UW to Host ‘Stoicism and Self-Help Strategies’ Lecture Oct. 3

"Stoicism and Self-Help Strategies" is the topic of a University of Wyoming Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies lecture from Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, trainer and writer, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, in the UW College of Business auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

Robertson will discuss the relationship between ancient Stoic philosophy and modern cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy while exploring how Stoic contemplative exercises can be combined with insights from modern psychology for the purpose of self-improvement.

"The Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies is excited to have Donald Robertson talk here at UW," says Rob Colter, department head. "Donald is one of the leading figures of the modern Stoicism movement and has made great contributions to public discussions of Stoicism and psychotherapy. I expect his public lecture to have something for everyone."

Robertson helped start Modern Stoicism, a nonprofit dedicated to the collaboration between academics and psychotherapists. He also founded Plato's Academy Centre, a nonprofit that will bring business to Greece, helping to renew the Akadimia suburb of Athens.

He teaches evidence-based psychological skills and explores the connection between modern therapy and classical philosophy, blending philosophy, history and psychology in his work. Robertson has written several books, including "How to Think Like a Roman Emperor" and "How to Think Like Socrates."

Born in Irvine, Scotland, Robertson grew up in Ayr, Scotland, and worked as a psychotherapist for about 20 years in London, where he had a clinic and ran a training school for therapists. He immigrated to Canada in 2013 and began focusing more on writing and consultancy. He now divides his time between Greece and Canada.

An experienced public speaker, Robertson's therapy practice specialized for many years in helping clients with social anxiety and self-confidence issues. His work has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and the BBC.

For more information, email Colter at [email protected].