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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective type of psychological treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy books are used for the treatment. CBT has aided in a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol, and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. In brief, cognitive behavioral therapy works to change thinking patterns using several different strategies like:
- Using problem-solving skills to find the root of the problem and work from there.
- Facing one’s fears head-on instead of shying away from them.
- Using roleplay as a way to prepare oneself for any future problematic situations.
- Learning to find a sense of calm and serenity in the mind.
What is Classical philosophy and why is it more important than cognitive-behavioral therapy books?
First off let’s start by defining philosophy. Philosophy is simply the study of fundamental questions about existence. mind, values.morals, and language.
Philosophy has proved to be a very controversial study over the years. As it is practically the study of beliefs, values, and morals that vary tremendously from one person to another. However what we don’t realize is that, like it or not, we use philosophy in our lives daily and even subconsciously. As humans, it’s in our nature to doubt and question anything around us. It’s what has allowed us to come this far because inevitably to every question there is an answer. Even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. Our curiosity brought forth research and studies and education. And whether you know it or not philosophy is a vital science that should accompany you throughout your life.
And Here is Why.
Everyone’s ultimate goal in life is to reach that level of self-awareness where you are fully able to understand yourself and are confident in every choice you make. What we don’t realize however is this is simply accomplished by philosophy. Now I’m not telling you to drop everything. And go get a college degree in philosophy or even spend your hours researching the topic. Just simply compile a list of renowned philosophy books. And make it one of your goals to read 5 philosophy books a year for instance. This act no matter how minute would help tremendously.
As Socrates has once stated ‘ to find yourself. Think for yourself. In our daily lives, we surround ourselves with such materialistic things to the point where we believe they determine our self-worth. But let me break it to you. Having the best car, most followers, and even the most money isn’t going to make you more self-aware. As compared to if you had only one penny in your pocket. Because self-worth and awareness don’t come from what surrounds you but what is within you.
Another very primitive example of this is Descartes’s infamous statement “ cogito ergo sum”. It is translated as ‘ i think, therefore I am’. Our thoughts, morals, values, and beliefs are what make us who we are. They are the essence of our personality. And to become self-aware and learn your self worth you need to find the pure version of these characteristics. You have to find a version that isn’t polluted by the inconsequential things in life.
Why should we side with Lou Marinoff when he stated ‘Plato, not Prozac’?
Now if you aren’t familiar with the infamous book ‘Plato, not Prozac’ written by Lou Mariff, he delves deep into the discussion of philosophy and psychology. And is ultimately siding with philosophical expertise over other techniques like for example; behavioral cognitive therapy.
Before we venture more into the debate of philosophy books or cognitive behavioral therapy books. I would like to add a side note. That by preferring philosophy books as guidance over behavioral cognitive therapy books does not mean in any way that they aren’t effective, quite the opposite. Many renowned books are surrounding the topic and countless studies that prove its effectiveness such as; Mind Over Mood by Dennis Greenberger, Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond by Judith S. Beck, and several others.
However, what we need is to re-engage our minds. Just as Lou Marinoff has stated.
Classic philosophy calls upon us to think ourselves, get to know ourselves, and by that master ourselves. This angle of thinking can promote better thinking and the cultivation of wisdom.
“Philosophy is not obsolete. Philosophy brings important questions to the table and works towards an answer. It encourages us to think critically about the world; it is the foundation of all knowledge and when utilized properly, can provide us with huge benefits.”-Alexander Lesley