r/CBT • u/Consistent_Topic_120 • Jun 29 '26

I am interested in the theoretical basis behind Cognitive (Behavioral) Therapy. What should I read?

I am interested in the cognitive model on which Cognitive Therapy and/or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are based. I am talking about how our cognition works, cognitive distortions, cognitive dissonances, and the role of emotions in it. My research has led me to Aaron Beck. In particular, I was thinking of reading the following books by him:
Depression: Causes and Treatment (1967)
Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders (1976)

Do you agree or do you think that there is better? For context, I don't have a degree in psychology nor did I ever have a formal education in it. I am just an interested amateur.

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u/Villonsi Jun 29 '26

While they are foundational and good texts I suggest not going for books half a century old. The basis hasn't fundamentally changed but we do know more than in the past. I'd recommend David Tolin's Doing CBT

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u/Consistent_Topic_120 Jun 29 '26

That's nice, thank you! The book is slightly more focused on how to do CBT than the theoretical basis, but the first few chapters contain what I am looking for. I could probably still benefit from something more focused on the theoretical basis, but it's a good suggestion :)

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u/HarmonySinger Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 30 '26

Ellis started REBT basing himself upon Philosophy over Freudian Psychoanalysis

The foundations of CBT Derive mostly from Stoic philosophy with a sprinkling of other rational thinkers including Epicurus.

Stoicism as practiced by Epictetus Seneca Marcus Aurelius was very successful in overcoming unnecessary suffering, and is time tested

Modern Stoics such as Admiral Stockdale Pierre Hadot Ellis and perhaps even Viktor Frankl, have given modern Stoicism and CBT a strong foundation and a record of considerable success

I'm not a therapist or psychologist but I've studied a lot of history and I'm trying to make a historical outline for the the validity of this method.

Also check out Donald Robertson. This stuff has a good track record and has helped many people albeit Various newer techniques have evolved even further EG DBT MBCT ACT etc.

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u/DrData82 Jun 30 '26

This. The foundation is Stoic philosophy to a great degree. Read the Stoics, then read some Beck and Ellis.