the daily practice of stoicism is as efficacious as CBT, when treating diagnosable psychiatric conditions. Needless to say for many, including me, implementing philosophical practices in one’s daily life most likely has potential benefits.

[@ThaBIGBOSSX]

Can’t wait 👍

[@peroladuprat]

thank you so much for this video.I can apply those ideas in my life !☀️

[@peroladuprat]

it would be great to talk about it .

[@jonathanpozos]

Happy birthday connie

[@eeeen_l]

hi from Altay, Russia. tnx you for the videos

[@ElisPalmer]

Love this conversation, thanks~🌟

[@valentinasof]

The only issue with this approach is that it overly relies on reason, thus creating a problem. I spent a decade of my life trying to deconstruct my irrational beliefs and I got stuck. I tried to explain away my emotions (and behaviors), instead of connecting directly to them.

[@curiousme8]

Your channel is amazing. Thank you! Looking forward to the conversation.

[@curiousme8]

Thank you! That was a lot of food for thought.

[@WillCasallas]

Talking about death remembers me of a moment of my life when I was depressed. Three years ago I touched, what I call, hell itself, when I couldn't wake up and anxiety and depression had drained me so bad. In those days, I remember still doing some graphic design things (as it's my profession), with the desire to do them, despite I basically wanted to die. Today, I can realize that my mind was moving to do stuff, because a potential suic*de was close, and I just wanted to experiment things before that thing could happen, and expecting it as my last days. Today I remember that and realize how my mind worked towards living my last moments with joy. Certainly, now I am fine and grateful with life, and love to think that way, not by feeling depressed, but because, like those days, death is still something that will arrive, and must do stuff before that happens, with the biggest joy and urgency to do a lot.

[@Diya-ht2ue]

The conversation was deep & insightful. I love that line "find your own way through life" ~ i believe people struggle in life without realising the actual purpose of their struggles. More than self actualization they eventually become the part of this predefined social system. But, i see every person is just like an isolated island separated by water. As in Bhagwat Geeta says "you and i live different life" then why do people want to be random? Your words were on point. I've spent some precious years of mine feeling numb. I felt a black hole at the centre of my heart swallowing up everything else. I practiced detachment & disconnection. & I'll say the process of discovering the sources of disconnection is itself a process to connect. To connect with myself. We move from outer social world to the inner philosophical world the more we try to connect with ourselves..our own purposes. I am sorry for writing so long! Thank you anyways.

[@acceptingtheuniverse]

No apologies! Thank you for writing and for being here.

[@Diya-ht2ue]

​@@acceptingtheuniverse 🙏 💛

[@winsie_w-m6l]

I could be wrong but I think the study of modern psychology is actually birthed by ancient philosophy. I really enjoyed this interview, it would be interesting to here you talk to others on various connections with philosophy. Not sure if you've heard of Dr. Scott Eilers, he has a channel here on yt and really challenges some of the worst mental issues people have, he might be an enlightening future guest.

[@TheHealthyAmericanPeggyHall]

Very insightful! You look like brothers 😉

[@BabarKhan-qp6nq]

Practical and beautiful

[@phrozen17]

Interesting, I'll be there!

[@Knight766]

Death is the only path to immortality.

[@alim8167]

I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened. Mark Twain

[@TheArchitect93]

Saw the title and absolutely had to click on this. Stoicism's fundamental beliefs especially really sync up extremely well with CBT and person centered counselling. Seneca and Epictetus recently have especially helped me in this regard recognising first and foremost that my sense impressiopns (emotions) of an experience (generally categorised as externals) are just that - an external sense impression. CBT (and listening to the first 4 minutes I'm not surprised it was heavily inpsired by Epictetus) and counselling attempt to come along and aim to allow you to control those emotions and eventually change them or not to be ovewhelmed by them. And would you believe? Stoicism attempts to do exactly the same thing in a slightly different way. I previously had a lot of distaste for the modern psychology approaches. Returning to Stoicism... I think I found the reason why. The Stoics and the ancient religions already had means of managing stress and overhwleming emotions. Stoicism at the moment is my favorite answer to these very natural problems. It is within our nature. Modern psychology feels like a watered down version of these ancient philosophies that already existed. A philosophy on par with MacDonalds. Repackaged crap wrapped in a slightly different box and then they have the nerve not to tell you how it was made (You are an external sense impression!). Simply all things that are stressful. In response. It obeys the laws of physics. To fight is to fight the immovable object. Do not create the immovable object for yourself. This practise of course is easy when considering basic needs for personal wellbeing, I am lucky enough to enjoy excess of abundance. Managing secondary or tertiary needs from Maslow's Hierarchy like my job security and my relationships with my wife and friends of course are much more difficult. I don't claim to have a definitive answer but I believe Stoicism has by far one of the strongest answers to our problems. And they are not modern. The experiences were shared by our ancestors. Evolution has had barely a microsecond to adapt. And it is just that. The circumstances have changed. The expertience has not. Huge thank you to your channel by the way. The algorithm suggested your video on your most life-changing books and having read Marcus Aurelius 6 years ago I simply put him down and couldn't read it - simply the wrong time. Seneca brought me back as his context seemed very relatable. And eventually I went to Epictetus. Epictetus was an extrordinary man having endured what he had and he came to a deep state of enlightenment. Marcus of course. The true philosopher king in so much as you can possibly actualize it in the real world. Thank you.

