OUR APPROACH

"The philosophical origins of cognitive therapy can be traced back to the Stoic philosophers."

AARON T. BECK (the founder of cognitive therapy)

At Iron Minds we are inspired and motivated by the work of the Greco-Roman Stoics. The tools found in the philosophy share striking similarities with those used by contemporary mental health professionals.

Stoicism isn't about avoidance of emotion. It's about awareness, acceptance and action.

Similar to the philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous, we seek serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. We look not to a power above us, but to a strength deep within us. We use the beautiful literature of the Stoics to help our mentees build timeless resilience.

At Iron Minds we believe everyone can become a version of themselves that is governed by reason, taking power back from emotions that developed from trauma.

Why Cognitive Therapy?

Stoicism and psychology both seek to rebuild the busted pathways in our minds and connect us with the version of ourselves we were before the loss, the injury, the abuse.

In psycho-education we learn tools for changing our perspectives and refocusing our lives. These tools are tangible and real and when put into diligent practice, life-changing.

Most professional therapists and psychologists today use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy focused on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is based on the principle that our interpretation of an event—rather than the event itself—determines our emotional and behavioral response.

Cognitive Therapy also echoes the Stoics, teaching that it's not external events but our beliefs about them that cause distress. The therapy focuses on identifying and challenging irrational, rigid thoughts and replacing them with flexible, rational ones, promoting unconditional self-acceptance and emotional regulation.

These psychological ideas are at the heart of Stoic philosophy.

Why Stoicism?

What if we were really challenged to put in the work? What if we could do it at our own pace, or even discuss our progress with a learned student of stoicism? What if there were these historical role models who could demonstrate to us the capacity these tools have for building minds so strong that those who use them defy great odds, accomplish incredible feats, and go down in history? What if the tools these role models offered weren’t from psychology textbooks, but from ideas found in philosophy, presented in engaging literature with empowering language?

Stoicism began in ancient Athens around 300 BCE. Zeno of Citium started teaching in a public porch called the Stoa Poikile (which is where the word “Stoic” comes from). Zeno taught that happiness comes from living in agreement with nature, using reason, and focusing only on what we can control.

These ideas were further developed by later Stoics like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius, who emphasized inner strength, virtue, self-discipline, and resilience in the face of hardship. At its core, Stoicism began as a practical philosophy for living well, especially during difficult times.

The heroics of the Stoics and the classical nature of their literature draws Iron Minds to the philosophy. Stoic mantras can be more memorable than modern self-help affirmations. Seneca was one of the finest writers of antiquity. In his journal, Meditations, Marcus Aurelius had this unique way of holding himself accountable. Psycho-education today conveys modes and methods of mental resilience but can the science do so with comparable inspiration?

Another advantage of Stoic teachings is their potential to be identified with as a whole philosophy of life, and for that reason we find that in subscribing to it the benefits may be more lasting than those of existing psycho-education resilience training programs.

Ancient Stoic philosophy is popular in self help today because it works. Stoicism isn't about putting on a poker face while emotions rage inside. It's about taking charge of those emotions and letting inner peace and mental fortitude win.

The Stoics taught cognitive processing tools and emotion regulation skills. These First Century psychotherapists taught that emotion regulation is achieved by focusing on what one can affect. They taught the importance of examining one's perceptions, and reframing judgments to shape more constructive emotional responses. They were rigorous with the self discipline.

Stoicism might seem like a tough road to take for a survivor of trauma. However you process your trauma is valid if it helps you. But if you find yourself responding to a message that motivates personal accountability for developing resilience in the face of trauma, the Stoics offer a gold mine of tools for that development.

Iron Minds philosophical approach looks to the profound and powerful language of Stoic philosophers. We look to heroic figures like emperor and warrior Marcus Aurelius, brilliant statesman and orator Seneca, and Epictetus, who lived through brutal cruelty and debilitating disability but remained strong of mind. Our personal and modern battles may look different but the method transcends the the type of trauma. It's cognitive behavioral science without the label, and with some unique and empowering language.

The Stoics held that challenging ourselves is key to finding inner strength. They believed personal integrity, a balanced mind and emotional regulation are essential for a quality life.

Why Coaching (vs therapy)?

Coaching is primarily about where you’re going, not diagnosing or unpacking where you’ve been. Maybe you have already been diagnosed and unpacked before. Maybe you are ready for what's next, getting on with life. If you've never been to therapy that's okay too; We seek to meet you where you are at and give you the tools necessary for building resilience.

At Iron Minds we start by exploring our trauma: feelings, not events. Coaching focuses on what you can affect and change. Then we move right into acceptance and begin to build the mind. Coaches don’t frame the mind as a disordered pile of broken bolts and bent I-beams. They see some rust that needs removing and some bolts that need to tighten up and they know you can do the job if they provide you the right tools.

While therapy can sometimes be more of a space to process, coaching will give you a push to act. The Stoics were about action. They didn't let past trauma define today. Moving forward is about letting the past go, and being accountable for you, now.

Why Iron?

Prior to dedicating myself to building up my mind and the minds of others, I built structures of steel. Now I live with disability. My hands that once made my living rest permanently in place. I know trauma intimately. But I have healed considerably, as I work with what I have left, my iron mind.

Pure iron is relatively soft, but when small amounts of carbon are mixed in, it becomes steel. The metal is heated in a furnace until it becomes red-hot and workable. At this temperature, its internal crystal structure changes, making it easier to forge. The hot steel is rapidly cooled in water or oil. This traps the carbon in place and makes the metal very hard — but also brittle. Tempering comes next: The steel is reheated to a lower temperature and cooled again. This reduces brittleness while keeping much of the hardness, creating a balance of strength and toughness!

Healing from trauma and rebuilding the mind involves a mental process of stress, transformation, and refinement that improves its internal structure, mirroring the physical processes of steelmaking.

Marcus Aurelius referred to as the mind as an impenetrable fortress.

“The mind free from passions is a fortress; no place is more secure. Once we take refuge there, we are safe forever.”

Sound interesting?

Iron Minds offers resources, an informative blog, and a 12 part course. Take the course independently online/with a downloadable workbook/with paper copy sent via mail OR Take the course with Stoic coach mentorship. You'll get feedback to journal activities and tailored exercises for cultivating maximum stoic resilience in your life. Communicate with your coach through exchanging emails and working on a shared document. There's no pressure and you can work at your own pace.

Let us help you build Stoic resilience today!

Services

If you are already taking our course please move on to the next step TRAUMA.