[@rosacuore15]

Thank you 🙏 ❤

[@medp5636]

Nice…watching from Queensland.

[@margaretmcgregor5686]

Thank you for arranging this with a psychologist. It's very interesting. About "the book club like no other" - I have signed up and confirmed my subscription through my email but as yet I haven't received anything else. I only joined on 25th August - subscribing to the channel I mean. Will i be able to access the missing weeks? I hope so. 🤞My books are on order arriving Friday 👏 With the greatest of thanks for this opportunity. 😊 from Scotland.

[@BeyondBeliefBelle]

Was a bit distracted by the handsomeness but great video!

[@krishnapartha]

What a funny and true comment. Thank you. ❤😂

[@desiredecove5815]

I use the technique/ information you provide- and blend it with my religion. I’ve found a nice balance- tho I am still trying to make it as normal as breathing.

[@krishnapartha]

Could you kindly get Aaron Abke as a guest interview? I think you guys will hit it off. He is helping like you. I don’t know who is handsomer but he is likely more buff. ❤😂🙏🏾. Please consider if his videos resonate with you.

[@mariavargas-yf6zr]

Thank you

[@laspilly]

As a child I was already thinking about mortality.

[@zensvlognotapro]

Hi? Everyone good morning 🌄 here from Philippines 🇵🇭, while having my coffee ☕😊

[@zensvlognotapro]

Let's not divide let's unite and have Oneness on Purpose. Just think now 😊. Let's choose life with meaning because why we look forward for another morning 🌄 if life has no meaning . Be well and have a good life everyone 🙏

[@leonidasmolinalopez8257]

Do a video with @moonseopseo1 I think he represents the stoic philosophy in his design videos.

[@leonidasmolinalopez8257]

Please.

[@ThaBIGBOSSX]

Interesting 🤔

[@stephengreen4428]

Water in the desert!

[@rossej56]

Tell us your name please

[@TheArchitect93]

The practise of CBT - exposure therapy? Arete from the Greeks again. The daily persuit of virtue. The development of your wisdom. CBT offers an easier answer once again. I still have a deep distaste. I prefer the long and arduous path. Not the quick short cut.

[@SD-rm5ty]

My former therapist that practiced CBT ,supposedly, would always play devil's advocate with me and was never on my side, I was always in the wrong about everything. He would say my thinking was black and white when he himself couldn't look at all the circumstances of my life to even try to understand my decisions. I was dumb for staying for so long when he was supposedly working for me not against me. 🤦

[@Howtown266]

Was he wrong about you thinking in black and white terms?

[@mrlee924]

CBT focuses on the present and future. It is basically a 'thought altering therapy'. The referal rates of CBT is very high. The problem with CBT is they don't take the unconscious in to consideration, nor any trauma, neglect etc I would say psychotherapy with dept psychology is the ultimate talk-therapy.

[@clearshot34]

You guys look similar

[@zensvlognotapro]

Not everything goes well 👍

[@jonathanpozos]

How is there already a whole load of comments? lol

[@DDumbrille]

Well, I guess I can't complain...considering the title of the video IS "Talking to a psychologist about stoicism." That's all you did...talk and talk and talk. Poor Mitchell barely got a chance to respond. Disappointed...

[@loreley3126]

Imagine having such a conversation about the meaning of life with our western leaders today …. 😂… Kamala Harris, Trump, Scholz, Baerbock , Lauterbach…etc. But nobody is asking them philosophical questions, and they know why…